CONVENIENT,
SCHOOL-BASED
CARE OPTIONS
School-Linked provides out-of-school care to Westmount Elementary students in Strathmore, Alberta.
We aspire to be an exemplary, powerful learning community, and we are committed to ensuring an inclusive, collaborative thinking culture.
OUR HISTORY
School-Linked first opened in 2019. Miss Becca, the Owner and Director, has a strong passion for Early Childhood Education and wanted to create meaningful change in the community. Her vision was to set a new standard for childcare — one that was truly linked between the school, the program, and families.
School-Linked was created with the goal of prioritizing quality over quantity, providing a safe and convenient place where families can confidently leave their children.
From the beginning, the program aimed to create a culture built on:
Positivity
Respect
Kindness
Nurturing relationships
Miss Becca wanted a program where she would feel 100% confident leaving her own children and recommending it to others.
Over the past seven years, the program has grown significantly and has become a thriving part of the community. Our mission remains the same today:
To provide quality childcare while fostering a culture of kindness, positivity, and nurturing for every child and family we serve.
PHILOSOPHY
At School-Linked we believe in learning through play. This allows children to learn and development different skills through playing with different activities and centers available. Some of the many benefits of learning through play include problem-solving, empathy, creativity, teamwork, self-expression, communication, self-confidence, social interaction, and language skills.
At School-Linked we believe in a consistent routine that allows children to know what to expect. We believe in proving different opportunities for children express themselves and explore a variety of activities of there choosing.
CURRICULUM
Each week, educators plan activities based on children’s interests and observations.
Our programming focuses on several developmental domains:
● Gross Motor
● Loose Parts
● STEM
● Sensory
● Dramatic Play
Each domain includes a variety of activities that children explore through play. Activities may change throughout the week, but remain connected to the weekly topic. Children participate in free play exploration during morning and afternoon sessions.
Each afternoon includes:
● 45 minutes of Gross Motor activity, either outdoors or in the gym
We also include daily Quiet Reading Time, where children may:
● Read independently
● Complete homework
● Practice letter recognition and sounds with staff support if they are not yet reading
WHO WE ARE
Becca Ness - I've lived in Strathmore for 12 years and feel proud to call it home. I love the sense of community here and how everyone is so friendly and kind. I have been in the Early Childhood Education field for seven years and love the small impact you can make on a child’s life. Even if it is as simple as a smile, helping them learn something new, or making them feel like they belong. It brings me joy to know that I can impact a child in a positive way and get to be a part of their learning, and growing process. I am married and hope to have my own children in the future. In my spare time, I enjoy fishing, gardening, baking, camping, traveling, and hanging out with the cows at my in-law’s farm. I am very excited to be the Director of School-Linked and to see our “Linked Family” grow.
Ms. Kat
Favourite Drink: Iced coffee
Colour: Green, Purple
Sports Team: Calgary Flames
Likes to Play: Soccer, Football, Basketball
Hobbies: Karaoke, Soccer, Hiking
Fun Fact: Classically trained Singer Hello
My name is Ms. Kat! I am a First year Level 1 Early Childhood Educator. I'm so pleased to meet you! I grew up right here in the Strathmore area and attended Strathmore high school; the wonderful teachers that we have in our school systems are the same people who inspired me to become a teacher. I got my education in early childhood education at Lethbridge Polytechnic (formerly College). I love hiking, playing recreational soccer, singing and spending time with my loved ones. I love music and have seen several different musicals such as Dear Evan Hansen, Waitress and Wicked. I’m looking forward to meeting you to getting to know you and your child over the next year!
Ms. Toni
Favourite Drink: Iced coffee
Colour: Purple & Blue
Favourite Animal: Cows & Dogs
Favourite Music: Country
Fun Fact: I have a hobby farm, with cows, horses and four dogs!
Hi! My name is Miss Toni! I am a Level 1 Early Childhood Educator with an Educational Assistant diploma and 5 years of experience in childcare. I got into this field because I genuinely love watching kids grow into their own unique personalities. Every day is different, and I enjoy creating a fun, safe space where children can learn, explore, and just be themselves. Seeing their smiles and being part of their everyday moments! In my spare time, I enjoy hanging with my cows, horses, and dogs, plus, hiking, paddleboarding and being with my loved ones. I look forward to getting to know all the families and building strong connections with your child!
Mrs. Jess Kartz - I moved to Strathmore 13 years ago from Calgary. I wasn't sure how I would enjoy living in a small town but quickly realized I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. I have raised my 3 sons, ages 10, 13, 14 and an 8 year old Bernese Mountain dog furbaby named Atlas here in this beautiful community.
I received my Educational Assistant certificate from Lethbridge College in 2020 and have worked at Westmount for the past 5 years, primarily in the kindergarten and grade 1 classrooms. I love the relationships that I am able to build with the students and the support I am able to give to help students be as successful as they can be.
When I am not at the school you will find me watching my kids playing volleyball, basketball, and our families favorite sport… lacrosse! All 3 of my boys play and this will be my oldest son's 11th season. It will also be my husband's 9th year coaching! I also enjoy baking, diamond art, puzzles and reading. During the summer months I enjoy working at a golf course, my boys play field lacrosse and we try to camp as much as possible!
I am excited to be joining Becca and her amazing team at School-Linked a few times a week. I look forward to getting to know you and your children better!
Ms. Mandy Gillespie -
I have lived in Strathmore for 18 years, where I have raised my three sons and am proud to call this community home. I love the strong sense of connection here and how supportive and welcoming families are. I have worked with children for many years and truly value the small, everyday moments that help them feel safe, confident, and included.
I ran a dayhome for six years before becoming an Educational Assistant, and I have worked at Westmount for the past 10 years. I currently work occasionally with the School-Linked Before & After Program and enjoy building relationships with the students and families who are part of our “Linked Family.” It brings me joy to support children as they learn, grow, and feel a sense of belonging.
OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH GOLDEN HILLS SCHOOL DIVISION
School-Linked is proud to be an independently owned business, operating in partnership with Westmount Elementary School as part of the Golden Hills School Division (GHSD).
All partnership stakeholders recognize the importance of flexible, convenient, quality programs for our students outside of normal classroom hours. We are pleased to work together to provide valuable care to our students.
My child comes home every night and is excited about what he did at School-Linked. I feel confident in the quality of program that my son is receiving and the staff are amazing. So kind and caring. Highly recommended! - Anonymous