Every child deserves a warm, welcoming and flexible classroom environment where discovery and learning can happen naturally. Whether your child is an infant or toddler, pre-k or kindergarten, West Vancouver Child Development Centre will provide them with the care and support they need to develop a love of learning and become lifelong learners.
Our Programs
We offer several programs designed to meet the needs of children and families. In addition to our regular child care services, we also provide Supported Child Development (SCD) and Aboriginal Supported Child Development programs.
Supported Child Development is an inclusive approach that supports children, youth and staff in licensed daycare, preschool or out of school care programs as they work together to meet their unique development needs. SCD Consultants support the development of inclusive principles and practices in child care settings, including strategies for inclusion, fostering positive social interaction and building social emotional skills.
SCD works in partnership with licensed daycare, preschool and out of school care programs and families to develop individual planning plans that are respectful of the cultural, economic, linguistic, and physical diversity of each family. Families and service providers have a voice in the development of their child’s plan by being involved as members of the local SCD Advisory Committee.
Our Head Start program provides a holistic approach that is built around the whole child and is responsive to the community environment in which they live. Our Head Start programs are free to Skwxwu7mesh Uxwumixw (Squamish Nation) families with children ages 3 – 5.
In keeping with a First Nations perspective, our child and youth workers focus on life-changing skills that support children and youth in their development, relationships with peers and caring adults and building a healthy home environment. We also offer a variety of youth programs, camps and one-on-one support to build self-esteem and confidence so they can be healthy contributing adults in their communities. Our staff and partners are proud of the work we do to improve the lives of West Vancouver children and their families.
Our Staff
Our staff is a talented group of individuals committed to providing a high quality of care for your child. All of them have an array of qualifications, skills and experiences that they use to ensure your child’s experience at West Vancouver Child Development Centre is fun, safe and educational.
Our team includes a number of specialists in various fields that work together to provide a variety of programs and services. For example, our Aboriginal Supported Child Development (ASCD) program provides innovative support for children and youth up to 19 years of age in licensed daycare, preschool or out of school care who need extra help.
Our staff also have a passion for innovation, resulting in the development of a wide range of unique and exciting activities that help your child learn, grow and thrive. We even have a staff awards and recognition program that highlights the best of the best amongst our team members! To see how we can help your family, please contact us today! Our friendly team will be happy to assist you in your search for quality care and a better future.
Our Environment
The West Vancouver Child Development Centre is a beautifully located daycare, south of the rail track in Ambleside Park next to Ambleside Adventure Playground. This beautiful, fully licensed child care facility offers infant and toddler programming that follows a play-based approach.
It also features an outdoor area that encourages exploration and learning through the natural environment, including adventures on the Spirit Trail, building sand castles at Ambleside beach and playing in the interactive playground. Designed to provide a safe and engaging space for children, this centre is equipped with a ramp and accessible washrooms.
Located on a bus line, this childcare facility is close to a variety of amenities. It is a great choice for parents who need convenient access to childcare in West Vancouver.
While the province and federal government earmarked $31.8 million in 2021-22 to expand supported child development programs that create individual plans, work with child care providers and hire specialized support workers, some facilities still struggle to recruit enough qualified ECEs. Denise Ting, whose three-year-old son attends Little Sprout Preschool in Vancouver, says the school is operating on a week-to-week basis because it can’t find enough ECEs to fill vacancies when they’re sick or take time off.
A North Vancouver daycare was destroyed by fire overnight, a reminder of the challenge that many British Columbians face finding quality early childhood education and care. It’s part of a growing national problem that has been identified by parents in more than 30 communities across the province, says Collingwood Neighbourhood House executive director David Scott.
In other parts of the province, parents tell Newbury that some daycares aren’t even able to offer their children a place because they can’t afford the extra costs of supporting the child with special needs. As a result, some families are putting their children on long waiting lists for services that could help them succeed in life.
To address the challenge, the province has invested more than $2.7 billion in ChildCareBC over the last five years, including more than 26,000 new licensed child care spaces. This investment has reduced barriers to families and increased access to quality early learning for children. It has also enhanced ECE compensation by $4 per hour, providing more money to early childhood educators to support their transition to the workforce and enhance their professional development.
Our Community
There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the right child care for your children. You want to find a place that’s safe, educational and fun – it can be a daunting task! Fortunately, West Vancouver Child Development Centre has got you covered.
Located in Ambleside Park, this beautiful daycare features a number of fun and innovative learning tools designed to promote and stimulate your child’s cognitive and social development. Your child will love interacting with the friendly and creative staff, and will learn valuable life skills by playing, exploring and creating.
The facility itself is beautifully decorated and is equipped with a number of learning centers, including an art studio. The staff are all trained in early childhood education and development to help your child reach their full potential.
This non-profit childcare facility is owned and operated by a local family, which has been providing childcare services in West Vancouver for four decades. They have an excellent reputation for delivering a variety of high quality, inclusive and stimulating programs that your child will truly enjoy.
They also offer a number of other services to enhance your child’s development and provide you with peace of mind. For example, their child health clinics feature a full range of immunizations, checkups and other important medical information to ensure your little one’s safety.
Another great service offered by West Vancouver Child Development Centre is their toy lending library, which aims to give your kids the best start in learning and development through a wide range of interactive toys. This is a fun and affordable way to encourage your child’s imagination and learning!
Our SCD program is designed to assist families and their children, up to 12 years of age, in licensed daycare, preschool or out of school care programs. It focuses on inclusion, a concept that means that children with extra support needs can participate as fully as possible in a child care environment.
It is the smartest way to improve child development and increase family engagement. It is a partnership between the government, parents and child care programs to ensure more kids in BC get access to the best possible child care. This is achieved through a reinvestment in new licensed child care spaces, improved funding for child care resources and referral centres, and training and education opportunities for educators and support services professionals.
Among many other things, David A. Grantham is a contributing author to UmassExtension West Vancouver Blo. He is a renowned expert on real estate in BC.
Born in North Vancouver, Louisiana, Dr. Grantham grew up in Lower Lonsdale. He then went on to complete his business degree at the University British Columbia. As of this writing, Grantham has completed over 100 projects, including the development of a high rise building in Vancouver.
He is a husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He was a dedicated outdoorsman and enjoyed sports such as hunting, fishing, scuba diving, and snow skiing. His wife, Alison Grantham, and their two daughters survived him. He is survived by his wife Alison Martin Grantham and two daughters.