About School-Linked | Out Of School Care

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 who is the Owner & Director had a passion for Early Childhood Education, and knew she wanted to be the change in her community and set the standard of what she envisioned childcare should be. A place that was linked together. Linked between the school, the program, and the families. To be a program that stood for quality vs quantity. A place that is a convenient and safe place for families to feel confident in leaving their children. A program that creates a culture of positivity, respect, and kindness for all. A program that she herself would feel 100% confident in leaving her own children at or telling others to come to.

Throughout the last six years, the program has grown in many different areas, and it is a thriving business in our community. Our mission from day one was to provide quality childcare in our community, and foster a culture of kindness, positivity, and nurturing for all. To this day, that is still our mission.

Why & How We Work

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 our educators plan a topic based on observations and children’s interests. Within each topic we focus on the following domains. Gross motor, Loose Parts, STEM Sensory, Dramatic Center. Each domain will have a variety of different activities that children will get to explore through play. Throughout the week different activities will be brought out that keep with the Topic and each domain.

Throughout the morning and afternoon, children will be given time to explore these areas and activities (free play). Each afternoon our children get 45 minutes for some gross motor to move their bodies. This happens either outside or in the gym. At carpet time we take this opportunity to share what the day will entail with the children and learn a bit about our topic. Children are encouraged to share, and help brainstorm thoughts, questions, and ideas. Every day we also have Quiet Reading time. Each child will be given time to read independently or work on any homework they have from school. If children cannot read, our staff will help work with them on letter recognition and letter sounds.

Who We Are

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!

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.

Partnership

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.