TIES Staff Q&A: Evangeline Ross, Childcare Centre Manager

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Introducing Evangeline Ross, affectionately known as the “pink lady,” our dedicated Childcare Manager at TIES Little Beginnings Urban Oasis. In this Q&A session, Evangeline talks about her journey to leadership and passion for child development. She also shares her message to families considering childcare at TIES for their little ones.

What led you to a career in childcare management?

I have worked with children of all ages and in a variety of capacities for almost 20 years. My roles included working as a nanny, leading an art-based after-school literacy program in inner-city Philadelphia, and most recently spending 10 years in program leadership at an out-of-school care program with multiple locations in Calgary. I am passionate about child development and supporting families, especially children who need more support with behavioural challenges. I transitioned into management to ensure best practices and new research for child development are integrated into the rapidly changing early learning and childcare landscape. I enjoy being able to coach and inspire educators to incorporate these principles into their daily work.

Describe the mission of TIES Little Beginnings Urban Oasis. 

At Little Beginnings Urban Oasis, we are more than just a daycare – we are a community. We provide affordable, high-quality, and culturally rich childcare to all families regardless of their origin, background, or financial circumstances. Diversity and inclusion are the foundation of our program, and we strive to ensure children of all needs and abilities can fully participate in our program. We promise every family a welcoming place where their child can play, learn, grow, and dream without bounds. 

What makes it different from other childcare services? 

We have implemented Alberta’s Flight Curriculum Framework into our program, which empowers children to be active participants in their learning as “mighty learners and citizens”. Our educators identify the interests and needs of each child to create individual plans for children’s engagement and learning. To accomplish this, we have prioritized hiring highly qualified educators with post-secondary education specific to early learning and childcare, and we have small classroom sizes with enhanced staff ratios to be able to provide individualized support to children. 

We have a highly trained and award-winning chef who works out of our onsite kitchen. We accommodate a variety of dietary needs and offer a fully plant-based/vegan menu option to families who desire it. 

 In May we look forward to opening the second phase of our program, which will offer evening and Saturday care.

We are looking forward to providing care to families who work jobs outside of traditional office hours and struggle to find flexible and affordable childcare to meet their needs. 

What do you enjoy most about your job? 

The best part of my job is building relationships with families and seeing children grow. The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is true, and for many families, especially those who come to Calgary without any connections here, we become part of their village. I enjoy being able to provide resources to families and offer them a place where they know their child is safe, happy, and healthy during the day. But the absolute best part of the job is seeing a child learn something new that they are excited to share with their family at the end of the day.

What’s the most challenging part of your work? 

After working with hundreds of children and families over many years, one thing that has never gotten easier is saying goodbye to a child and their family as they move onto their next adventure. Every child I have worked with has made a positive impact on me, and I can only hope that I have also made a positive difference in their lives.  

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Every day there is a new challenge in childcare, so it is hard to pick the most challenging. You can never fully prepare for what a day may bring or what a child or a family will need. It is important to always be willing to listen, be empathetic and patient, and be resourceful in finding a solution. 

What would you like to say to families thinking about TIES Childcare for their little ones? 

Little Beginnings Urban Oasis is a welcoming community where all families can access quality childcare, regardless of their cultural background, financial circumstances, family structure, or work schedule. We are committed to eliminating barriers to provide a program where all children thrive and where families are supported and uplifted. When families are seeking the best care for their child, Little Beginnings will be the program to provide what they need.  

Do you have a favourite quote you can share?

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” - O. Fred Donaldson 

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About Little Beginnings Urban Oasis

In response to the growing need for accessible and quality childcare services, Little Beginnings Urban Oasis Childcare Centre is proud to announce its grand opening in the heart of NE Calgary on February 27, 2024. The centre, strategically located in the community of Whitehorn, is dedicated to serving immigrant families and low-income Calgarians, offering affordable, high-quality, and culturally rich childcare experiences.

Little Beginnings Urban Oasis is currently accepting enrollments for February. For more information, please contact Little Beginnings at 403-291-0002 ext. 105, or childcare@immigrant-education.ca. For enrollment details and to learn more about our program, visit our website at www.immigranteducation.ca/childcare.

This program has been generously funded by Employment and Social Development Canada to support the implementation of innovative ELCC programs.

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