Our History

Since 1981, RisingOaks Early Learning (formerly Owl Child Care Services of Ontario) has evolved from a single centre to now operating nine (9) early learning and child care centres across Waterloo Region. As we continue to grow and increase brand recognition and awareness, we honour the past by remaining a trusted partner in the community with parents, schools and each other. Rebranding is part of that evolution and helps us to differentiate within a very competitive market as we focus on a new and improved brand strategy so that we can more clearly communicate our values and brand promise – and to ensure that we are delivering on those promises, providing the highest quality early learning and care for children.

What does all this mean to you? 

It’s really quite simple. With convenient locations, a rich history of success, a vision for the future, and our learning through play approach, RisingOaks Early Learning is a centre of discovery you know you can trust for your child’s early learning experiences. 

Through play, children learn how to learn.

Jan 1, 2021

Launch of RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario

The new RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario brand is launched with a focus on learn, grow, play as the foundation of the brand strategy.

Jan 1, 2021

May 19, 2020

Members approve legal name change

After extensive research and collaboration, the members approved a special resolution to change the name of the corporation to RisingOaks Early Learning Ontario and direct the board to proceed with the transition.

June 15, 2017

Change to federal incorporation

Upon approval of the members, the board proceed with a change in jurisdiction from Ontario to Federal (Canada) with one class of membership. See www.risingoaks.ca/membership for details.

June 15, 2017

Jan 13, 1998

Charities Act Registration

The board of directors is successful in its application to become a registered charit

Aug 27, 1991

Not-for-Profit Incorporation

Led by the founders, Owl is officially incorporated and gets a new name: Owl Child Care Services of Ontario. In doing so, the new board of directors acquired Owl's centres and programs from the previous owners. 

Aug 27, 1991

Sept 1, 1981

Owl is born

In September 1981 Louise DeCorso and Chris Findlay opened their first child care centre at Forest Hill Public School. They called it Owl Day Care.