Faded, worn white brick wall with visible texture and imperfections.
Children dressed in winter clothing standing on snow, holding a large fish they caught, with a snowy landscape and a clear blue sky in the background.
Black background with a decorative gold wavy border, but no other visible objects or details.

A PLACE WHERE EVERY CHILD CAN GROW AND TAKE FLIGHT

Welcome to Chickadee N.E.S.T.

Chickadee was built on a simple idea: kids learn best when they feel regulated, grounded and understood.

Our programs run during the school day and are designed to complement your child’s learning path, whether they attend school, homeschool or follow another learning model. We work alongside families and schools to give children the time and space to get what they need to return to learning ready to engage. We welcome all children, especially neurodivergent learners, who need a different way to learn and connect.

Explore Programs
Register

THE N.E.S.T. EXPERIENCE

EMOTIONAL REGULATION COMES FIRST

We give children the time, space and support they need to regulate, including movement, sensory supports and breaks when needed.

SMALL GROUPS AND EXTRA STAFF SUPPORT

Groups of 6 to 12 children, with at least one staff member for every 5 kids.

CHILD-LED LEARNING

We let your child's interests and curiosity guide how they learn.

ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT WHEN NEEDED

Additional care is available to help children participate safely and comfortably.

PREDICTABLE DAILY SCHEDULES

Learning on the land is built into our daily routine.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS

Spaces are adapted to help all children feel safe, supported, and regulated.

Learn more about chickadee
A branch with green, serrated leaves against a white background.

OUR PROGRAMS

Our programs help kids build confidence, develop resilience, and explore their interests at their own pace in a supportive environment.

  • A young boy with blonde hair using binoculars at a waterfront, with stairs leading down to the water, a calm body of water, trees and modern buildings in the background, and a cloudy sky.

    Chickadee N.E.S.T.

    Ages: 6 to 12 years
    Days offered: Monday to Thursday
    Schedule: Mornings, afternoons, or full days 

    Flexible daytime programming that offers children, especially those who are neurodivergeant, a supportive learning environment to build confidence and learn in a way that fits who they are.

    Learn More
  • Looking up at snow-covered evergreen and deciduous trees against a clear blue sky.

    Falcon Peak

    Ages: 11 to 14 years
    Days offered: Details Coming Soon
    Schedule: Details Coming Soon

    A free drop-in program where youth in Yellowknife can hang out with new  friends and explore their passions in a safe, supportive space. Participants take the lead by planning projects based on their own skills and interests.

    Learn More
  • Children painting outdoors on wooden planks laid on grass in a park-like area on a sunny day.

    PD Days

    Ages: 6 to 12 years
    Days offered: On school PD days
    Schedule: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

    Full-day programming that follows the familiar daily rhythm of our N.E.S.T. program, with a balance of calm, structured indoor time in the morning, and afternoons spent outside in nature and exploring the community.

    Learn More
  • Children and an adult making paper airplanes with craft supplies on a wooden table inside a room.

    Seasonal Camps

    Ages: 6 to 12 years
    Days offered: School breaks
    Schedule: Monday to Friday
    Time: 8:30 am - 4:00 pm

    Turn school breaks into adventures! Themed week-long camps offer kids a chance to explore their interests through hands-on experiences, time in nature and connecting with the community.

    Learn More

LEARNING THROUGH COMMUNITY

People gathered around a table, with one man demonstrating fish cleaning, a young girl observing, and others watching, in an indoor setting.
Empty black circular badge with white wavy border

Community is a big part of the Chickadee experience.

Children are always learning from the people and places around them. Our community partners help by sharing skills, teaching about their culture, leading experiences on the land, or providing resources to make new projects possible.

Have a skill or story to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Learn more
Contact our team

CREATING CHANGE TOGETHER

Children and an adult standing and sitting on rocky ground outdoors with a large body of water and trees in the background, under a bright sun with lens flare in the sky.

We want to see a North where every child has the support they need to participate fully in their community.

Across the NWT, many families struggle to find accessible, affordable programs that accommodate their children’s unique learning and social needs. We’re working to change that. Investing in Chickadee helps keep these programs accessible to all children and youth, building a more inclusive NWT where every kid can thrive.

A pine branch with blue-green needles and a pine cone on a light gray background.
EXPLORE HOW YOU CAN HELP

SUPPORT AND RESOURCES

Kids have a lot to teach us when we take the time to be curious and listen. 

We’re sharing what we learn along the way, offering stories, practical strategies, ideas and helpful resources to help you support the children you care for.

find tips and resources
A group of children and a dog standing near a lake on a sunny day, looking out at the water with trees in the background.
Empty decorative frame with a scalloped edge and gold outline on a transparent background.

NEWS FROM THE N.E.S.T.

There’s always something happening at Chickadee! Join our newsletter to follow along and stay in touch.