Frequently Asked Questions
Our FAQ is designed to help you get to know who we are, what we value, and how we support the whole family — because enrolling your child in care should feel exciting, informed, and connected.
Do I need to attend the church or be Christian to enrol?
Not at all! While we are a faith-based centre and our values are reflected in our daily environment, there is absolutely no expectation for families to attend church or share a particular faith. What matters most to us is creating a place where every child—and every family—feels a true sense of belonging. We deeply respect the role of family in a child’s life and are passionate about working alongside you to support your child’s growth. By building caring, collaborative relationships, we create a warm, welcoming space where children feel safe, valued, and confident to thrive—and we would be so excited to have you as part of our community.
What kind of curriculum or philosophy do you follow (play-based, Montessori, etc.)?
We follow a play-based, emergent curriculum guided by children’s interests—because we believe the best learning happens when children are curious, engaged, and having fun. Our educators thoughtfully observe and build on these interests to create meaningful experiences. For example, when children became fascinated with outer space and rocket ships, we transformed part of the classroom into an interactive space environment! From there, their curiosity led to exploring planets, colours, and temperatures during circle time. It’s a dynamic, ever-evolving approach that makes learning feel exciting and relevant every single day.
What does it mean to your team to partner with parents in a child’s early learning journey?
Partnering with families is truly at the heart of everything we do. We feel honoured to be part of your child’s journey and deeply respect the trust you place in us. By working together—sharing insights, celebrating milestones, and supporting one another—we create a strong, consistent foundation where children can truly flourish. We’re not just a childcare centre—we’re a team, and we’re in this together.
What does your parent community look like?
Our community is something really special. We believe that caring for children also means creating meaningful connections for families. Throughout the year, we host events, celebrations, and gatherings that bring everyone together in a fun, welcoming way. From open play sessions to seasonal events, there are plenty of opportunities to connect, build friendships, and feel part of something bigger. We’re always excited to grow this community—and we’d love for you to be part of it!
How are parents able to see what is being taught?
Each week, our educators create a program plan that highlights current interests and upcoming activities. This is shared at the beginning of the week and posted in our entryway, making it easy for families to stay in the loop and be part of their child’s learning journey.
How is faith incorporated into the daily routine?
Faith is gently and naturally woven into our day through simple, meaningful moments—like prayer before meals, connecting experiences to God’s creation, and Bible-based circle times focused on kindness, care, and important values. Our approach is always age-appropriate, creating a thoughtful and nurturing introduction to faith in everyday life.
Are families invited to participate in services or celebrations?
Yes! We are part of Avant Life Church, with campuses in Squamish, North Vancouver, and Toronto. Families are warmly invited to Sunday services and special events like movie nights and summer play days. That said, participation is always completely optional—our doors are open to everyone, and you are always welcome.
What values or principles are emphasized?
At the heart of everything we do are:
Love & Compassion – Creating a warm, caring environment where every child feels truly seen and valued
Faith & Spiritual Growth – Encouraging kindness, gratitude, and purpose through gentle faith-based learning
Respect & Individual Worth – Celebrating each child’s unique personality and journey
Nurturing the Whole Child – Supporting social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development
These values guide our daily interactions and shape the strong, supportive community we’re so proud of.
How do you communicate with parents (apps, daily reports, meetings)?
We use the Lillio app to share daily updates, photos, and important information about your child’s day—so you always feel connected. We know how important it is to feel informed and reassured, especially when your child is in someone else’s care. That’s why we prioritize open, ongoing communication and love sharing those little moments that make your child’s day special.
What are the staff-to-child ratios?
Our daycare room maintains a ratio of 1 staff member to 8 children, allowing us to provide attentive, responsive care and build meaningful connections with each child.
What qualifications and certifications do staff have?
Our educators bring a wonderful mix of experience, education, and passion. All full-time staff hold at least an Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) certification, with many holding full ECE certifications, diplomas, or advanced degrees. Most importantly, every member of our team shares a genuine love for working with children and supporting their growth.
What is staff retention like?
We are proud to have a strong, consistent team! All of our current educators have been with us for at least one year, and many have been part of our centre since we opened in June 2024. These lasting relationships help create a stable, familiar environment where children—and families—feel comfortable and connected.
How do you handle challenging behaviour?
We approach challenging behaviour with patience, understanding, and care. We recognize that children communicate through their actions, especially when they’re feeling overwhelmed. Our educators gently guide children, helping them understand their emotions, express their needs, and develop positive ways to respond. Our goal is always to help each child feel safe, supported, and ready to rejoin the group with confidence.
What does a typical day look like?
Each day is thoughtfully balanced with free play, outdoor exploration, rest or quiet time, meals, and engaging circle time experiences. While activities naturally shift with the seasons and children’s interests, the rhythm of the day stays consistent—giving children a comforting sense of predictability while still leaving plenty of room for discovery, creativity, and fun. No two days are exactly the same, and that’s part of what makes it so exciting!
What are your hours of operation? Are there late pickup fees?
We are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We do have a late fee policy in place to support staffing and the smooth flow of our day. That said, we understand that life happens! If you’re running late, just let us know as soon as possible—we’re always happy to work with families in a supportive and understanding way. Open communication is key, and our goal is always to ensure your child continues to feel safe, cared for, and supported until you arrive.
Are you open year-round?
Yes, we operate year-round! We do have a small number of scheduled closures, including Pro-D days and a break during the Christmas holidays. Any closures are shared well in advance so families can plan accordingly.
Do you offer part-time or flexible schedules?
We currently offer three set scheduling options:
Tuesday & Thursday (Part-Time)
Monday, Wednesday & Friday (Part-Time)
Monday to Friday (Full-Time)
We also offer drop-in days when space allows, though these are not guaranteed as they depend on ratios. Families love our open-door policy—you’re welcome to drop off and pick up anytime between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, or even stop by during the day to connect with your child.
Can I observe a class before enrolling?
Absolutely! We would love to invite you in for a tour so you can experience our environment firsthand and see our program in action.
How do you handle transitions (first days, etc.)?
We offer a gradual entry process to help children (and parents!) feel comfortable and confident. This usually starts with shorter visits and builds up to full days over about a week. For part-time schedules, the transition may take a bit longer. Our goal is to make this experience as smooth, positive, and reassuring as possible for everyone involved.
How do you handle naps and rest time?
After lunch, we settle into a calm, two-hour rest period. Children are provided with cozy mats and bedding from home to help them feel comfortable and secure. Those who nap are supported by our educators, while children who no longer nap are encouraged to enjoy quiet rest time with a book or comfort item. After about 30–45 minutes, they can transition into quiet activities while their peers continue resting. It’s a peaceful pause in the day that supports everyone’s needs.
What meals/snacks are provided? Can you accommodate allergies or dietary needs?
Families provide meals and snacks for their children, except during special celebrations or centre events (which we always communicate in advance!). We are a nut-free environment and take allergies and dietary needs very seriously, doing our best to accommodate documented requirements so every child can feel safe and included.
What’s your approach to potty training?
We see potty training as an exciting milestone and love supporting families through it! We work closely with you to follow the routines and strategies you’ve established at home, creating consistency for your child. We’re here to encourage, support, and celebrate every success along the way.
What’s the outdoor play policy (especially in bad weather)?
We believe outdoor play is such an important part of a child’s day! Following licensing requirements, children enjoy at least 60 minutes of active play daily—often more when weather allows. Typically, we spend time outside in both the morning and afternoon. If weather conditions aren’t safe, we bring the movement indoors with engaging gross motor activities.
Is there a waitlist?
Yes! Families can join our waitlist here. Once you’re registered, our manager will connect with you to share more about our program, answer your questions, and schedule a tour. We’d absolutely love to show you around and help you get a feel for our space and community.