Project Description

The Infant Program

“Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and the strength, use it to create.” – Maria Montessori
Overview
Extra Curriculars
Our Teachers

Brief Overview of the Infant Classroom

  • 10 Student Cap, 1:3 Teacher to Student Ratio

  • Designed for children between 3 and 18 months

  • All meals made in house, from scratch, with organic and best choice ingredients

  • Scratch made baby food available for the littles

  • Weekly Children’s Yoga, Mindfulness, and Meditation

  • Weekly Music, Movement, and Dance with Catherine Cristofaro

  • Integrated French throughout the Daily Curriculum

  • Large Outdoor Classroom with CSA Certified Climbers, Bike Tracks, Stages, Toboggan Hill, Trees, Organic Gardens, Mud Kitchens
  • Progress Reports at 18 months

  • Daily Reports through our Interactive Communication App

  • Subsidy is available through the City of Windsor

The Infant room is a warm and caring environment designed to meet the psychological and physical needs of children between 3 and 18 months.  There is 1 teacher for every 3 babies with a daily capacity of 10 children.  Tactile, visual, and cognitive senses are stimulated using a wide range of Montessori materials. Baby sign language is taught and encouraged until they develop the ability to use sound.  You will find children learning to eat at a table with utensils,  asking for help nicely, climbing structures, and sleeping in their own cribs.  We focus on socialization and support the development of gross and fine motor skills.

We will work on matching, colours, body parts, care of oneself, dressing and undressing.   We will spend a lot of time outdoors when the weather is appropriate.  We will learn how to be nice with friends, introduce sounds, and read lots of books to promote early language development.  There are weekly music lessons, and weekly yoga practice.

You will have your choice of any milk you choose.   If you have pumped breast milk, we can store that here and heat it up safely as required.

Overview
Extra Curriculars
Our Teachers
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  • Yoga Practice
    Children are lead through various poses and songs as they practice yoga throughout the week.

  • Music, Movement, and Dance

    Led by Catherine Cristofaro of the Rivertown Dance Academy.  Lessons take place on Thursday mornings.

  • Art, Crafts, and Creativity

    Monthly themes and crafts are completed all year long.

  • Baby Sign Language

    Language development starts right away.

  • Weekly Walks

    We load up our strollers and take them on walks weekly.  Even in the winter.

  • Any Milk You Choose

    You supply the breast, we’ll supply the rest .

  • Detailed Daily Reports

    Updates on naps, nutrition, activities, and mood.

  • Individualized Curriculum

    Tailored plans to suit every child.

Overview
Extra Curriculars
Our Teachers

Our Infant Teachers

Allysa Ammonite
Allysa AmmoniteB.A./B.Ed./OCT/RECE
Ms. Ammonite is a highly qualified educator with a deep understanding of both early childhood education and the primary years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor, along with her Early Childhood Education diploma from St. Clair College. She is a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and a certified member of the Ontario College of Teachers (OCT), bringing a rare and valuable dual perspective to her work with young learners.

Allysa began her journey with Bright Child Montessori in 2020 during her first year of the concurrent education program. After completing a successful field placement, she was quickly invited to join the team as a supply educator, where she seamlessly supported classrooms across all age groups—from Infants to Kindergarten. Over time, she took on summer roles with increasing responsibility, gaining experience in curriculum planning, parent communication, and classroom leadership.

Now working occasionally with the public school board, Ms. Ammonite continues to return to Bright Child as a valued member of our team. Her calm demeanor, strong classroom management, and genuine connection with children make her a trusted and beloved educator among both students and staff.

We’re proud to have Ms. Ammonite continue to share her skills and spirit with us in our infant room, supporting our learners with warmth, professionalism, and care.

Liz Kulyk
Liz Kulyk B.A./B.Ed./OCT
Ms. Kulyk is a dedicated and experienced educator with a Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Windsor. A certified member of the Ontario College of Teachers, she brings over six years of hands-on experience in early childhood and primary education to her role.

Elizabeth began her teaching journey at Bright Child Montessori, where she first developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy and its emphasis on independence, curiosity, and individualized learning. Her time at Bright Child laid a strong foundation for her teaching practice, which she has continued to build upon throughout her career.

For the past two years, Ms. Kulyk has been working occasionally with the public school board, bringing her calm presence, thoughtful instruction, and student-centered approach to the classroom. She has returned to Bright Child as a familiar and valued supply educator in our Infant program—where her blend of Montessori insight and public school experience helps children feel supported, understood, and excited to learn.

Elizabeth is passionate about fostering confidence, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning in her students. We are always grateful to have her back with us.

Elyssa Grondin
Elyssa GrondinRECE in Training
Elyssa is a passionate and dedicated individual whose love for caring and supporting others naturally led her to a career in childcare. With a background in babysitting and coaching youth volleyball, Elyssa has seen firsthand how rewarding it is to help children grow, learn, and thrive.

Her energetic and active lifestyle, whether she’s playing volleyball, enjoying the outdoors, or spending time with friends, translates seamlessly into the daycare environment. Elyssa brings warmth, enthusiasm, and a strong sense of purpose to her work each day, always striving to make a positive impact in the lives of the children she supports.

Annie O'Connor
Annie O'ConnorRECE
Annie began her journey in early childhood education in 2017, gaining hands-on experience while studying for her Early Childhood Education (ECE). In 2019, she became a Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) and worked as a supply educator at Bright Child Montessori. Annie returned in 2022 for a full-time position, bringing her expertise and passion for teaching back to the team.
Annie is dedicated to fostering independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. With strong observational skills and a deep understanding of child development, she creates developmentally appropriate environments that inspire children to explore and grow.
A lover of the outdoors, Annie integrates nature-based experiences into learning, encouraging children to connect with and explore the world around them.
Sammie Merrifield
Sammie MerrifieldRECE / CYW
Ms. Merrifield is a dedicated educator with a strong background in both child development and therapeutic support. She holds a Child and Youth Worker diploma from Fanshawe College and later expanded her expertise by completing the Accelerated Early Childhood Education program at St. Clair College. Her commitment to inclusive communication is deeply rooted—she is fluent in American Sign Language, which she used as her primary language growing up with her family.

Throughout her studies and early career, Ms. Merrifield worked with high-risk youth, children with intellectual disabilities, and in childcare settings where her passion for early education truly took shape. She brings a compassionate, strengths-based approach to every child in her care, always recognizing that each learner is unique and capable in their own way.

Ms. Merrifield believes in meeting children where they are and building on their natural curiosities and emerging interests. Her classroom philosophy centers on respect, connection, and individualized support, creating a safe and nurturing space where children feel empowered to grow.

Currently on maternity leave, Ms. Merrifield remains a valued member of the Bright Child Montessori team. We look forward to welcoming her back when the time is right.

What Other People Are Saying About Our School

Every day, I look forward to the photo updates of what Finlay is doing at school. I truly appreciate the time it takes to keep all parents informed. It speaks to how dedicated the staff at Bright Child Montessori are.
– Jeff Meloche

Finlay loved Forest School! And I appreciate that he has the opportunity to learn mindfulness and meditation, through yoga every Friday.
– Janice Meloche

Jeff and Janice Meloche, Bright Child Parents

My wife and I have two children enrolled in this school. The peace of mind we get knowing that they are well taken care of by teachers and staff that really care about their well being is worth every penny. The kids really love going to school.

Dan Knuckle, Father of David and Audrey Anne

Bright Child provides a caring, thoughtfully prepared learning environment that has encouraged our son to learn and grow socially, cognitively, physically and emotionally. The holistic approach to meals prepared and served, and programs offered, from music, art, yoga to Forest School, have been key to my son’s development into the confident, independent little boy he has become.

Kate & BJ Laub, Bright Child Parents

My wife and I can’t say enough great things about Bright Child and their staff. Our children love their teachers,  class activities, new friends,  the great food options and they love looking back through all the photos and videos on our phones captured by staff daily, even after they graduate. My wife and I, along with the family members set up on the HiMama app praise the organization of the school with Bright Child providing us with meal information,  bathroom break info during potty training and activity overview. We value the timeless photos and videos and day by day updates. Thank you Bright Child staff, for all you do.

Brady Thrasher, Bright Child Parent

Beyond grateful to have such a well run school where we can send our kids. The teachers are so engaged and so capable, they know and love our children; the food is healthful; the programming is creative; the result is well adjusted kids learning far more than I would ever think to impart. Bright child is an extension of our home 🙂

Megan Mailloux, Bright Child Parent

We feel so blessed to have our daughter start her earliest experiences growing, learning, and exploring at Bright Child Montessori. It is never easy to drop your children off in someone else’s care, but we have been confident since day one in our decision. The staff at BC is knowledgeable and passionate. They work so incredibly hard and I truly respect each and every one of them for the time and effort they have put forward to making Juliet’s experience so wonderful. We have witnessed so much empathy and love towards our daughter from the staff, and the time and effort in giving her, and all the children, an enriched experience each and every day is so heart warming. We are also extremely satisfied with the cleanliness and amenities at the school, the incredible healthy and diverse daily menu, and the specialty programs like yoga, dance, and outdoor activities that make her so excited, and a little less sad (parting from us) each morning. I strongly recommend this school to any parent who values education, equity, and imagination for their child.

Jennifer Fatallah, Bright Child Parent

I wouldn’t send my kids anywhere else!! The teachers are all amazing and always welcoming!! My daughters talk about their teachers all the time! A huge thing for me was the healthy food that the kids eat! This is a big thing in my family and we teach our kids to eat healthy. So it’s nice to know that it is being carried on at school! I have also never seen a school so clean as well!! Every time I pick up my kids there is always someone cleaning. At the end of the day my kids are getting the best care and I recommend to all my friends to look here when deciding where to enroll their kids!! The bar is set VERY HIGH!!!!!

Carly and Dean Fantin, Bright Child Parents

Bright Child is an amazing Montessori school. Our youngest is currently in the Casa 1 class and our oldest is in senior kindergarten at Bright Child. The teachers are calm and caring and truly provide individualized attention to each child. We love that the school emphasizes the importance of outdoor time (in all weather) and teaches respect for nature. Forest School is an excellent addition to the program! The meals and snacks provided to the children are incredible – varied, healthy, and locally sourced when possible. Our girls absolutely love the music classes and doing yoga. As a parent, I love that the Montessori method emphasizes independence – it is incredible to watch your child’s confidence increase as they master a new skill!

Sarah and Kory Renaud, Bright Child Parents

Thank you for everything you have done for us since working at Bright Child.  You have helped shape our careers and we wouldn’t be where we are now if it was not with the help of both of you! We really appreciate your love and support!

Jenna Huneault and Rebekah French, Bright Child Teachers

Bright Child Montessori puts your mind at ease by creating a nurturing and challenging learning environment with a dedicated teaching staff. We have been so impressed with how the Montessori teaching methods have enhanced our child’s interests while exposing him to a variety of fundamental life skills.  We would wholeheartedly recommend Bright Child Montessori to any parent looking for a superior educational experience for their child.

Brooke & Bryon Meloche, Bright Child Parents

I will never forget the first day we visited Bright Child Montessori. The moment we walked in, we were instantly greeted by the staff who made us feel so very comfortable. As a new Mother, I was anxious to leave our daughter in the care of others.. however within the first day we knew that our Reese was so well taken care of! The teachers, staff, chef, and the owners John and Melissa are beyond amazing! They have created such a nurturing environment for our children to learn and grow, and the organic menu is incredible! Bright child feels like an extension to our family, and I am so grateful to have them apart of our lives!

Jessie and Jeff Schwab, Bright Child Parents

I can confidently say that enrolling our kids into Bright Child is one of the best decisions we’ve made for them! The teachers in every room are absolutely amazing, always welcoming when we come into the school and make us feel right at home. I’m always so happy to see the healthy meals they are eating every day. We get daily picture updates which just make our day at work so much better! We decided to enroll our oldest daughter into JK here in the fall, couldn’t imagine taking her out yet, the things they learn are unbelievable. Both girls have advanced so much from their learning at this school. Bright Child staff, teachers and owners put SO much care into everything they do, I would absolutely recommend them to anyone who wants their children to have an outstanding experience!

Jaclyn Blackburn, Bright Child Parent

Tuition Information

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business” – Henry Ford

Canada Wide Early Learning Child Care System
In Ontario, the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system has significantly reduced child care fees for families with children under six. As of January 2025, fees are capped at $22 per day for participating programs, and the long-term goal is to reduce fees to an average of $10 per day by March 2026.

Child Care Expense Deduction
In addition to the CWELCC program, Canadian taxpayers can still claim up to $8,000 per child of child care expenses on their personal tax return. Child care expenses can be claimed for the purposes of earning a living or going to school. This will, in turn, reduce your income, and the amount of taxes you pay will be lowered.

Ontario Child Care Tax Credit
Families with a household income under 150K can also take advantage of the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit (CARE). The amount you could receive is calculated using your Child Care Expense Deduction, multiplied by the Ontario Child Care Tax Credit rate that is based on your family income.

Child Care Subsidy
The CWELCC program is separate from the Ontario Child Care Fee Subsidy program, which continues to be available for eligible families who need additional financial support. Fee subsidy eligibility will continue to be determined through the income test that is administered by the City of Windsor

Daily Rates

Base fees after CWELCC is applied

Full Day

$2200per day
  • Drop Off 7-9am
  • Pickup 3-5:30pm
  • Montessori Curriculum
  • Scratch Made Organic Meals
  • Music, Movement, and Dance
  • Children’s Yoga
  • Subsidy is Available
  • Equivalent to $476.67 Monthly

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