At New Dawn, we believe that all children are capable, unique, and full of potential

We are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where every child feels safe, welcomed, and empowered to discover their innate gifts.

We recognize the value of strong, positive relationships and strive to build and maintain meaningful connections with our young participants, their families, our staff, and the broader community.

Our After School Program is grounded in a commitment to fundamental movement and emphasizes the importance of spending time in nature to support holistic development.

September 2025

The New Dawn After School Program will launch this September in four new schools within the Cape Breton Victoria Regional Centre for Education (CBVRCE) catchment.

New Dawn is a provincially approved community provider and our program is part of the Nova Scotia Before and After Care Program, providing on-site care for children aged 4 to 12 who are enrolled in the Pre-primary or public school system. The program offers a seamless extension of the school day focused on outdoor play, physical activity, and overall well-being. It is a fee-based program, with subsidies available to eligible families. (See all Before and After Care Program locations here.)

Glace Bay

John Bernard Croak V.C. Memorial School
St. Anne’s Elementary School

Reserve Mines

Tompkins Memorial Elementary School

Donkin

Donkin School

In time, we hope to be able expand this program to other schools in the catchment who do not currently have after school care.

Program Highlights

Welcoming and supporting
all children

Our programming, training, materials, and staffing are designed to welcome and support all children, including those with diverse abilities and those who may require extra support. With provincial funding, we will have inclusive materials (toys, arts & crafts, sensory-rich activities, outdoor play, etc.) for all children to enjoy and can add additional staff as needed to ensure every child feels safe, supported, and engaged.

Ages

Open to children ages 4–12, with priority given to Pre-primary, Primary, and Grade One students

Hours

After school until 5:30 PM, Monday to Friday (Program follows the CBVRCE school calendar. There is no after school care on non-school days.)

Focus

Outdoor active play and physical literacy. At least 90 minutes of daily movement. A minimum of 60 minutes outdoors, year-round (weather permitting).

Snacks

Provided daily and include at least two food groups, one being fruit or vegetables.

Fee

New Dawn After School Program costs $17 per day. Thanks to funding from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, every family automatically receives a $3.25 fee reduction, making the cost just $13.75 per day. Families may also be eligible for additional support through the Child Care Subsidy Program, which can help cover the remaining costs (learn more and submit an application here).

Registration

To register your child, please complete our intake form.

Please complete one form for every child you would like to register.

Register Now

Please note: We understand the challenge of finding quality childcare and are committed to keeping families informed. We will contact you as soon as possible to confirm if your child has a space in a cohort at their school. If a cohort fills, we will begin a waitlist and launch new cohorts as staffing allows.

Our Philosophy

Mission

Provide an enriched, supportive environment tailored to each child’s individual needs, fostering the development of the “whole” child. Our goal is to nurture self-reliance and a positive sense of self in every child we serve.

Inclusion

At New Dawn After School Program, we value the dignity, worth, and rights of every individual—regardless of beliefs, religion, gender, age, income, culture, or diverse abilities. We believe that everyone deserves respect and to be valued for who they are.

We are committed to equal treatment for all. Our materials and programming are designed to celebrate diversity and inclusion, and are adaptable to meet the needs of every child. Inclusion is not just a principle—it is reflected in our everyday practices and interactions with the children.

Our staff at New Dawn After School Program are dedicated to consistently demonstrating culturally and linguistically responsive, inclusive practices that support and uplift every child and family we serve.

Family Communication

We believe that strong partnerships with families are essential to every child’s success. We are committed to fostering open, respectful, and meaningful communication.

Our Approach to Family Communication:

  • Foster trust through open, honest, and respectful communication
  • Acknowledge families as their child’s first and most important teachers
  • Value and respect cultural, linguistic, and individual diversity in every interaction
  • Be approachable, empathetic, and supportive in all communication
  • Maintain a calm, respectful, and solution-focused tone, even during challenging conversations

Keeping Families Informed and Involved:

  • Share brief updates or highlights of each child’s day
  • Provide timely updates about program news, upcoming events, and any changes
  • Offer visual or written summaries of daily activities and program planning
  • Ensure families are aware of the program website and how to access information
  • Use a variety of communication methods (e.g., email, phone calls, newsletters, in-person chats) to meet individual family needs

Building Strong Connections:

  • Invite families to contribute ideas, resources, and skills to enrich the program experience
  • Celebrate and acknowledge family contributions, ensuring every family feels welcome, valued, and included in our community

Staff

April Benoit
Early Childhood Education Manager abenoit@newdawn.ca 902-539-9560

Contact

902-539-9560
newdawn@newdawn.ca
37 Nepean St, Sydney NS

Job Postings

Title Schedule Wage/Salary Status
Support Staff, After School Program Permanent, Part-Time (Monday-Friday, 2:00pm - 5:30pm) $20.00/hr APPLY by September 8, 2025 CLOSED
Early Childcare Education Manager Permanent/Full-Time $70,000 annually APPLY by November 1, 2024 CLOSED

Recent News

Get in touch

New Dawn Enterprises
37 Nepean St, Sydney, Nova Scotia B1P 6A7
newdawn@newdawn.ca
902-539-9560

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Eymu’ti’k Unama’ki

Eymu’ti’k Unama’ki, newte’jk l’uiknek te’sikl Mi’kmawe’l maqamikall mna’q iknmuetumittl. Ula maqamikew wiaqi-wikasik Wantaqo’tie’l aqq I’lamatultimkewe’l Ankukamkewe’l Mi’kmaq aqq Eleke’wuti kisa’matultisnik 1726ek.

We are in Unama’ki, one of the seven traditional and unceded ancestral territories of the people of Mi’kma’ki. This territory is covered by the Treaties of Peace and Friendship which the Mi’kmaq first signed with the British Crown in 1726.

Ketu’-keknuite’tmek aqq kepmite’tmek ula tela’matultimkip wjit maqamikew ta’n etekl mtmo’taqne’l. Ula tett, ula maqamikek, etl-lukutiek l’tunen aqq apoqntmnen apoqnmasimk aqq weliknamk Unama’ki.

We wish to recognize and honour this understanding of the lands on which we reside. It is from here, on these lands, that we work to create and support a culture of self-reliance and vibrancy.

Your Gift Will Be Matched Until December 31st

AuCoin Renovations is matching all donations to the New Dawn Youth and Family Centre up to $10,000.

Glace Bay’s young people deserve a safe, welcoming place to learn, grow, and belong. The new Youth & Family Centre is being built for them, and your gift can help open its doors.

Give Now