October 2026 marks the 60th Anniversary of The Preschool Centre’s commitment to providing quality childcare to families in the Fredericton area.
At a time when the demand for childcare was just beginning to grow – driven in part by the increasing number of women entering the workforce – The Preschool Centre, then known as the University Daycare, was established in 1966 by a group of remarkable parents. Over the past six decades, the Centre has played an important role in supporting families and fostering early childhood development within our community.
As the first not-for-profit, parent-directed childcare organization in the Maritime provinces, The Preschool Centre has been guided by the principles of inclusion and belonging since its founding. Supporting families of children with disabilities has always been a central focus of our organization. At a time when many children with disabilities were placed in segregated school settings, The Preschool Centre embraced a different vision – one rooted in integration, inclusion and belonging.
We have long recognized that learning alongside peers is essential to every child’s development. An inclusive environment not only supports children’s individual growth, but also encourages understanding, empathy, acceptance, and a strong sense of community. These values continue to be at the heart of who we are today.
Over the years, the organization has grown significantly in response to the ongoing demand for high-quality childcare. What began as a single centre serving 26 families with a team of eight staff has grown into eight centres operating under 10 licenses, now supporting 448 families and employing 88 dedicated staff members. Our growth continues as we respond to the evolving needs of our community, including the addition of two new Early Learning Programs and 12 new infant spaces this fall, helping ensure that more families have access to the care and support they need.
As part of our 60th anniversary celebration, we will be placing an Early Literacy Little Free Library at each of our centres, commemorating The Preschool Centre’s 60 years of service to children and families in our community. We would greatly appreciate donations of new or gently used children’s books to support this initiative. Once set up, we hope that you participate by taking a book or leaving a book.
We look forward to celebrating another 60 years of community, inclusion, and caring for children together!