Your child, fully known. Every single day.
Family-run downtown Calgary daycare. Small group sizes, the owner on-site daily, catered meals, and a calm, inclusive room for neuro-divergent children.
- Small educator-to-child ratios
- Inclusive of neuro-divergent children
- Owner on-site daily · Ms. Elna
- Catered meals by Chef's Cafe
- Accredited since 2008
Celebrating 20 years of caring for downtown Calgary families · 2006–2026
Our story
Meet Ms. Elna
Discovery was founded in 2006 by Ms. Elna. Forty years in early childhood education, a proud mother of two, and a grandmother of four, two of whom graduated from this very centre.
She's here every day, on the floor with the children and walking alongside families through the everyday moments of their parenting journey, the small wins and the harder days alike.
More than 40 years in early childhood education, and I still believe every child deserves to be truly known.
Family-run in downtown Calgary since 2006.
Why Discovery
Four things parents tell us made the difference
The small, daily details that turn a daycare into a place your child actually wants to be.
Built for neuro-divergent children too
A calm sensory environment and predictable daily rhythms. Our educators have experience supporting children with ADHD, autism, and sensory needs - always in close conversation with parents first.
Small group sizes
We keep educator-to-child ratios lower than the provincial minimum so every child is genuinely known - not just supervised. Smaller rooms mean gentler transitions and more one-on-one moments.
Ms. Elna is here every day
The owner is on the floor daily - greeting families at drop-off, walking the rooms, and available to talk. Not a head-office name on a door.
Catered meals from Chef's Cafe
Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack are included in monthly fees - prepared off-site by a local catering kitchen. Allergy-aware and adjusted for the little ones we serve. Discovery is a pork-free and nut-free environment.
Our Space
A peek inside the rooms your child will grow in.
Calm light, soft textures, and a place for every little hand. We keep things tidy, well-loved, and ready for the day ahead.
Our programs
Care that meets your child where they are
Each room is built around the child, their pace, their interests, and the small developmental milestones that matter most right now. Calm, nurturing, and developmentally enriched.
Across every room we keep group sizes small and the same educators consistent, so transitions stay gentle, especially for children who need extra predictability.
New in 2026 · French Enrichment. A warm introduction to a second language, woven gently into the day. Honest timeline: launching 2026.
Infants
12 months+A quiet, gentle room where little ones feel held and seen. Predictable rhythms, soft sensory play, and warm one-on-one moments build early trust and security.
Toddlers
18 months – 3 yearsCurious explorers thrive here. Hands-on discovery, language-rich play, and lots of small wins, pouring, stacking, naming, grow confidence every day.
Preschool
3 – 6 yearsPlay-based learning that sets children up for school. Stories, art, friendships, and gentle routines, children leave us ready and excited to learn.
Kindergarten
Full-dayEarly literacy, numeracy, and social skills in a bright, encouraging room. Children are challenged kindly and celebrated for the small steps that add up.
Drop-In Care
By arrangementNeed care for a day or two? Familiar faces, the same warm room, and a smooth visit for your child whenever life calls for it.
French Enrichment
Launching 2026A gentle introduction to French through songs, stories, and everyday moments. Children grow curious about language and the wider world, at their own pace, with the same calm care.
From hello to first day
Four simple steps, fully online
We've replaced the paper-form-on-a-clipboard with an effortless online flow, so nothing falls through the cracks between your tour and your child's first day.
- Save & resume
- Secure
- Instant confirmation
Book a tour online
Pick a time that suits you, no phone tag.
Visit us & meet Ms. Elna
Walk through the rooms, ask anything, feel the space.
Register online
No paperwork to take home. Done in minutes from your couch.
No paperwork, ~3 minWelcome to Discovery
We help your family settle in, gently and with care.
Tours take about 20 minutes. Bring your little one.
Why families choose Discovery
Twenty years of quiet word-of-mouth
"My daughter went here for almost a year and it was an absolutely lovely place. All of the teachers and staff are wonderful with the kids, and my daughter would always ask for them, even at home! Loving environment and I saw great progress in my daughter's learning throughout her time with them. More than recommend this child care!"
"My child has special needs and Discovery Childcare has done their best to accommodate her. They are truly like a home away from home. They help the kids to be tolerant and loving, which is so important especially today. I highly recommend them and would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could."
"My child has been at Discovery Child Care for 6 months and it was the best decision in child care I could have made. My child has been potty trained, learned many songs, his numbers, alphabet and much more. The owner operators clearly are engaged in the day to day events and care for the kids. I feel comfortable talking with both the teachers and care operators regarding my child. Great center, great value. Highly recommend."
Pricing & subsidy
Affordable, accredited, and subsidized
Discovery is subsidized through the Federal-Provincial Child Care Agreement. All families qualify for the Full-Time and Part-Time flat rates.
Full-time
What parents pay after the Alberta child care subsidy. Full (non-subsidized) fees available on request.
- Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack (included)
- Catered by Chef's Cafe · milk & water
- Developmental programming
- Daily parent updates
Part-time
What parents pay after the Alberta subsidy, for selected days each week.
- Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack (included)
- Catered by Chef's Cafe · milk & water
- Developmental programming
- Daily parent updates
Not sure if you qualify?
We've walked many families through the subsidy process. We can do the same for you.
Common questions
Everything parents ask us first
Come see the space your child will love.
The best way to know if Discovery is right for your family is to walk through the door. Most tours take 20–30 minutes. We'll meet you where you are.