Abinochiasak Daycare Program

Daycare

The Daycare Centre

The Abinochiasak Daycare Centre was established in August 1999 by Berens River First Nation in response to the growing need for quality early learning and childcare services within the community. The centre has operated as a non-profit organization under the direction of Berens River First Nation, providing a safe, nurturing, and culturally responsive environment where young children can learn, grow, and thrive.

The program has been committed to supporting children and families by providing early learning and childcare services that promote healthy childhood development while allowing parents and guardians to pursue employment, education, and training opportunities. The Centre has been supported through federal funding, enabling it to provide affordable childcare services for community families.

The program takes a holistic approach to early childhood development by fostering each child’s emotional, physical, intellectual, social, and cultural growth. Recognizing the importance of preserving Indigenous identity, the Centre incorporates Anishinaabe values, traditions, language, and culture into daily programming. Children are introduced to the Saulteaux language, the Seven Sacred Teachings, traditional stories, cultural activities, and land-based learning experiences alongside a strong foundation in early literacy, numeracy, healthy living, and life skills.

The Abinochiasak Daycare Centre has emphasized strong partnerships with parents, caregivers, Elders, and the wider community. Families are encouraged to actively participate in their children’s learning through volunteer opportunities, cultural programming, special events, and regular communication with staff. This collaborative approach recognizes parents as a child’s first and most important teachers.

Abinochiasak Daycare Centre continues to build upon its long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, culturally grounded early learning opportunities for the children of Berens River First Nation. Guided by the leadership of Chief and Council, dedicated staff, and community values, the Centre remains focused on preparing children for lifelong learning while strengthening their connection to their language, culture, families, and community.

Daycare Hours

Our Hours: Monday to Friday 8:20 am – 4:30 pm

Closed on weekends and Holidays

Contact Information 
Abinochiasak Daycare Centre

Box 342
Berens River First Nation
R0B 0A0

Map of the Daycare location in Berens River

Phone: (204) 382-2907
Fax: (204) 382-2917

General Email: abinochiasakdaycare@brfneducation.com

For inquiries, application assistance, or program questions, please contact Valerie Whiteway, the Daycare Manager.

Email: valerie.whiteway@brfneducation.com

Frequently Asked Questions

I just noticed the daycare is closed. Why is that?

The Daycare closes during emergency situations such as no water, no hydro, shortage of staff, temperature issues in the facility. Centre closes when staff feel it is unsafe for the children to be in the daycare environment. 

Why is my child on the waitlist when there seem to be spaces available?

The daycare has a total of 19 spots available with 3 CCA’s, 1 director and 1 nutritionist. The centre operates at a 1.8 Ratio for children ages 3-5 and 1.4 Ratio for infants 6 months- 2 years. Due to roles and responsibilities the nutritionist and Director cannot be on the floor all hours of operation. 

Why did my fees increase after my last payment?

Fees are distributed on the first of each month. Fees are not issued in advance, all fees are based on previous months open and closures. Parents are not charged for rates when centre closes due to unforeseen circumstances.

My child asks for a snack right after coming home. Is he/she getting enough food?

The daycare provides a hot lunch program and two daily snacks for children. The daycare provides weekly lunch menus and encourages parents to provide a list of child’s favourite foods to incorporate into food programs. The center follows Healthy eating and lifestyle with a no junk food policy. 

Why does my child have to nap at daycare?

During nap/quiet time children are encouraged to rest/nap. This allows staff to rotate lunch breaks while children are sleeping/resting and gives the children some time to rest and recharge.

What is the daycare's policy around health?

For the protection of other children and staff, parents are advised to keep their child home if he/she is too ill to attend the program. Common illnesses may include:
1. Vomiting and diarrhea.
2. Eye irritation that may have a yellow discharge or redness.
3. Temperature over 39c (fever indicates infection).
4. Symptoms of undiagnosed rash or sore throat that we suspect may be communicable.
5. Severe upper respiratory infection (cough plus yellow or green nasal discharge).
6. Earache – child should see family doctor.
7. Runny nose if mucus is thick, green and reddish brown in color.
8. Toothaches – child should see the dentist.
9. Coughing (can be contagious if it is continuous).

Your child will be excluded from the program for the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment or until symptoms abate. The ADC Program reserves the right to request a doctor’s certificate before re-admitting a child/staff who has had a communicable illness. You will be phoned to pick up your child/ren if he/she develops any of the above symptoms during the day.