Built on a belief,
growing in impact.
One small school program. One family’s belief in what the after-school hours could be. Almost two decades later, that belief has grown into an award-winning family of organizations. And the story is still being written.
Since 2010A family success storyNever “just childcare”
TOPP KIDS was built on the belief that the hours before and after school matter deeply. These are not simply transition hours, but powerful moments where confidence is built, friendships are formed, passions are discovered, and children begin shaping who they will become.
Founded in 2010 by Leslie Topp after more than 25 years in Early Learning and Child Care, TOPP KIDS began as a passion project grounded in heart, community, and a deep understanding of children. Leslie believed children learn best when they feel safe enough to be themselves, curious enough to explore, supported enough to take risks, and seen enough to grow.
That belief became the foundation of everything, and it grew into the model that still guides us: PLAY, GROW, LAUGH & LEARN.
One belief, two generations.
Give kids the best hours of their day.
Grow the people and communities around them.
That has been our purpose since day one, and we keep that promise daily.
Four beliefs we practice every single day
Tap a card to see what it looks like in a real club.
The story so far
Sixteen years on one dial. Pick a moment, or press play and let it roll.
2010
A passion project begins
After more than 25 years in early learning and child care, Leslie Topp opens the first TOPP KIDS club in a single school. Her philosophy is ahead of its time: emergent curriculum, physical literacy, and real child voice.
2012
Everything changes
Leslie is diagnosed with Lupus, and her son Cody steps in to carry the vision forward. The mission sharpens: build something worthy of her belief, with quality, culture, and leadership at the centre.
2014
A voice for the sector
Cody becomes Chair of SACDA, the School Age Care Directors Association of Alberta. TOPP KIDS begins shaping the conversation for school-age care far beyond its own clubs.
2016
IGNITE! sparks
In partnership with SACDA, TOPP KIDS takes the helm of the IGNITE! Conference and grows it into the gathering place for school-age care professionals from across the country.
2017
Lights On, Alberta
Lights On Afterschool Alberta launches in partnership with SACDA and under TOPP KIDS leadership, celebrating what happens for thousands of kids when the school bell rings.
Growing
The growing years
Families want more than supervision. They want connection, warmth, and programs their kiddos beg to attend. TOPP KIDS becomes known for exactly that, growing across Calgary, Okotoks, and the Foothills.
2022
Spark of recognition
The BBB Spark Award recognizes what families already know: integrity, character, and community are woven through everything TOPP KIDS does.
2025
An award-winning streak
Named among Canada’s best employers four years running, while Cody is honoured as a Business Elite Top 40 Under 40. Culture is the secret ingredient.
2026
Still growing
New school communities open in Okotoks and DeWinton, each carrying the same gold standard from day one. In the same year, ELCC & Community Development expands into a national platform, taking our professional development work coast to coast.
Today
The story continues
TOPP KIDS Out of School Clubs, the TOPP KIDS Foundation, ELCC & Community Development, SACDA, and IGNITE! One belief, one gold standard, one family.
How we show up
Ask any Family Member what we stand for. They will tell you.
We thrive on creating fun group and learning experiences for our kids and our team
We share ideas and communicate openly. Share fearlessly!
We are genuine, considerate, and respectful
We are problem solvers with a can-do attitude
We believe every child can be coached to develop leadership skills
We support creativity and personal growth
We keep our environments safe and respectful for kids and staff alike
We are inclusive and embrace diversity through mutual respect
And the people who bring all of this to life? We don’t call them staff. We call them our Family Members.
Our collective vision is to be recognized as outstanding childcare programs that create society’s next generation of leaders through play, exploration, and coaching.
Five promises, kept daily
Spin through the promises. Tap any one to open it.
Commitment to quality
One shared gold standard across every club, backed by a quality framework we hold ourselves to daily and an award wall that keeps growing.
Focus on growth
From one school program to school communities across Calgary, Okotoks, and the Foothills. We grow on purpose, and never at the cost of quality.
An employer of choice
Named among Canada’s best employers year after year. Our Family Members stay, grow, and lead, because culture comes first.
Strength in communities
The TOPP KIDS Foundation, ELCC & Community Development, Lights On Afterschool, SACDA, and IGNITE! all pull in one direction: stronger communities for children everywhere.
Leadership and life skills
Child-led programming, our Leadership Program, and the Youth Advisory Group grow confident kids into capable young leaders, one afternoon at a time.
🏅Commitment to quality
📈Focus on growth
💼An employer of choice
🌍Strength in communities
🌟Leadership and life skills
More than clubs: a family of organizations
One belief, three organizations, all pulling the same direction.
TOPP KIDS Out of School Clubs
Quality school-age care in school communities across Calgary, Okotoks, and the Foothills. The heart of everything, since 2010.
TOPP KIDS Foundation
Extending impact beyond our programs: community initiatives, family supports, and helping every family access quality care.
ELCC & Community Development
A professional development hub lifting Canada’s early learning and child care sector.
The next chapter has your kiddo in it
Almost two decades in, we’re still building, and your family is invited.
