Our Story

“After years of working with children, I asked myself: What if there was a Centre in Thunder Bay that blended the warmth of a home-like environment with the opportunities of a larger group setting? What if children could explore, learn, and grow in a space that was calm, nurturing, and inspired by Montessori principles? In February of 2023 Sleeping Giant Child Care Services opened.”

- Chloe Chase, Executive Director

“A Home away from Home”

Sleeping Giant Child Care Services began with a question — a wondering that lived quietly in the mind of our Executive Director, Chloe Chase. After years of working with children, she found herself dreaming about what child care could look like in Thunder Bay.

From that spark of curiosity, a vision began to grow — one rooted in the belief that childhood should feel safe, joyful, and full of possibility. Chloe imagined a centre built from the ground up with intention: natural light, warm materials, and thoughtfully chosen Montessori-inspired elements. She dreamed of an environment that felt like home, where children could move with confidence, make independent choices, and feel deeply connected to their space and the people around them.

That dream became the foundation of Sleeping Giant Child Care Services.

Today, our centre embraces a holistic approach to early learning. We follow the lead of the child, honouring their curiosity, independence, and individual rhythms. Every room is designed to feel calm and welcoming, with natural aesthetics, cozy textures, and open-ended materials that invite exploration. We believe that when children feel comfortable and secure, they flourish — socially, emotionally, and academically.

But our story is also about the people who bring this vision to life every day.

Our Educators are the heart of our community. Warm, caring, patient, and observant, they create the gentle rhythm of the day and the sense of belonging that defines our programs. They are reflective practitioners — calm in their approach, thoughtful in their interactions, and committed to understanding each child as an individual.

We value communication, connection, and transparency, and we work together as a team that is constantly evolving. Professional development and personal growth are ongoing commitments. Whether collaborating on programming, supporting children through challenges and successes, or fostering strong relationships with families, our Educators embody the principles at the core of our centre: respect, inclusivity, and compassion.

From Chloe’s first “What if?” to the thriving community we serve today, Sleeping Giant Child Care Services is a place built from vision, heart, and a belief in the extraordinary potential within every child.

This is our story — and we look forward to being part of yours.

WHere our journey began

Dream it

Every great Centre begins with a dream.

The dream behind Sleeping Giant Child Care Services was to create a space where children could thrive emotionally, socially, physically, and academically while families felt supported and connected. I envisioned classrooms that were calm yet engaging, educators who were passionate and nurturing, and an environment where children were encouraged to learn through exploration, independence, and play.

This dream was built on several core beliefs:

  • Children learn best in environments where they feel safe and respected.

  • Families deserve open communication, support, and genuine partnership.

  • Educators should feel valued, empowered, and inspired.

  • Early learning environments should be beautiful, organized, and intentionally designed.

  • Childcare can be both professional and deeply personal.

The dream was never simply about opening doors — it was about building a community. A place where children are excited to arrive each day, where families trust the care being provided, and where educators work together with passion and purpose.

I wanted Sleeping Giant Child Care Services to reflect warmth, professionalism, inclusion, and excellence while still maintaining the heart and comfort of home.

Build it

Turning the dream into reality required vision, persistence, leadership, and an incredible amount of dedication.

Building Sleeping Giant Child Care Services involved carefully planning every aspect of the centre to ensure it met the highest standards for quality care, safety, learning, and family engagement. From designing learning environments to establishing policies, routines, staffing structures, and programming, every decision was made with children and families at the centre.

Our approach to building the centre included:

Creating Purposeful Learning Environments

Each classroom was thoughtfully designed to encourage independence, exploration, creativity, and hands-on learning. Natural materials, calming spaces, and organized learning areas help children feel comfortable, confident, and engaged.

Building a Strong Team

A centre is only as strong as the people within it. Hiring educators who are compassionate, knowledgeable, professional, and dedicated to child development has always been a priority. We focus on collaboration, mentorship, ongoing learning, and creating a positive workplace culture.

Establishing Meaningful Family Partnerships

Families are an essential part of a child’s learning journey. We believe in open communication, transparency, and building trusting relationships that allow families to feel connected and involved in their child’s care and development.

Focusing on Quality and Growth

Our goal has always been to continuously grow, improve, and evolve. We are committed to maintaining high standards, embracing innovative practices, and creating programs that meet the changing needs of children and families within our community.

Leading with Passion and Purpose

Opening and operating a childcare centre requires resilience, adaptability, and heart. Every challenge has been approached with the belief that the work we do matters deeply. The goal has always remained the same: to create a nurturing environment where children can flourish and families feel supported.

Our Inspired philosophy

At Sleeping Giant Child Care Services, we strive to be the guiding light in early childhood education, nurturing the potential within each child as they embark on their journey of growth, discovery, and lifelong learning, inspired by the Montessori philosophy.
The Montessori philosophy is a holistic approach to education that places the child at the center of their learning journey. Developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, this philosophy is grounded in the belief that every child has an innate desire to learn and explore their environment. The Montessori method is characterized by its emphasis on fostering independence, self-discovery, and a deep respect for the individuality of each child.
At the heart of the Montessori philosophy is the concept of creating prepared environments that cater to the developmental needs of children at different stages of their growth. These environments are carefully designed with age-appropriate materials that encourage hands-on exploration and learning through sensory experiences.
At Sleeping Giant Child Care Services, our vision, missions, and values uphold the Montessori philosophy views on education as an organic process that respects and nurtures the child's innate potential. We seek to create an environment where children can freely explore, discover, and develop into well-rounded, self-assured individuals who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the world with confidence and empathy.