01
Children are capable
Children are trusted to make choices, solve problems, care for their environment and gradually do more for themselves.
Our School
Built around childhood—not around rushing through it.
Clever Cubs was created around a simple belief: young children deserve educators who know them, environments they can use independently and enough time to become deeply involved in the work of childhood.
01What We Believe
What we believe.
02
Play is real learning
Building, drawing, pretending, experimenting and negotiating are not breaks from learning. They are some of the most important ways young children make sense of the world.
03
Ideas deserve time
We do not rush children from one activity to the next. A worthwhile question, construction or investigation may continue for days or weeks.
04
Relationships come first
Children learn best when they feel safe, known and valued. Strong relationships make curiosity, confidence and meaningful learning possible.
02Our Classrooms
Classrooms children know how to use.
Our classrooms are arranged so children can see, reach, choose and return materials independently.
Open shelving, creative materials, books, construction areas, dramatic play and spaces for both collaboration and quiet concentration help children make purposeful choices throughout the day.
The goal is not a picture-perfect room.
It is a thoughtful, welcoming classroom that invites children to participate, concentrate and do more for themselves.
03Our Educators
The people around your child.
Ms. Melanie
Program Supervisor
Bear Cubs Educator
Level 3 ECE · 15+ years of experience
“My goal is to foster the whole child, supporting their social, emotional and physical growth while recognizing that every child is unique and capable.”
Ms. Melissa
Bear Cubs Educator
Level 1 ECE · 5+ years of experience
“I feel children thrive in a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn through play, build independence and develop a lifelong love of learning.”
Ms. Alyssa
Lion Cubs Educator
Level 3 ECE · 5+ years of experience
“I believe children are capable, curious learners who thrive when their ideas are valued and they feel safe to explore, ask questions and take risks.”
Ms. Kaitlyn
Lion Cubs Educator
Level 3 ECE · 5+ years of experience
“I see children as natural leaders in their own learning, and our role is to create meaningful opportunities for exploration, creativity and discovery.”
Our dedicated floating educator supports both classrooms, providing continuity, flexibility and additional care wherever it is needed.
04Our Community
Small enough to know each child.
Clever Cubs is intentionally a small preschool community. Educators know the children’s interests, friendships, strengths, challenges and the stories they bring through the door each morning.
Children know the adults around them, families become familiar faces and small changes do not go unnoticed. That sense of belonging is the foundation of our school.
05Our Story
Where a teacher’s experience meets a mother’s expectations.
Clever Cubs began with a simple question: Why wasn’t there a preschool that felt truly designed for children, and worked for working families?
As an elementary teacher and a mother of four, I was looking for what many parents want: a preschool that respected childhood, understood how young children learn and prepared them for school without asking them to grow up too quickly.
I also needed a preschool that fit real life. Traditional two or three hour programs did not work around a full-time career, but I was not willing to compromise on the quality of my children’s early education. Families should not have to choose between an exceptional preschool and a schedule that works for them.
When I could not find a school that brought those things together, I created Clever Cubs, a place I would be proud to send my own children every day.
Clever Cubs grew from two parts of my life: the experience of a teacher and the perspective of a mother. With a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina, a Master of Education from the University of Calgary and teaching experience in Saskatchewan, Alberta and international schools across Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, I built the school around what I know helps children thrive: meaningful relationships, thoughtful environments, developmentally appropriate learning and educators who believe children are capable.
My youngest child still attends Clever Cubs. Every decision we make, from the classrooms and materials to the daily rhythm and learning experiences, is shaped by the same question I ask as both an educator and a parent:
Would I want this for my own child?
If the answer is not an immediate yes, we keep improving until it is.
Megen Ababneh
Founder & Director
Wondering if Clever Cubs is the right fit?
Explore our programs, join the waitlist or reach out with a question. We’re happy to help you decide whether Clever Cubs is right for your family.