st. patrick early learning centre

After 23 years of serving children and families in our community, Eramosa Learning Academy (ELA) has made the difficult decision not to extend our third-party operator agreements with the Wellington Catholic District School Board (WCDSB). This impacts the six before and after school programs at Sacred Heart, St. Francis, St. John, St. Ignatius, St. Paul and St. Patrick, as well as the early learning centre at St. Patrick. This decision was not made lightly; it reflects growing operational challenges, including a documented shortage of qualified educators and a focus on promised new spaces rather than high-quality care under the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC or “$10/day child care) program.

It has been a privilege to be part of the lives of families in Guelph and Wellington County, delivering high-quality early learning and supporting children’s growth for more than two decades. We are deeply proud of the inclusive and rich learning environments our educators have created over the years. 

ELA is profoundly grateful for the excellent partnership it has had with the WCDSB. As the school board begins the process of searching for a new 2026-2027 school year operator for each before and after school location, and a new early learning operator to begin this summer, we will make every effort to assist in a smooth transition once the new operator is announced.

Our priority remains supporting families, children, and staff through this transition with transparency, care, and professionalism.

Noma Vales, Owner & Operator

395 victoria road north, gUELPH

ST. PATRICK EARLY LEARNING Centre

Our newly constructed child care centre has opened on the grounds of St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School. The centre's capacity is 64 spaces with infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms.
An independent building to the elementary school, the centre is located at the rear of the school and accessible via the shared parking lot.

Parking

Drop-off and pick-up parking is at the rear of the parking lot in the area designated for the child care centre.

OPERATING HOURS

7:00am - 6:00pm

ELA St. Patrick Early Learning Centre operates Monday to Friday. We are closed on Statutory Holidays.

NUTRITION

In-House Chef

Our menu is designed and cooked in-house and inspired by nutrition, diversity and happy tummies!

EDUCATORS & LEADERSHIP

Child Care Professionals

Our classrooms are led by Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and supported by a full-time Leadership Team that includes the Early Learning Manager and the Early Learning Pedagogical Lead.