WATERLOO REGION — Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health and Emmanual at Brighton Child Care Centre are pleased to announce that effective Oct 1, 2024, ownership of the school at 3601 Sandhills Rd Baden will transfer to Emmanuel. Camino is selling the property to Emmanuel, ensuring that the site remains in the hands of a non-profit organization committed to supporting children and families in the community.
With the recent unification of Carizon, KW Counselling, and Monica Place in April 2023, Camino is committed to a 'no wrong door’ approach that puts the interests of children, youth, and families first in Waterloo Region. Unification has allowed for expanded capacity, strengthened services, and the continuous evaluation of services to maximize the impact on the community.
“Programs are regularly reviewed to ensure the greatest benefit to the people we serve,” says Tracy Elop, Camino CEO. “This change reflects our commitment to evolving as an organization. Some of our programs are transitioning to other community partners, while others will continue at different Camino sites. The Sandhills Road property will remain an integral part of the community, providing a valuable resource for future generations.”
Emmanuel at Brighton Child Care Centre has been a trusted provider of quality Early Learning and Care for over 60 years in Waterloo Region. Through the acquisition of this Baden property, they will increase the number of non-profit childcare spaces in the community, addressing the growing demand for high-quality childcare and early learning. With the rollout of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care plan, waitlists have ballooned and there are not enough spaces to support families. The new location will provide ample outdoor space to fully implement a Forest and Nature school philosophy, offering children play-based experiences that promote active stewardship of the land.
“We are excited to expand our reach and provide even more families with access to exceptional early learning and child care,” says Dana Bernhardt, Executive Director Emmanuel at Brighton. “Our mission has always been to create supportive, nurturing, nature-focused environments for children. This new location allows us to continue that commitment. Parents can expect the same high standards of care and education that have made Emmanuel at Brighton a beloved part of our region. We sincerely appreciate Camino Wellbeing + Mental Health’s focus on community needs during this transition. The new facility will feature spacious classrooms and vibrant outdoor play spaces and will be designed to instill a love for learning in a safe and welcoming environment. Emmanuel at Brighton would like to acknowledge Children’s Services at the Region of Waterloo for their support and commitment to expanding non-profit child care in our Region.”
“We are excited about what this new child care space will mean for families, ensuring that critical services like early learning and child care remain accessible and continue to support the wellbeing of our community” says Tracy Elop. “At Camino, one of our core strategic directions is to build on the strength of our community to create impactful solutions that address the evolving needs of our Region.”
Plans are underway for the new Emmanuel at Brighton Centre to open in the Fall of 2025.