Sorrel & Cedar Early Learning and Care (formerly Red River Early Learning Centre) is a small, home-based program rooted in care, connection, and curiosity. We believe children thrive when they feel like they belong — to a place, to each other, and to the rhythms of the natural world.
Our days are shaped by what matters most: meaningful experiences in nature, open-ended play, and responsive, patient guidance that lets children explore at their own pace. We value well-being over productivity, relationship over performance, and the beautiful work of growing up in community.
Sorrel & Cedar is licensed through the Region of Waterloo Home Childcare and participates in CWELCC, because we believe high-quality, inclusive early learning should be within reach for every family.
Our Approach
Our holistic and experiential approach to education is based on a few guiding principles:
- Nature is the best classroom — We believe that children learn best when they are immersed in the natural world and have opportunities to explore, discover, and play outdoors.
- Children are competent and capable of taking leadership in their learning — We respect each child’s unique interests, abilities, and learning styles. We follow their lead, supporting their curiosity and creativity. We offer a variety of materials, activities, and experiences that cater to their individual needs and preferences.
- Learning isn’t just about the “Three R’s” — We aim to support each child’s cognitive, socio-emotional, creative, and physical development. We foster their skills, knowledge, and confidence in various domains, such as literacy, numeracy, science, art, music, and movement. We also help them develop positive relationships, self-regulation, and resilience.
We follow each child’s lead, supporting curiosity, creativity, and confidence. We aim to nurture each child’s potential in a safe, playful, and caring environment.
If you’re curious whether Sorrel & Cedar is a good fit for your family, please contact us to learn more and see if our approach aligns with your needs.
Health & Well-Being
Caring for each other is at the heart of everything we do. Through thoughtful practices, open communication, and shared responsibility, we create a safe, welcoming space where every child feels supported, healthy, and ready to explore.
Read more about our Health, Well-Being, and Care Practices.
Our Community & Commitments
Sorrel & Cedar is an inclusive, diverse community. We welcome all families, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Ontario Human Rights Code.
We celebrate diversity, nurture respect, and support social justice, including Anti-Colonialism, Anti-Racism, and Disability Justice. Our community values equity, care, and solidarity with those fighting for a fairer world.
Learn more about our commitment to Diversity and Belonging.
Enrollment
We welcome children in seasonal cohorts, which helps create a stable, supportive environment for them and allows us to provide thoughtful, sustainable care. Enrollment happens during specific intake windows each year, and families can reach out during these times to be considered.
We offer care on either a Monday–Friday or Monday–Thursday schedule. This consistent weekly rhythm helps children feel a sense of belonging and keeps the group connected. At this time, we’re not able to offer schedules with fewer days.
Intake Windows:
- September — Inquiries open in July
- January — Inquiries open in November
Next anticipated availability: September 2028
We care for children ages 6 months to 5 years. Full-time care is $22/day for parents (the full daily rate is $62, with the difference covered by CWELCC funding).
When a spot opens mid-year due to a family’s changing circumstances, we share it through local networks or social media, so families can reach out even outside of intake windows.
Learn more about availability, tuition and enrollment
Meet the Play Facilitator
I’m Tash — a Registered Early Childhood Educator who believes childhood should feel grounded, curious, and a little wild. I care deeply about connection, belonging, and learning that’s rooted in relationship and well-being. Running a home-based program lets me be flexible, responsive, and actually present with the little humans in my care.
Read more about me.
Sorrel & Cedar ELC 