West Vancouver Child Development Center
Currently all programs are full. We strongly encourage you and your family to look at other childcare alternatives. For more information, please visit https://children.nscr.ca/childcare-providers/
About Us
The West Vancouver Child Development Centre (WVCDC) is a non-profit daycare and preschool conveniently located in the heart of beautiful Dundarave Village, West Vancouver, on Haywood Avenue just across from Irwin Park Elementary School. We operate 12 months per year, Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
We are the proud recipient of the Child Care Legacy Award: providing more than 40 years of service in our community.
The WVCDC is a non-profit parent participation-based Centre. Consequently, we rely on parent support in volunteering, fundraising and/or other kinds of contributions that allow the Centre to be successful and affordable in it’s various programs and services.
Our staff is made up of a diversity of experienced and talented early childhood educators who provide a broad range of structured, play-based programs for infants to preschoolers in a safe, caring and fun environment. We are dedicated and passionate about what we do. Parents often comment on the happy atmosphere, the strong sense of community and the wonderful relationships that exist between our staff and children.
We encourage you to explore our website to find out more about us. Our sense of community, however, is difficult to convey in the “virtual world” of the Internet. If you are considering enrolling your child or children in our programs, please visit us in person.
WVCDC HISTORY
Wendy House (1943 to 1974)
1943/44-Mrs. Alma Reynolds opened Wendy House on Bellevue Avenue. It was named after the character Wendy in Peter Pan- likely because of the caregiver role of Wendy and Alma’s maiden name Barrie, the same as the author of Peter Pan.
At Wendy House there was a morning program for three and four year olds and an afternoon program for 5 year old. In the early years children were given a small carved wooden pin with the words ‘Wendy House’
The building on Bellevue experienced serious water issues due to a creek running through the property. The Reynolds had to opt to close Wendy House or relocate.
1953- A deal was made between Edward and Barbara Henderson and Wendy House Ltd. to purchase the land at 2478 Haywood Ave. for $2000.
1954 – Wendy House was built through the dedicated efforts of local parents who wished to have a special place for their children to grow and learn. Mrs. Alma Reynolds was the kindergarten teacher who provided her students with many opportunities to learn through music exploration. The cost for four half-days a week was $15 a month.
1974-At the age of 63, Mrs Reynolds decided it was time to retire from Wendy House.
West Van Day Care (1972 to 1974)
1972- West Van Day Care was started by Ruth Conlin at her home at 1590-19th street. At this time it was the only licensed child care centre in West Vancouver.
It was licensed for 17 and the fee was $100 a month for full time care.
However, many of the surrounding neighbours were unhappy with having a child care next door.
West Vancouver residents and parents Mr. John Murchie and Neil Stewart obtained a mortgage to purchase Wendy House.
1974– Wendy House was bought by a group of parents whose children had been attending Ruth Conlin’s home based West Van Day Care.
Wendy House became the West Vancouver Daycare Society, delivering child care for the changing needs of the families of West Vancouver.
West Vancouver Day Cares Society (1974 to 1991)
1974– The West Vancouver Day Cares Society was registered and opened the West Van Day Care at 2478 Haywood (Our current location) It was licensed for 25 children.
1976 (Feb 1st)- The Society found it difficult to meet the expenses associated with the mortgage and the building repairs required to meet the standards for full time childcare.
“We accept the offer by the West Vancouver Municipal Council to buy and payback mortgage, interest and back taxes on land and buildings. The amount will not exceed $35,000” February 1st, 1976 Motion Passed at General Meeting of West Van Daycare societies.
1976- (Oct) The Corporation of the District of West Vancouver and the West Vancouver Daycare’s Society signed a 5 year lease agreement.
West Vancouver Child Development Centre Association (1991 to present day)
1991 – The Centre underwent another name change: we became the West Vancouver Child Development Centre. We had four full-time staff offering care for 28 children on a full and part time basis.
1996 – Plans began to develop an Infant and Toddler Program.
1998 – With a lot of hard work from parents and staff, the Infant and Toddler room was opened creating 8 more spaces for children under the age of 3. We also welcomed 2 more full time staff members.
2008-Plans began to develop the mudroom.
2009-Was a busy construction year our new mudroom was opened in February and New energy efficient windows were installed throughout the centre in the summer.
2010-The Director Caroline Schier was given CHILD CARE PROVIDER AWARD OF EXCELLENCE in recognition of her outstanding contributions to quality child care for the children of British Columbia. With appreciation from Honourable Mary Polak Minister of Children and Family Development and Minister Responsible for Child Care.
2014- We received the CHILD CARE LEGACY AWARD in recognition of 40 years of outstanding child care service, from the Ministry of Children and Family Development.
At Present – We are still providing high quality child care for families on the North Shore. We provide care for over 33 children on a full and part time basis.
The West Vancouver Child Development centre at 2478 Haywood Ave. continues to operate from the original Wendy House- with a few additions and upgrades. A lease agreement continues to be in effect with the municipality.
Staff Profiles
CAROLINE, Director
Caroline has been working at the Centre since 1993. Since that time she has held various responsibilities, including acting as Assistant Director and Head of the Infant Toddler Program from its inception, where she played the key role of developing the Infant & Toddler Program, policies, procedures and environment. Since 2006, she has been the Director of the Centre. In 2010, Caroline was one of five early childhood educators honoured with a BC Child Care Excellence Award. Her hobbies outside of the daycare include photography, running, cycling and scuba diving.
CATHY, Assistant Director
Cathy has been working at the Centre since 2003. She is multilingual and fluent in Tagalog. Cathy started her career at the WVCDC as a practicum student and has worked her way up to Assistant Director. Cathy has her Basic ECE Certification (3-5 Year Old Program) and is almost finished her courses for her Diploma. Prior to coming to WVCDC, Cathy received her Bachelor of Education in the Philippines working at the elementary level. On her off time, Cathy likes to go for long walks and spend time with family.
LAURIE, Head Supervisor
Laurie has extensive experience as an educator and has been at WVCDC since 1986. She has a Bachelor of Education, plus her ECE Diploma. Laurie helped create the Pre-Kindergarten Program and popular Summer Fun Program. Laurie’s daughter Olivia and niece Rebecca have also attended our daycare. After work, Laurie spends time creating beautiful pieces of art doing needle point.
Shohreh Javaheri
Shorheh began working for WVCDC in May of 2012 she began on a part time basis and worked her way to a full time position. Over the years working with us Shohreh worked on getting her Infant and Toddler Certification as well as her Special Needs.
Prior to working at WVCDC Shohreh earned a Bachelor degree in English Translation as well as translating some children’s books from English to Farsi.
MILA
Mila has been working in our Centre since 2008; like co-worker and sister, Cathy, she is fluent in Tagalog. Mila is the newest member of WVCDC team. She is currently taking evening courses to complete her Basic ECE Certification. Prior to coming to the Centre, Mila earned a Bachelor of Science from the Philippines, majoring in business management. She has over 8 years of experience in this field. When at home, Mila loves sewing curtains and bedding.
Areli Lerma Zamarripa
Areli began working at WVCDC in the summer of 2020 with a Supported Child Care contract. In July of 2021 Areli became a full time employee at WVCDC.
Currently Areli has her “Assistant Certification” and is working towards her Basic ECE
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is made up of parent volunteers from the Centre or our local community, consisting of a President, Vice President (Parent and Staff Liaison), Treasurer, Secretary, and Members at Large. Volunteers do not require any previous experience. Board meetings are usually held monthly, except in the summer, and the Annual General Meeting of the Society is held in late September.
The Board of Directors responsibilities include the following:
- To oversee the general programs operated by the Society, ensuring that it is carrying out its mandate to the community in a professional and responsible manner.
- To ensure adequate funding for the continuance of and possible extension of services, and maintain an efficient and effective financial system.
- To hire the Director of the Centre and ensure the professional staffing needs and conditions are fulfilled.
- To embark on special projects which will contribute to the quality and efficiency of the services and programs provided.
- To represent the WVCDC in the community.
If you have any questions regarding the Board of Directors or would like more information about the functions of the Board, please contact the current Chair at wvcdcdaycare@gmail.com or speak to the WVCDC Director to get a contact number.