For snacks, we offer a selection of fresh and simple options, including apples, oranges, cucumbers, seasonal fruit, and crackers.

Lunch is provided daily for our Get Ready for School program, as well as during Pro-D Day, Spring Break, and Summer Camps. We serve a variety of familiar, child-friendly meals that children enjoy, such as macaroni and cheese, spaghetti, cheese quesadillas, pizza, and build-your-own sandwiches with a selection of fillings. Our menus vary and are designed to make mealtimes welcoming, enjoyable, and comfortable for children.

Yes! Weather permitting, children go outside each day to enjoy fresh air, explore, and participate in active play. In accordance with our licensing requirements and program guidelines, children receive a minimum of 30 minutes of active play each day. When the weather does not allow for outdoor play, our indoor movement room keeps everyone active with dance parties, yoga, movement games, and other fun physical activities.

Yes, whenever it is safe and children have appropriate clothing and outdoor gear. On snowy days in Vancouver, we do our best to head outside so the children can enjoy and explore the snow together! When conditions are too cold, wet, or uncomfortable for safe outdoor play, we use our indoor movement room for dance parties, yoga, active games, and other fun movement activities.

Yes! Children are not required to be potty trained to attend our preschool programs. We meet every child where they are and understand that each child develops at their own pace. Our educators will offer gentle encouragement and support throughout the day, but children are never pressured or forced.

Children attending our Before and After School Care program must be fully potty trained and able to use the washroom independently.

Yes, absolutely! Starting a new program can be a big adjustment for both children and their families. Crying is a natural way for children to express their feelings as they become comfortable with a new environment, routine, educators, and friends.

We meet each child where they are and respond with patience, comfort, and reassurance. If a gradual entry would help your child feel more secure, we are happy to work with your family to create a supportive transition plan.

We are committed to maintaining a clean, healthy, and welcoming environment for our children, families, and staff. Our program spaces and materials are cleaned after every program, with a thorough deep cleaning completed each evening. We follow strict cleaning and sanitation guidelines established by Vancouver Coastal Health.

Our staff-to-child ratios are:

• First Steps Program

  • 2 adults for up to 8 children

  • 3 adults for 9–12 children

• Puddle Jumpers Program

  • 1 Early Childhood Educator (ECE) for up to 8 children

  • 1 ECE and 1 Early Childhood Educator Assistant (ECEA) for 9–16 children

• Get Ready for School Program

  • 1 ECE for up to 8 children

  • 1 ECE and 1 ECEA for 9–16 children

• Out of School Care Program

  • 1 responsible adult for every 12 children in Kindergarten and Grade 1

  • 1 responsible adult for every 15 children in Grade 2 and older

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for every child. Our team will work closely with your family and any professionals already supporting your child.

With parent or guardian consent, we may also connect with our colleagues at the BC Centre for Ability. They can help our staff understand how to best support your child while also providing guidance and resources to your family.

Together, we will develop an individualized care plan that supports your child’s safety, well-being, participation, and success in a meaningful way.

For more information, please review our Inclusion Policy in the Parent Handbook

As a non-profit childcare centre, Arbutus Kids World Society reinvests all revenue into our programs rather than distributing profits to an owner. Fees help cover staff wages, program supplies, training, facility costs, maintenance, and improvements that benefit the children and families we serve.

We are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of parents whose children attend programs at Arbutus Kids World. This helps ensure that our decisions reflect the needs of the children, families, and community we serve.

Children in our First Steps Program may transition to Puddle Jumpers when they turn three years old or within three months of their third birthday.

Children currently enrolled in First Steps receive priority registration for both the Puddle Jumpers and Get Ready for School programs, subject to space availability.