Our Philosophy
The Whole Child Early Learning Centre is committed to nurturing and guiding young children. We provide an environment that fosters trust, security, and comfort. We strive to provide a balance of activities that help children to progress in social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. The Whole Child respects and values differences, recognizing that children are individuals and that every child is unique.
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A welcoming space to kindle curiosity - children are invited to explore and investigate their world and to communicate with other children and adults. Our environment fosters an accepting, tolerant and flexible attitude towards others and respect for the natural world. During the formative years, children learn how to get along in a group, to problem solve in their relationships with peers, and to have a positive self-image. The children at The Whole Child gradually develop these skills by participating in our play-based program. We believe play is a child’s work. It is their way of experimenting and naturally finding the answers to the “why?” and “how?” questions in life. We invite little explorers to gaze upward and outward, engaging with their environment and the wider world that surrounds them.
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Our priority is to be respectful and caring, to treat each child and parent as individuals, to provide a safe environment that will promote growth, and to maintain the parent as the child’s primary caregiver. As parenting is such a difficult task, we endeavor to work with families to support positive parenting. We value all parenting styles and will work towards meeting the needs of children and parents through realistic expectations and ongoing communication.
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The Whole Child Difference
Step into a world where every detail has been thoughtfully curated, from the wall colors to the cozy carpets underfoot! Much of our interior is-designed for the Centre, featuring built-in tables and adorable child-sized sinks. Instead of bright primary colors and crafts, you'll be immersed in a warm, welcoming atmosphere adorned with beautiful photos, paintings, and engaging pedagogical narrations. This truly is your child's home away from home!
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Our programs are designed to nurture social-emotional skills, such as empathy, self-awareness, and problem-solving. We believe that strong relationships are the foundation of a happy and healthy life, and we strive to create a warm and supportive community where every child feels valued and loved.
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Our playground spans 20,000 square feet, setting us apart from other centres—it's a unique feature you won’t find anywhere else in our community. Our outdoor play areas are designed to be our "outdoor classroom", we believe that anything you do inside, can be done outside as well. We’ve carefully designed a variety of play experiences, from a garden where children can grow vegetables, to a giant mud pit where they can explore the joys of making mud! We have a dedicated space for small world play and loose parts, along with plenty of room for everything from bikes to balls and beyond. The playground was designed to encourage both children and educators to remove their shoes and socks during the summer months. Grounding, with its mental and physical benefits, is an integral part of daily life at The Whole Child.
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Children learn through hands-on experiences, and they have countless opportunities to satisfy their curiosity while discovering fun ways to move their bodies.
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Our name, like everything else, was chosen with careful thought to reflect the kind of Centre we are...
The name “The Whole Child” is inspired by the fascinating study of child development! It embodies a holistic approach, emphasizing every area of growth—physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. A program that nurtures the “whole child” is one that celebrates and supports every facet development. On the other hand, “Early Learning” reflects our dedication to the BC Early Learning Framework. This inspiring framework promotes a vision of living and learning together with respect, enriching the early experiences for children and fostering meaningful conversations among British Columbians about the essential role of early learning in every child's life!
"As a first-time mom, I was filled with nerves and hesitation about leaving my child in someone else’s care. Would she feel safe? Would she be happy? But the moment I stepped into Whole Child Early Learning Centre and met the incredible staff, I felt a sense of peace I didn’t expect. They truly saw my child—and me.
From the very beginning, they made sure I was part of her day through updates and sweet photos sent right to their app. It meant the world to see her learning, smiling, and slowly coming into her own. I’ll never forget when she first started—she didn’t like to get wet or dirty. She’d tiptoe around puddles and avoid messy play completely.
And then came Mud Day—just before she graduated. I watched, completely in awe (and a little teary-eyed), as she dove into the mud with the biggest grin on her face. She rolled in it, laughed from her belly, and even washed her hair with mud! She was the muddiest child there—and the happiest. That moment said everything about how much she had grown: confident, free, and full of joy.
She built beautiful connections with her instructors, ones that still matter deeply to her. Even after graduating, she begs to go back and visit.
Now, my second child is enrolled and absolutely thriving. They learn so much, play hard, explore fully, and come home glowing with stories and excitement. I see the same magic unfolding all over again.
Choosing Whole Child Early Learning Centre was more than a decision—it was a gift to my children and to myself. I’ll forever be grateful for it."
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- Follack Family
