The Growing FEIA Daycare Program Will Expand to Kindergarten in September
By Michael Clarkson
Like the rest of the Fort Erie International Academy in a changing world, its daycare program is expanding. The newly-named Rivergate Academy will offer kindergarten beginning this September, with plans in the works for Grades 1-3 by 2027, and perhaps more grades in the future.
Already, with its toddler and pre-school programs, Rivergate is a popular private facility, partly because it eases the long waiting lists for children.
As Rivergate expands into kindergarten, it offers more than some public schools, says its childcare manager Breanne Stewart. “We will have smaller class sizes led by a registered early childhood educator,” she said. As with its Montessori-inspired, nurturing and play-based program, tuition will be $22 a day for a full day – 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m,
thanks to lower fees provided by the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care System, a federal program implemented by the provincial government.
“The parents needn’t worry about their child having to take buses, and transfers,” Stewart said. “. Also, before and after school care for kids. Like in our childcare program, it will be one-stop shopping for parents.”
The school plans to expand to Grades 1-3 in 2027 “creating a natural progression for families who wish to continue their child’s education in the same supportive environment,” Stewart said.
Meanwhile, childcare for parents is becoming a serious problem in Niagara and across the country. “Women are almost forced to go back to work after having a child earlier these days because of financial pressures,” Stewart said. Although waiting lists for daycare placements in the area are from one to two years, Rivergate offers hope. It accepts tots from 12 months old, compared to 18 months for most daycare facilities.
As well, its large building near downtown Fort Erie offers a chance for more placements from the waiting lists with its six large classrooms, large gymnasium, full library, outdoor space, and room for 120 children. After opening with eight kids in 2022, it now has 88.
While the community-based school is owned by FEIA, 95 per cent of its children are locals from Niagara.
A special app allows parents to monitor their children’s schedule through the day.
The daycare is getting good reviews. Two families have even moved to Fort Erie to get good care for their kids. “Finding the right childcare can be overwhelming, but I couldn't be happier with the experience we've had at FEIA,” says Hannah Lococo of Ridgeway, whose two daughters have attended Rivergate. “The staff has been welcoming, nurturing, and professional, treating both of my kids like their own. The environment is clean, safe, and thoughtfully organized, with age-appropriate learning materials and play areas that spark curiosity and creativity. The teachers are attentive and engaging, always keeping me updated on my child's progress and daily activities. I especially appreciate the consistent communication and the warm, personalized care they provide.”
Stewart says she learns a lot from her young clients. “Being around them, I’ve definitely learned to have more patience. They forget anything hard that happened the day before and walk into school with a smile. They appreciate every little thing. Their attitude is what are they going to learn today?”
“They don’t take life too seriously,” added Dakota Blough, a childcare supervisor. “They teach me to slow down, to live in the moment. Around them, I can be my authentic self. I can be goofy with them, laugh with them. We look at this education from the child’s point of view. We’re finding new and better ways to help them.”
Rivergate, which will have a summer program this year, is on Central Avenue, across the field from FEIA elementary (grades 6-8) and high schools (9-12).
It has its own website: www.rivergateacademy.ca
