Education and Child Care Information for Expats in Vancouver
Lots of Vancouver moms are professionals who go back to work part-time after the birth of their child, and so there are a lot of childcare options available. Children can attend public or private preschools, daycares, or be looked after by a nanny. Keep in mind that the best preschools and daycares have long waiting lists and it is worthwhile to register your child well beforehand (sometimes even before they are born!), if possible.
The Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport (HLS) provides a publication to assist parents in finding the right kind of child care and can be accessed here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health
The West Coast Child Care Resource Centre provides information and referrals to parents seeking child care: http://www.wstcoast.org/. They can also be contacted by phone at 604-709-5661.
Preschools
Registration for many preschools begins in January of the year your child will be starting school in September. There are different types of preschools in Vancouver: play-based, Montessori, Waldorf, and parent-participation.
Play-Based Preschools
The curriculum of these preschools is based on play, both facilitated and non-facilitated. Typically the program includes some structured activities. Many play-based preschools in Vancouver are operated out of community centers.
Montessori Preschools
A less structured method of learning in which children learn abstract concepts at their own pace without the use of textbooks or workbooks; each program is different. Many good Montessori preschools in Vancouver have a one-two year waiting list.
Reach for the Stars Montessori Learning Academy — http://www.reachforthestarsmontessori.com/
Three locations with varying programs; optional enrichment programs, see website.
- 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver BC
- Near the Nanaimo SkyTrain station
Preschool, Kindergarten and Extended Day
Focus on Languages and Art
Cantonese, Spanish & Music
- 3110 Sophia Street, Vancouver BC
(near Main and 15th Ave)
Preschool, Kindergarten and Extended Day
Cantonese and Music
info@reachforthestarsmontessori.com
Phone: 604-688-STAR (7827)
Fax: 604-432-7200
For Tuition Rates and Application/Registration Fees please contact the school at 604-688-STAR (7827).
Waldorf Preschool
The focus is on natural play and rhythms, imaginative play and learning. Noticeable absence of plastic toys. There are only a few Waldorf preschools in Vancouver.
The Vancouver Waldorf School — http://www.vws.ca/
Typical Waldorf program.
2725 St Christophers Road
North Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 985-7435
Fax: (604) 985-4948
Email: Admissions – admissions@vws.ca
General and Other Enquiries – reception@vws.ca
Evergreen Pre-School – A Montessori School for Children
Montessori Evergreen Preschool & Kindergarten – 3860 Trafalgar St, Vancouver, BC
One of the best Pre-schools in Vancouver is the Evergreen Pre-School. You can reach them at 604-736-8373
Parent-Participation Preschool
Non-profit schools, founded and maintained by parents. Parents participate in the classroom and administration of the school.
Bayview Parent Participation Preschool at Bayview Community School — http://www.bayviewppp.com/index.html
Located on Vancouver’s Westside, play-based parent participation preschool.
2251 Collingwood Street, Vancouver, BC
604-313-4992
Bilingual/French Immersion Preschool
Learning is either totally in French, or in both French and English. For those going on to French Immersion school, French Immersion preschool is a good choice.
Address: 1555 W 7th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1S1
Pré-Maternelle Pomme d’Api Preschool — http://www.pommedapi.org/
Play-based French Immersion school for three to five year-old children.
2551 East 49th Avenue
Vancouver, BC
604-877-1122
information@pommedapi.org
Daycare
In order to find the best daycare for your child, you will likely want to use a referral service, such as the West Coast Child Care Resource Centre, listed in the opening paragraph. The YMCA of Greater Vancouver operates licensed childcare services, including full-time care for newborns up to 5 years of age.
West Coast Child Care Resource Centre — http://www.wstcoast.org/
Lots of locations for convenience.
Contact specific location for fee information.
Burnaby
Metrotown YMCA Child Care
Professional Level – 4th Floor
489 – 4800 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5H 4J2
Tel: 604-439-9618
Fax: 604-439-9677
Ages: Three mos. – five yrs.
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Schools Served: Maywood Elementary Annex
Chilliwack
YMCA Chilliwack General Hospital Day Care
45600 Menholm Rd.
Chilliwack, BC V2P 1P7
Tel: 604-795-2271
Fax: 604-795-2271
Ages: Three yrs. – five yrs.
Hours: 6:45 am – 5:45 pm
Full-day or part-day care
YMCA Elm Drive Child Care Centre
8855 B Elm Dr.
Chilliwack, BC V2P 4Y8
Tel: 604-792-7823
Fax: 604-792-7823
Ages: 6 months – five yrs. old
Hours: Mon – Fri, 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Richmond
Little Pilots YMCA Child Care
1891 Wellington Cres.
Richmond, BC V7B 1G6
Tel: 604-273-2603
Fax: 604-273-5854
Ages: 30 mos. – five yrs.
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Schools Served: Sea Island Annex
Surrey
Tong Louie Junior Child Care
(Located in the YMCA)
14988 57 Ave.
Surrey, BC V3S 7S6
Tel: 604-575-5515
Fax: 604-575-3132
Ages: 30 mos. – five yrs.
Hours: 7:00 am – 6:00 pm
Vancouver
Beach YMCA Child Care
1475 Burrard St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B5
Tel: 604-683-3834
Fax: 604-683-3821
Ages: 30 mos. – five yrs.
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Little Beach Child Care
1475 Burrard St.
Vancouver, BC V6Z 3B5
Tel: 604-683-3417
Fax: 604-683-3821
Ages: 18 mos. – 36 mos.
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
False Creek YMCA Child Care
1399 Fountain Way
Vancouver, BC V6H 3T3
Tel: 604-732-7733
Fax: 604-732-7403
Ages: 30 mos. – five yrs.
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Schools Served: False Creek Elementary
Nanook YMCA Child Care
1255 E. 10th Ave.
Vancouver, BC V5T 2B6
Tel: 604-872-7011
Fax: 604-872-7011
Ages: 18 mos. – five yrs.
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Schools Served: Queen Alexander
Mole Hill YMCA Child Care
1164 Comox St.
Vancouver, BC V6E 1K5
Tel: 604-684-9628
Fax: 604-684-9627
Ages: 30 mos. – five yrs.
Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm
Schools Served: Lord Roberts Annex
Finding a Nanny
The best way to find a good nanny is to go through an established agency. Such agencies take care of the screening process and also assist with tax deductions and other legal issues. The typical salary for live-in nannies ranges from $ 1400 to $2000/month. Salaries for live-out nannies range from $1900 to $3000/month. Part-time nannies earn between $12 to $20/hour.
Almost As Good As Mum Nanny Agency —
Offering nanny placement services—daily nanny, live-in nanny, shared nanny, temporary nanny, and babysitters. Parent-owned and operated agency.
For more information or to talk in detail about any questions or concerns please contact Karen:
Phone 604-542-0548
Fax 604-542-0547
info@almostasgoodasmum.com
ABC Nannies Canada, Inc. — http://www.abcnannies.ca/
Offering nanny and caregiver placement services—live-in/out nanny, mother’s helper, sitter, housekeeper, caregiver, nursing aid, elderly caregiver, companion, and household manager.
Full-service nanny agency specializing in the placement of full-time/part-time, temporary or long-term, after-school only or all day, live-out nannies, housekeepers, household managers, and personal assistants.
Mailing Address:
121-525 Wheelhouse Sq.
Vancouver BC
Office Address:
660a Leg-in-Boot Square
Vancouver BC
(In False Creek, on the Seawall)
Phone: (604) 723 – 5683
Fax: (604) 876-7400
Email: notjustnannies@gmail.com
Office Hours:
Monday – Friday 9:30AM – 5:30PM
For agency fees please see this page: http://www.notjustnannies.net/Ourfees.html.
Strong Start
Strong Start is a free drop-in play-based educational program offered by the Ministry of Education for parents/caregivers and their 0-5 years children. Vancouver has 18 early learning centers offering Strong Start, and it runs Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The program is completely free, but parents or caregivers must remain with their child and participate in the activities. For more information please see this link: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/.
Britannia Elementary
Rm 103 – 1110 Cotton Drive V5L 3T5
TEL: (604) 713-5902 ext 7110
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 12:30pm – 3:30pm
Moberly
Rm 8 – 1000 E. 59th Ave. V5X 1Y7
TEL: (604) 713-4784
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 9:00 – 12:00
Champlain Heights Annex
Rm 107 – 7835 Champlain Cres. V5S 4J6
Tel: (604) 713-5928
Hours of operation: Mon & Weds 12:45pm – 2:45pm
Tues, Thurs, Fri 9am – 12noon
Mt Pleasant
Rm 101 – 2330 Guelph Street V5T 3P1
TEL: (604) 713-5917
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 9am – 12noon
Weds 12noon – 3pm
Collingwood
Rm 107 – 3417 Euclid Ave. V5R 6H2
Tel: (604) 713-5910
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 9:00am – 12noon
Nelson
Rm 104 – 2235 Kitchener Street V5L 2W9
TEL: (604) 713-5913
Hours of operation: Mon 12noon – 3pm
Tues 9am – 12noon
Weds 12noon – 3pm
Thurs and Fri 9am – 12 noon
Cook
Rm 160 – 3340 E 54th Ave. V5S 1Z3
Tel: (604) 713-5924
Hours of operation:
Mon, Weds, Fri 9am – 12noon
Tues, Thurs 9am – 12:45pm (3 and 4 yrs only)
Nightingale
Portable – 2740 Guelph Street V5T 3P7
TEL: (604) 713-5905
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 9am – 11:30am
David Lloyd George
Daycare Portable – 8370 Cartier Street V6P 4T8
Tel: (604) 261-6612
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 11:45 – 2:45
Queen Alexandra
1300 E. Broadway V5N 1V6
TEL: (604) 713-4599
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 9am – 12noon
Grenfell
Rm 103 – 3323 Wellington Ave. V5R 4Y3
TEL: (604) 713-5918
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 1pm – 4pm
Selkirk
Rm 102 SW – 1750 E 22nd Ave. V5N 2P7
TEL: (604) 713-4650
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 9am – 12noon
Henderson Annex
Rm 103 – 801 E. 54th Ave. V5X 1L8
TEL: (604) 713-5895
Hours of operation: Mon, Wed, Fri 9am – 12noon
Thunderbird
Rm 108 – 2325 Cassiar Street V5M 3X3
TEL: (604) 713-5915
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 8:30am – 11:30am
MacKenzie
Rm 1608 – 960 E 39th Ave. V5W 1K8
TEL: (604) 713-5897
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 9am – 11:30am
Tillicum Annex
Rm 107 – 2450 Cambridge Street V5K 1L2
TEL: (604) 713-5914
Hours of operation: Mon to Fri 12:45pm – 3:45pm
Macquinna Annex
Rm 101 – 2882 E 4th Ave. V5M 1K8
TEL: (604) 713-5894
Hours of operation: Mon 12noon – 3:30pm
Tues to Fri 9am – 12noon
Waverley
Rm 107 – 6111 Elliott Street V5S 2M1
TEL: (604) 713-5906
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday 9am – 11:30am
