Business Details
13 Years
experience
Trusted Childcare Programs in Victoria, BC
At Little Friends Childcare Centre, we believe play is the foundation of childhood development. Since our establishment, we have dedicated ourselves to creating environments where children can explore, learn, and grow through unstructured, hands-on experiences. Our team of qualified educators prioritizes individualized care, recognizing each child's unique strengths and abilities. We offer programs tailored to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, combining structured learning with spontaneous discovery. Our educators are passionate about fostering cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development through daily activities that integrate stories, music, art, and outdoor exploration.We maintain a 1:4 educator-to-child ratio to ensure personalized attention and implement a 'primary caregiving' approach to build trust and strong relationships. Our facility features secure indoor and outdoor spaces designed to stimulate curiosity and creativity. We continuously rotate high-quality learning materials to keep children engaged and support their evolving interests. Our commitment to professional development ensures our team remains at the forefront of early childhood education practices. We take pride in creating a nurturing community where children feel respected, valued, and inspired to learn.
Services
Full-time Preschool
Part-Time Preschool
Infant/Toddler Care
Outdoor Learning
Art & Sensory Programs
Play-Based Curriculum
Educator-Led Activities
Nature Exploration
Child Development Focus
Secure Play Spaces
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We maintain a 1:4 educator-to-child ratio for personalized attention
- Our educators implement a 'primary caregiving' approach for strong bonds
- We rotate high-quality learning materials to match children's evolving interests
- Our facility features secure indoor and outdoor exploration spaces
- We prioritize professional development for all early childhood educators
Services
Full-time Preschool
Our full-time preschool program operates Monday-Friday 7:30am-5:00pm with 20 licensed spaces. Three educators implement weekly learning activities in seven dedicated learning environments including dramatic play, block areas, and sensory stations. The program maintains a 1:4 educator-to-child ratio to ensure personalized attention and developmentally appropriate care.
Part-Time Preschool
Part-time preschool options include 2, 3, or 5-day weekly schedules with full-day (over 4 hours) or half-day options. The program accommodates 16 children aged 30 months-5 years in a bright, open-concept space divided into learning centers. Educators follow our play-based philosophy while rotating art and sensory activities daily to maintain engagement.
Infant/Toddler Care
Our infant/toddler programs maintain a strict 1:4 educator-to-child ratio with two dedicated centers. The upstairs center has 12 spaces for children under 36 months with 3 educators, while the downstairs center offers 8 spaces with 2 educators. We practice primary caregiving to build strong bonds and trust between caregivers and young children.
Outdoor Learning
Children engage in outdoor play twice daily at our nature-based facility located at the base of Knockan Hill Park. The large property features natural play spaces where children develop motor skills through climbing, digging, and exploring. Our 'no bad weather' philosophy encourages year-round outdoor learning with appropriate clothing.
Art & Sensory Programs
Daily art and sensory activities emphasize process over product, allowing children to create freely without adult direction. Materials like play-doh, moon sand, and water play stations develop fine motor skills and creativity. Educators rotate supplies regularly to match developmental needs and maintain children's interest in artistic expression.
People
Tracy Paquin
Owner/Director
Tracy has been an Early Childhood Educator and part owner since 2001. She implements learning environments, creates sensory experiences, and captures children's moments through photography. She works alongside her husband Ben in the preschool program and balances family life with four children.
Kim Sinclair
Owner/Director
Kim has cared for infants and toddlers since 2001. Known for her nurturing approach, she reads to children repeatedly and believes in creating loving connections. She balances childcare with family life as mother to two boys and wife to an Australian husband while maintaining personal fitness.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children from infancy through preschool age with dedicated programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers aged 30 months-5 years.
What are your operating hours?
Our childcare programs operate Monday-Friday from 7:30am to 5:00pm with structured learning and outdoor play throughout the day.
How do you approach child development?
We use play-based learning with a 1:4 educator-to-child ratio, emphasizing unstructured exploration, art activities, and outdoor education in natural environments.
What safety measures are in place?
Our facility maintains strict educator-to-child ratios, employs certified staff with criminal record checks, and features secure outdoor play spaces designed for child safety.
Can I visit the facility?
We welcome prospective families to schedule visits and see our programs in action. Contact us through our website or phone number to arrange a tour.
