Sahtú Sprouts is here!
Sahtú Sprouts is a part-time preschool program for children aged 2.5 to 4 years old in Norman Wells. Because we do not have a daycare facility to operate from yet, our Sahtú Sprouts program is designed as a forest or bush school program, with programming happening on the land and in our yurt.
First session begins on August 31, 2026. Register now!
Grown-up and child programming is also offered as a way to support caregivers and introduce our littlest community members to Sahtú Sprouts! This is on Wednesdays and Fridays from 2pm to 4:30pm at the Yurt.
Sahtú Sprouts is designed to provide valuable social and cultural experiences for young children in Norman Wells. In partnership with local Elders and Knowledge holders, our staff plan to incorporate cultural teachings and practices, enhancing the learning experience and helping children connect deeply with their heritage through land-based learning and play.
Sahtú Sprouts aims to provide accessible and culturally relevant learning experiences for young children.
Programs that we offer:
Sahtú Sprouts Preschool
(Drop-off program):
Land based preschool activities for
children aged 2.5 to 4 years.
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays
8:30am to 12pm
Next Session begins August 31, 2026
Register now! Email
sahtusprouts@legohliearlylearningsociety.com
Cultural
Activities:
Storytime with Elders
Traditional harvesting
Crafts and art projects
Get Involved with the Sahtú Sprouts
Drop In Program (0-4) with
Caregiver:
When: Wednesdays and Fridays 2pm to 4:30pm
Where: The Yurt (behind the museum)
Begins September 2nd, 2026
Free play, crafts, snacks!
We encourage parents, Elders, and community members to get involved with the Sahtú Sprouts. You can join us through various volunteer opportunities and community meetings where we welcome your feedback and ideas. To get started, simply reach out to us at sahtusprouts@legohliearlylearningsociety.com.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sahtú Sprouts Preschool Program
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Children aged 2.5 until they start school (born March 2024 or before)
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Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9am to 12pm. Drop off is 8:30-9 and pick up is 12-12:15
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The next session begins on August 31, 2026. Other dates in the first session are September 2, 4, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18. Next session dates will be released in early September.
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Our bush school is located in the yurt behind the Museum.
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Sahtú Sprouts is a drop off program for preschool aged children in Norman Wells. With trained educators, children will have a circle time, do activities and crafts, listen to stories, share a snack, spend time outside, and learn about the bush! We will have an Elder or Knowledge Holder at every session. Our curriculum was developed by Catherine Blondin for the Sahtú Sprouts program.
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The pilot program (August 31 to September 18, 2026) is free for all children. Information on fees for future sessions will be shared.
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Please dress your child for the weather ideally in layers, and apply sunscreen before drop off if it’s a sunny day. Send a change of clothes in case of accidents or messy play (we encourage it!), and a water bottle. Please label everything with the child’s name. We have extra outdoor gear if it is needed!
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We know that this might be the first time your child has been dropped off for a program. We encourage caregivers to stay as long as necessary to make sure your child is comfortable.
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Yes! We will be hosting several open houses next week so you can come play, get to know us, and ask any questions! Check out our facebook for information on drop in dates.
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We know how scarce childcare is in Norman Wells and we want to support as many families as we can. The Sahtú Sprouts preschool program is only for children aged 2.5 to 4. You and your child can come twice a week to our afternoon open houses which are open to all children (baby to 4).
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ŁELS will have 1 staff per 4 children (assuming full registration). We will also have one Elder or Knowledge Holder on site each day. Volunteers are welcome (with Vulnerable Sectors check).
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We are working towards offering full-time daycare for Norman Wells. In the meantime, we are limited to the number of hours of drop-off programming we can offer to families as an unlicensed childcare program.
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Email sahtusprouts@legohliearlylearningsociety.com for our registration, medical, and liability forms. Our staff will also share a Grown Up Handbook which shares all pertinent information mentioned here, but in lots more detail!
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We are a non-profit society full of moms and educators founded in 2022 with the aim of offering young children in Norman Wells childcare! We recently completed pre-construction work for a new childcare facility and are working on securing the final funding needed to break ground. In the meantime, we have developed Sahtú Sprouts to give families some childcare relief each week, and most importantly – an opportunity for our some of our youngest community members to have fun and learn new things!