West Vancouver Child Development Center
Our Programs
The West Vancouver Child Development Centre (WVCDC) offers a structured, play-based program for infants to preschoolers. Our philosophy is to focus on the child first and then build outward from there. We value the statement “children’s play is children’s work.” Adequate children’s play ultimately leads to a productive and satisfying adult life and working career. An undue focus on achievement-oriented activities tends to thwart this natural outgrowth of play. One of the primary requirements of our staff is to have a comprehensive understanding of play and its relationship to learning.
The morning routines are similar to a preschool, with art and storytimes, as well as music, French, movement/gym classes and storytime visits to a neighbourhood seniors’ centre. The afternoons have more free-play times, including outside play, nap and snack times. The structure of routines and activities help build a sense of security and predictability within the child’s environment. The activities also nurture new, exploratory experiences.
Infant and Toddler Program
The Infant and Toddler Program follows the structured, play-based model. Our philosophy is to focus on the child first and then build outward from there. For a day in the life of an infant or toddler at the WVCDC, click here: Infant and Toddler schedule . The following are additional components of the program.
MUSIC CLASS
This fun and entertaining class is led by Katie Brock as part of his successful “Let’s Make Music!” program. It involves learning about rhythm and beat, and includes a variety of experiences such as percussion drums, singing, world beat, group participation, “u-play,” dance and movement.
HOT LUNCH
Bakehouse in Dundarave, Dundarave Sushi and Panago Pizza are wonderful additions to our hot lunch program.
3-5 Years Old Program
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Our Preschool Program includes theme-based stories, songs, science, and art activities to enrich the young minds of the future. The design of our centre gives us the ability to separate the children into two groups: a younger one (of young 3 and 4 year olds) and an older group (of older 4 and 5 year olds). This enables us to create activities that are engaging and age appropriate for all of the children in the Centre.
As a preschool within a daycare, we also have the ability to use the entire morning to complete our activities at a slower pace since our program is not limited to the typical two and a half hour session.
For a day in the life of a preschooler at the WVCDC, click here: 3-5 Year Old Schedule
PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
Our Pre–K Program is for our older 4’s who will be entering kindergarten in the following September. This program takes place from 1:00 to 2:00 in the afternoon during naptime. We work on the alphabet, numbers, sequencing, listening skills, right and left, and other basic skills to help the children get a head start for kindergarten.
FRENCH CLASS
Facilitated by instructor Madam Natalie, this class brings the French language and culture into our world and is a wonderful introduction to learning another language. This program is based on songs, pictures, mime, movement, games, rhymes and book reading. Together the children travel on fantastic trips using French, for example, to row a boat to Easter Island, or pretend that they are squirrels searching for nuts in the fall. The use of the imagination and curiosity in their journeys inspire inquiry, discovery and a fun way to learn language.
MUSIC CLASS – Katie Brock Music
Katie Brock is a local children’s musician from right here in West Van! Since she began her career as an early childhood music specialist in 2006, thousands of children across the North Shore have enjoyed her fun engaging music classes and high energy performances. Katie’s years of experience as a certified Music Together teacher as well as performing at countless birthday parties, schools, daycares and community events has led her to create her own special brand of music classes.
Katie is known for her warm, playful and humorous way of interacting with children. Children LOVE Katie! Her classes are creative and full of actions, dance and plenty of silliness! She models for children that singing and making music is a joyful experience and that everyone can do it! She plays her guitar and uses props and small instruments with the children to experiment with rhythm and melody. Katie strongly believes immersing very young children in music as though it were a language helps foster an ease and comfort with music that can stay with them for a lifetime.
To learn more about Katie check out her website: www.katiebrockmusic.com
RHYTHM & MOVEMENT CLASS
NSAD – North Shore Academy of Dance – RUNS THIS WONDERFULLY CREATIVE RHYTHM AND MOVEMENT CLASS FOR OUR 3-5 YEAR OLD PROGRAM. BRING OUT YOUR DANCING SHOES AND GET INTO THE GROOVE!
HOT LUNCH PROGRAM
Pasta, pizza, sushi and more are offered are options for parents to order for our weekly hot lunch program on Tuesday (excluding the summer months). For a sample menu, please see Parent News postings.
SUMMER FUN FIELD TRIP PROGRAM
During our Summer Fun Program, children of various ages travel many miles, exploring our beautiful city. We have been to New Westminster Quay, Dundarave beach, Bowen Island and many points in between.