When I first began my career in Early Childhood Education, my focus was on creating safe, engaging spaces where children could learn, explore, and feel supported. Over time, what stood out most wasn’t just curriculum or programming, but how relationships shape learning in meaningful and lasting ways.

 

Working at Harbour Landing Village has deepened that understanding. Here, children aren’t learning in isolation. They are part of a broader community that includes seniors, families, and staff, all sharing daily life together. This approach to intergenerational childcare is woven into the Village’s design, alongside senior living in Regina and assisted living in Regina, creating opportunities for connection that happen naturally.

 

Intergenerational Learning in Practice

Harbour Landing Village was intentionally designed to bring generations into close proximity. Childcare, preschool, senior living, assisted living, and shared community spaces coexist, allowing intergenerational learning in Saskatchewan to occur organically rather than through formal programming alone.

 

From an early learning perspective, this creates a different environment. Children regularly interact with older adults as part of their everyday world. Seniors become familiar faces rather than visitors. Over time, small moments—hellos in the hallway, shared smiles, brief conversations—build comfort, recognition, and connection.

 

These interactions are often simple, but their cumulative impact is meaningful.

 

What Research Suggests — and What We Observe

Research on intergenerational learning suggests potential benefits such as increased social connection for seniors and the development of empathy and communication skills in children. Some studies also point to improved mood and cognitive engagement for older adults, while children benefit from exposure to a wider range of communication styles and life experiences.

 

In practice, what we observe day-to-day is less about outcomes and more about atmosphere. Shared spaces tend to feel calmer. Children learn to listen and engage differently. Seniors—whether living independently or receiving assisted living supports—participate through storytelling, encouragement, and quiet presence.

 

These moments aren’t dramatic—but they are deeply human.

 

Shared Experiences That Matter

Beyond everyday interactions, certain events throughout the year create especially meaningful shared experiences for children and seniors alike.

 

Village-wide celebrations such as the Country Jamboree and Cultural Mosaic Expo bring together residents from independent and assisted living, children, families, and staff through music, food, storytelling, and shared traditions. Seasonal parades and holiday celebrations—Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and more—offer opportunities for participation across age groups.

 

Monthly birthday celebrations are another simple but powerful example. Children and residents celebrate milestones together, reinforcing the idea that joy and recognition aren’t tied to age or ability.

 

A Broader Learning Environment

Many early learning environments focus primarily on peer interaction, which is developmentally important. An intergenerational preschool setting adds another layer—relational diversity.

 

Children engage with people who move, speak, and interact differently than their peers. Seniors in both senior living and assisted living in Regina engage with curiosity, patience, and playfulness. Neither group is positioned as the “beneficiary” of the other. Instead, both are participants in a shared community.

 

For families exploring preschool in Regina, this often feels reflective of real life—where generations coexist rather than operate separately.

 

Looking Ahead

Intergenerational living isn’t always predictable. It requires flexibility, respect, and thoughtful boundaries. But when it works well, it adds depth to daily life that’s difficult to replicate in more segmented environments.

 

As part of this approach to intergenerational childcare in Saskatchewan, Harbour Landing Village has opened enrollment for the 2026–2027 Little Village Preschool program.

 

Families interested in learning more about our preschool, senior living, or assisted living community in Regina can find details here:

harbourlandingvillage.ca/early-learning/preschool/

 

At Harbour Landing Village, children don’t just grow through lessons—they grow through relationships, shared experiences, and a community that learns together.

 

Written by Cassidy Anderson | Director of Childcare & Preschool