Play. Learn. Grow—together.
Infant – Before/After School Care where we foster bright minds and strong bodies.
Find a centre near you to see rates and availability.
Welcome to Active Start & Magic Mountain
Quality childcare for Calgary, Edmonton, and Airdrie families.
Infant Childcare
12 - 18 month
Our Nursery program provides a safe and nurturing environment for the youngest inquisitive minds in our care.
Toddler Childcare
(19 month- young 3 year olds)
In our Toddler Program, children engage in a curriculum that guides their daily discovery and hands-on exploration.
Preschool & Pre K Childcare
(3 to 4 year olds)
Our Active Start Preschool programs foster growth through our very own Montessori-inspired curriculum for math and literacy, paired with Reggio-inspired art and creativity.
Kinder / OOSC Childcare
(Kinder / Before & After School Child Care)
Our Out of School Care program supplements your child's school learning with engaging, inquiry-based activities that encourage both an active mind and body.
About Us
Active Start Childcare is a family-owned and operated business with a strong local presence in Calgary and Edmonton. We are dedicated to providing the same award-winning quality of care as our sister centre, Magic Mountain Daycare, which was founded in 1991.
Our accredited centres offer balanced programming to ensure every child receives an exceptional early education experience. We invite you to book a tour to visit our centre and see the difference for yourself.
What Sets Us Apart
Curriculum & Teaching Approach – Montessori, Reggio, Discovery zones, fitness, nutrition.
Discovery Zone
Playgrounds
Fitness
Early Learning
Child Development
Imaginative Play
Nutrition & Safety
Communication
Discovery Zone
Playgrounds
Fitness
Early Learning
Child Development
Imaginative Play
Nutrition
Communication
Our Centres
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Active Start and Magic Mountain the same?
Active Start Childcare and Magic Mountain Daycare are sister centres that share a common foundation. Magic Mountain Daycare, which was founded in 1991, has been recognized as "Best Daycare in Airdrie"for many years. Active Start Childcare is committed to bringing that same quality of care to families in Calgary and Edmonton.
How do I enroll?
You can register and book a tour for a location through our website.
What are your child care centre hours?
Our centers are open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What programs do you offer?
We offer programs for a variety of age groups, including daycare, preschool, pre-kindergarten, and before- and after-school care for children from 12 months to school age. Our curriculum is based on an inquiry-based learning approach that combines Montessori and Reggio teaching philosophies.
Does Active Start have a gym and indoor playground?
Yes, our centres are designed with activity in mind and include well-stocked indoor gymnasiums and play areas. These spaces provide opportunities for children to run, play, and engage in organized activities and sports. We focus on developing gross motor skills and teamwork, and our facilities allow for physical activity regardless of the weather.
How do you communicate with families?
We use a variety of communication methods tokeep parents informed. This includes:
- Daily personalized journal entries through our ChildFriendly Pro parent app.(include link to ChildFriendly)·
- Monthly newsletters with upcoming themes and events.
- Individual progress reports three times a year (October, February, and June) to update parents on their child's academic and developmental progress.
What about meals and allergies?
Each centre follows allergy-aware practices. Meal and snack provisions vary—your location can confirm what’s included.
What Our Parents Say
Hear from our community.
“I’m absolutely impressed with Active Start.”
The front desk staff are very friendly when we check-in and the teachers always have a positive attitude and genuinely care about each kid in the room. The facility is new and very clean, with lots of space in the rooms for kids to play. The daily updates on the app are very useful. It’s nice to see a daily description and photos of what the kids are learning and what types of activities they're participating in.
“My Daughter loves this Daycare.
She has tried different ones but this one is her favourite. The staff are always welcoming to kids and I have personally seen a huge development in my child. She learns something new every day and she shares with us as well."
“My son simply loves going to Active Start.
He is clearly active throughout the day and his development has skyrocketed since we began. I can tell by our conversations in the car on the way home what he has learned about and how excited he is. Our son has some health issues so communication is HUGE to us. The staff keep us informed of everything and we trust them completely. I would highly recommend Active Start to others."
Quality Care. Lasting Impact. Join our community today 🤍
