Allegro is deeply committed to nurturing the growth of early childhood professionals in Nova Scotia. As an accredited Lab School in partnership with Oxford International Career College, offers placement and practicum opportunities for students enrolled in Early Childhood Education from both OICC and approved post-secondary institutions.
Placements at Allegro provide future Early Childhood Educators with hands-on, reflective work experience that supports their transition into the workforce. Students learn best practices, professional dispositions, and pedagogical skills required to offer high-quality, relationship-based care and education for children and families.
What Is a Lab School?
An Accredited Lab School in Nova Scotia is a licensed child care centre that also functions as a professional learning and training environment for Early Childhood Educators.
Lab school status is granted by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to centres that meet provincial standards and demonstrate strong pedagogical leadership, ethical practice, and mentorship capacity.
At Allegro, the lab school model allows students to experience how theory, reflection, and practice live together in real time.
How Lab Schools Benefit Everyone
For Post-Secondary Institutions
- Stay connected to current, day-to-day practice in the early learning sector
- Strengthen theory-to-practice connections for students
For Students
- Learn within an active, licensed early learning environment
- Observe and participate in real curriculum decision-making
- Build professional confidence and identity
For Educators & Centres
- Additional support within learning environments
- Increased time for observation, documentation, and reflection
- Opportunities for mentorship and leadership development
For Children
- Meaningful interactions with approved students from diverse backgrounds
- Additional attention, perspectives, and relational engagement
- Enriched learning experiences grounded in curiosity and care
Our Commitment
As a lab school partner, Allegro Child Care Centre is committed to:
- Providing meaningful, supervised placement experiences
- Creating a respectful, inclusive, and psychologically safe learning environment
- Supporting student growth through mentorship and dialogue
- Preparing future educators who are thoughtful, reflective, and child-centred
allegrochildcare.ca 