About Casper’s Early Learning Co-operative Centre
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Our Approach
At Casper’s, we focus on supporting the social, emotional, intellectual, creative, spiritual, and physical development of every child. We believe in the value of play-based learning and provide a balanced daily routine that includes indoor and outdoor activities, as well as opportunities for both high- and low-energy engagement.
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Inclusive Programming
We proudly offer an Early Intervention Program for children with mild, moderate, or intensive needs. Working in partnership with families and other professionals involved in the child’s life, we create individualized program plans to support holistic development and ensure every child feels valued and included.
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Nutrition
We provide healthy, balanced meals and snacks that follow Canada’s Food Guide, including a come-and-go breakfast from 7:30–9:00 a.m., lunch at 11:30 a.m., and an afternoon snack at 2:00 p.m. We are a nut- and fish-free facility to protect children with allergies. We offer a 6-week rotating menu, with separate seasonal menus for summer and winter.
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Our Team
Our Early Childhood Educators are highly trained, holding certifications in Early Childhood Education and First Aid/CPR. They participate in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early learning.
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Community & Governance
Casper’s is governed by a Parent Board of Directors, ensuring that the voices of families are at the heart of our decision-making. As a licensed facility, we enable families to access subsidies to help make child care more affordable.
History of Casper's Early Learning Co-operative Centre
Casper’s Early Learning Co-operative Centre began as a small Family Group Home operating in the home of Tanya and Kevin Mazurek in Carrot River, Saskatchewan. To create a dedicated and professional early learning environment, an independent childcare space was constructed in the basement of their home. The program operated separately from the family’s living space and quickly became known for its quality, warmth, and strong commitment to children’s development.
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It did not take long for the program to reach capacity. As demand for childcare in the community grew, an extensive waitlist formed, making it clear that the childcare needs of Carrot River could not be met through a single family group home.
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Recognizing the urgency and importance of expanding access to early learning and care, families gathered with Tanya to explore the possibility of opening a cooperative childcare centre in the community. From these discussions, a group of committed families formed a Board of Directors and began the process of becoming a legal entity. They applied for licensed childcare spaces through the Government of Saskatchewan.
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With strong community backing, the newly formed Board secured a Main Street location through a substantial property donation from Jim Remai, given in memory of his uncle and mother. With deep roots in Carrot River, Mr. Remai expressed a heartfelt desire to give back to the community that meant so much to his family. The Town of Carrot River played an instrumental role in supporting both the donation and the acquisition of the building.
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Families and community members rallied together, fundraising and volunteering countless hours to renovate the space to meet provincial childcare regulations. In February 2007, Casper’s Early Learning Co-operative Centre officially opened its doors. The Grand Opening ceremony was attended by Deb Higgins, marking a significant milestone for the community.
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Shortly after opening, the centre received further provincial recognition when Lorne Calvert visited the centre. His visit highlighted the exceptional early learning opportunities being offered in Carrot River and underscored the province’s recognition of the centre’s leadership in delivering quality childcare in a rural Saskatchewan community.
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Today, Casper’s Early Learning Co-operative Centre is a licensed, non-profit, charitable child care facility dedicated to providing high-quality early learning experiences for children from 6 weeks to 12 years of age. Serving the Carrot River community since 2006, we have built a strong reputation for fostering a warm, inclusive, and stimulating environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive.
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We offer 41 licensed spaces, with both full-time and daily care options, designed to meet the unique needs of each family. Our programs are rooted in the Play and Exploration guidelines and draw inspiration from the Reggio Emilia Approach, encouraging curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We operate in full compliance with The Child Care Act, 2014 and The Child Care Regulations, 2015, ensuring the highest standards of care, safety, and quality.
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What began as a small program in a family home has grown into a community-built centre rooted in collaboration, generosity, and a shared belief that children deserve strong beginnings.