After School Program Overview
Welcome to New Dawn's After School Program
At New Dawn, we believe that all children are capable, unique, and full of potential. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, welcomed, and empowered to discover their innate gifts.
We recognize the value of strong, positive relationships and strive to build and maintain meaningful connections with our young participants, their families, our staff, and the broader community.
Our After School Program is grounded in a commitment to fundamental movement and emphasizes the importance of spending time in nature to support holistic development.
September 2025
The New Dawn After School Program will launch this September in four new schools within the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education (CBVRCE) catchment:
- John Bernard Croak V.C. Memorial School
- Tompkins Memorial Elementary School
- Donkin School
- St. Anne’s Elementary School
New Dawn is a provincially approved community provider and our program is part of the Nova Scotia Before and After Care Program, providing on-site care for children aged 4 to 12 who are enrolled in the Pre-primary or public school system. The program offers a seamless extension of the school day focused on outdoor play, physical activity, and overall well-being. It is a fee-based program, with subsidies available to eligible families.
See all Before and After Care Program locations here.
Program Highlights:
- Ages: Open to children ages 4–12, with priority given to Pre-primary, Primary, and Grade One students
- Hours: After school until 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday (Program follows the CBVRCE school calendar. There is no after school care on non-school days.)
- Focus: Outdoor active play and physical literacy
- At least 90 minutes of daily movement
- A minimum of 60 minutes outdoors, year-round (weather permitting)
- Snacks: Provided daily and include at least two food groups, one being fruit or vegetables
- Fee: $17/day
- Fee subsidies are available from the provincial government to qualifying families (learn more and submit an application here)
Program Growth & Staffing:
- Most sites will start with one cohort (up to 30 children) and grow based on demand and staffing. St. Anne’s Elementary will have two cohorts
- There will be two staff members per cohort
- Hiring is underway — program start dates are subject to staffing completion
Inclusive & Supportive Programming
Our programming, training, materials, and staffing are designed to welcome and support all children, including those with diverse abilities and those who may require extra support. With provincial funding, we will have inclusive materials (toys, arts & crafts, sensory-rich activities, outdoor play, etc.) for all children to enjoy and can add additional staff as needed to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and engaged.
How to Register
To register your child, please complete our intake form below (please complete one form for every child you would like to register).
If you have questions, contact us at (902)539-9560 ext. 251 or email [email protected].
Please note: We understand the challenge of finding quality childcare and are committed to keeping families informed. We will contact you as soon as possible to confirm if your child has a space in a cohort at their school. If a cohort fills, we will begin a waitlist and launch new cohorts as staffing allows.
Registration
Our Program
Mission:
Our mission is to provide an enriched, supportive environment tailored to each child’s individual needs, fostering the development of the “whole” child. Our goal is to nurture self-reliance and a positive sense of self in every child we serve.
Inclusion:
At New Dawn After School Program, we value the dignity, worth, and rights of every individual—regardless of beliefs, religion, gender, age, income, culture, or diverse abilities. We believe that everyone deserves respect and to be valued for who they are.
We are committed to equal treatment for all. Our materials and programming are designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion, and are adaptable to meet the needs of every child. Inclusion is not just a principle—it is reflected in our everyday practices and interactions with the children.
Our staff at New Dawn After School Program are dedicated to consistently demonstrating culturally and linguistically responsive, inclusive practices that support and uplift every child and family we serve.
Family Communication:
We believe that strong partnerships with families are essential to every child’s success. We are committed to fostering open, respectful, and meaningful communication.
Our Approach to Family Communication:
- Foster trust through open, honest, and respectful communication
- Acknowledge families as their child’s first and most important teachers
- Value and respect cultural, linguistic, and individual diversity in every interaction
- Be approachable, empathetic, and supportive in all communication
- Maintain a calm, respectful, and solution-focused tone, even during challenging conversations
Keeping Families Informed and Involved:
- Share brief updates or highlights of each child’s day
- Provide timely updates about program news, upcoming events, and any changes
- Offer visual or written summaries of daily activities and program planning
- Ensure families are aware of the program website and how to access information
- Use a variety of communication methods (e.g., email, phone calls, newsletters, in-person chats) to meet individual family needs
Building Strong Connections:
- Invite families to contribute ideas, resources, and skills to enrich the program experience
- Celebrate and acknowledge family contributions, ensuring every family feels welcome, valued, and included in our community
In time, we hope to be able expand this program to other schools in the catchment who do not currently have after school care.