Chickadee offers flexible daytime programs that complement your child’s learning path.
Our programs give children time and space during the school day to move, spend time in nature, connect with others and get the support they need to feel regulated and ready to learn. We welcome all learners, especially neurodivergent children and those who benefit from a different approach to learning and connection.
EVERY CHILD’S JOURNEY LOOKS DIFFERENT. WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT IT.
OUR PROGRAMS
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![A young boy with blonde hair looking through binoculars at a calm body of water near stairway steps, with industrial buildings in the background.]()
Chickadee N.E.S.T.
Ages: 6 to 12 years
Days offered: Monday to Thursday
Schedule: Mornings, afternoons, or full daysFlexible daytime programming that offers children, especially those who are neurodivergeant, a supportive learning environment to build confidence and learn in a way that fits who they are.
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![Looking up at snow-covered pine trees against a clear blue sky.]()
Falcon Peak
Ages: 11 to 14 years
Days offered: Details coming soon
Schedule: Details coming soonA free drop-in program where youth in Yellowknife can hang out with new friends and explore their passions in a safe, supportive space. Participants take the lead by planning projects based on their own skills and interests.
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![Children painting on long wooden planks outdoors on a grassy area on a sunny day.]()
PD Days
Ages: 6 to 12 years
Days offered: On school PD days
Schedule: 8:30 am - 3:30 pmFull-day programming that follows the familiar daily rhythm of our N.E.S.T. program, with a balance of calm, structured indoor time in the morning, and afternoons spent outside in nature and exploring the community.
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![Children and an adult working on arts and crafts project at a wooden table inside a room.]()
Seasonal Camps
Ages: 6 to 12 years
Days offered: School breaks
Schedule: Monday to Friday
Time: 8:30 am - 4:00 pmTurn school breaks into adventures! Themed week-long camps offer kids a chance to explore their interests through hands-on experiences, time in nature and connecting with the community.
LEARNING AT THE N.E.S.T.
Every child brings their own unique rhythm and curiosity to each day. We build our programs around the things that help children feel regulated and ready to engage — movement, time in nature, connection, predictable routines and the freedom to participate in ways that work for them. Here is what makes learning at the N.E.S.T. different:
Here is what makes learning at the N.E.S.T. different:
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We give children the time, space and support they need to regulate, including movement, sensory supports and breaks when needed.
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Learning on the land is built into our daily routine. Children spend time outside learning through hands-on experiences that encourage play, curiosity, movement, problem-solving and connection to the land.
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We let your child's interests and curiosity guide how they learn. We get to know what they enjoy, what they find challenging and what helps them feel comfortable. We adapt our pace and approach so they can participate in ways that work for them.
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Across our programs, we follow a familiar daily rhythm that gives children a structure they can count on. This consistency helps children know what to expect, creating a sense of comfort and security as they move through their day.
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We keep our programs small, with groups of 6 to 12 children and at least one staff member for every 4 kids. This helps us create a safe environment where staff can offer attentive personalized care and respond to what each child needs throughout the day.
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Some children need additional support to participate safely and comfortably. When 1:1 support is needed, we work with families to determine what that support could look like. Please note that dedicated support involves an additional fee and depends on staff availability.
THE DAILY N.E.S.T. RHYTHM
Our programs provide a consistent and predictable daily schedule while giving kids the flexibility to choose how they want to participate and spend their time throughout the day.
Mornings
8:30 am - 11:30 am
Mornings are spent in a sensory-friendly indoor space, offering a calm start to the day.
Creative projects and free play
Time to explore personal interests and ideas
Games and activities that encourage social connection
Visits and activities with guest educators and facilitators
Afternoons
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Afternoons are spent outdoors learning through land-based activities and hands-on experiences in the community.
Playing, exploring and spending time in nature
Taking part in cultural activities and learning traditional skills
Visiting local organizations and community spaces
Helping with community projects and everyday activities
AT THE HEART OF OUR PROGRAMS
REGULATION COMES BEFORE LEARNING.
Children have more capacity to learn when they feel safe and regulated.
Everything we do at the N.E.S.T. is guided by a simple set of values.
BEHAVIOUR IS COMMUNICATION.
We stay curious about what a child's behaviour might be telling us and what support they might need.
PREDICTABILITY
CREATES SAFETY.
Clear routines help children know what to expect and feel comfortable participating.
TIME ON THE LAND
BUILDS RESILIENCE.
Outdoor experiences in nature give children opportunities to explore, problem-solve, take healthy risks and build confidence.
READY TO GET STARTED?
You can sign up for our programs anytime during the year whenever space is available.
Fill out a request to share about your child and preferred schedule. We’ll follow up with you to answer questions, confirm availability, and walk you through the next steps.
SPEND A DAY WITH CHICKADEE
Parents and caregivers are welcome to spend a day at Chickadee alongside their child and experience what a typical day is like.
Join us and see for yourself what the Chickadee experience is all about! Contact us to plan a visit.