An Every Child Matters sign and children's shoes were placed along the sidewalk entrance to the Point Edward Early Learning Centre Thursday.
Executive Director Brittany Pask wanted to honour the Indigenous children who attended residential schools on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Main site supervisor Nancy Terpstra said the display really hit home with some parents dropping off their children.
"I've had a few parents have tears, a few mothers having tears, and a father questioning it, and when telling about how we're mourning the residential school children that have passed, they've become solemn and it's made them really think," Terpstra said.
Overall, Terpstra said the response was very positive and sparked meaningful discussion.
"There's been a really good response. A lot of questions and a lot of understanding and support."