our story

Bambini was born out of the community gathering piazzas in Italy, a magical place where children, families, and people from all walks of life come together.

Bambini’s founder, Teresa Anselmo, grew up in a small town in southern Italy and moved to Edmonton at the age of six; but her connection to the tight-knit community influenced her in keeping her heritage close to heart

Teresa’s humble childcare journey started with a small dayhome, before she finally took the big leap and opened her first child care centre in west Edmonton in the late 1990’s. The program expanded along with Teresa’s vision for what child care should be like.

In January 2014, she opened Ages and Stages in the Hamptons area of West Edmonton. Then in 2017 Bambini was officially launched after Bambini’s entire leadership team personally traveled to the learning schools and conferences in Reggio Emilia, Italy. From here, the vision for Bambini grew and flourished; Bambini fought to forever change the basic standards in the childcare industry and continues to set the benchmark higher.

Teresa saw the beauty of holistic, Reggio-inspired child care, and believed children needed beautiful spaces and places to learn, grow, and explore. This continues to be evident with the newer centres. In January 2020 Granville Bambini opened its doors as a one-of-a-kind, custom-built child care centre which was constructed with children, staff, families, and the community in mind. In early 2022 Bambini set the bar even higher with the opening of the Jensen Lakes, St. Albert location which not only won the Alberta creating space award in 2021, but went on to gain national recognition with the winning of the Best of Canada interior design award.

Bambini recognizes the overwhelming modern day stresses placed on families. We continue to evolve and grow in fulfilling our purpose to strengthen the communities in which we operate, whether it’s through family yoga and community events hosted at our beautiful piazzas, or our recently launched Bambini HOPE initiative which serves and empowers local charities.

Throughout our growth journey we are committed to our roots inspired by the local community gathering piazzas in Italy. We look forward to welcoming your family to the Bambini family!

The Bambini Way

With a holistic approach that emerges from a unique blend of Reggio-Inspired practices and a distinct view of the child, childhood and the family, the Bambini Pedagogy is an experience like no other.

​At Bambini, children and families experience a child care program that engages mind, body and spirit, fostering holistic wellness and growth. Our approach brings the most up-to-date research to life within its design, play resources, teaching strategies and overall program.

​Bambini’s family support and development initiatives support and embrace parents and caregivers, offering families the opportunity to grow stronger and healthier together.

How Do We Teach?

Through Bambini’s holistic emergent curriculum, children take the lead in their own learning.

​Educators facilitate children’s learning by using thoughtfully selected teaching strategies that encourage reflection and deep-thinking. Through intentional methods, the child is empowered and they gain a positive self-image as a learner.

This method of teaching occurs through a program that is play-based and child-led, which offers open-ended learning experiences and play resources.

How Do We Teach?

Through Bambini’s holistic emergent curriculum, children take the lead in their own learning.

​Educators facilitate children’s learning by using thoughtfully selected teaching strategies that encourage reflection and deep-thinking. Through intentional methods, the child is empowered and they gain a positive self-image as a learner.

This method of teaching occurs through a program that is play-based and child-led, which offers open-ended learning experiences and play resources.

Communication

Educators communicate with families on a daily basis, discussing their children’s current interests, learning and development.

​A specialized educational app is used to send messages and share photos of children’s play and exploration. So, even though parents may not be physically close to their children during the day, they can still feel connected and be aware of what children have been up to.

Food & Nutrition

The menus are reviewed by a professional nutritionist to ensure that children are getting all the nutrients they need in order to grow and develop to their full potential.

Food & Nutrition

The menus are reviewed by a professional nutritionist to ensure that children are getting all the nutrients they need in order to grow and develop to their full potential.

Hours of Operation

Bambini centres operate Monday to Friday, from 7am to 6.00pm (Hamptons) 6.30am to 6pm (Granville & St. Albert). Office hours are from 9am to 11am, and then again from 3pm to 4pm. Our doors are closed to the public to ensure children’s safety. During office hours, the management team is available in the office. Just ring the bell.

Registration & Tours

Come and visit us! We have various tour dates and times listed on our tours page. Most tours take place during off hours when the centre is closed. If you would like a tour during operational hours, these tours are typically arranged between 9am and 11am, or between 2pm and 4pm, by appointment only. Call us during office hours or send us an email to book your tour.