Business Details
13 Years
experience
Play-Based Preschool in Vancouver, BC
At Extra Steps Preschool, we are dedicated to fostering children's development through play-based learning and individualized attention. Our programs prioritize each child's unique temperament, interests, and developmental needs, creating a responsive environment that nurtures social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth. With a team of experienced educators trained in early childhood education philosophies like Reggio Emilia and Montessori, we emphasize hands-on exploration, outdoor play, and community partnerships.Our inclusive approach integrates sensory-friendly materials, active play, and collaboration with local organizations to support diverse learners. Located in Vancouver's Douglas Park community since 2013, we maintain small class sizes with a high staff-to-child ratio, ensuring personalized care that celebrates every child's strengths while building strong family connections through transparent communication.
Services
Preschool Programs
Summer Camps
Play-Based Curriculum
Inclusive Programs
Outdoor Learning
Field Trips
Flexible Scheduling
Parent Partnerships
Sensory Activities
Nature Exploration
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We implement a play-based curriculum that follows children's natural learning rhythms
- Our educators hold Early Childhood Education certifications with specialized training
- We maintain small class sizes with a 1:6 staff-to-child ratio
- Our inclusive programs accommodate diverse learning needs through specialized partnerships
- We prioritize daily outdoor exploration in local parks and nature environments
What people say
Loved by teachers
Improved social skills
Caring educators
Happy to attend
Excellent communication
Services
Preschool Programs
Our play-based preschool programs nurture development through child-led exploration. With morning and afternoon classes available 1-5 days weekly, children engage in sensory activities, social skill development, and creative play. Our educators use observation-based curriculum planning to create personalized learning experiences that follow each child's unique interests and developmental needs.
Summer Camps
Themed summer camps provide half-day learning adventures in Science, Art, Sports, and more. Weekly programs for ages 2.5-5 feature hands-on experiments, creative projects, and outdoor exploration. Small group sizes ensure individual attention while fostering social connections through collaborative activities and field trips.
Inclusive Programs
Our inclusive classrooms accommodate diverse learners through specialized partnerships and adaptive materials. Working with BC Centre of Ability and PACE program, we create individualized support plans while maintaining accessible environments. Visual schedules, sensory tools, and trained staff ensure all children participate fully in play-based learning experiences.
Outdoor Learning
Daily outdoor exploration in local parks develops physical literacy and environmental awareness. Children engage in risky play, gardening activities, and nature-based learning while developing motor skills. Our programs emphasize active play, weather permitting, with appropriate clothing guidance to ensure year-round outdoor experiences.
Parent Partnerships
We build strong family connections through transparent communication and collaborative programming. Parents receive regular updates through photo sharing platforms and participate in open houses, volunteer opportunities, and curriculum planning. Our approach values family input while maintaining professional expertise in early childhood development.
People
Larry Law
Preschool Manager
Early Childhood Educator with 10+ years experience, graduated from Vancouver Community College in 2013. Specializes in play-based learning and technology balance in child development. Fluent in Cantonese and Mandarin, brings diverse perspective to program development.
Nicole Lam
Preschool Educator
Passionate about nature-based learning, joined Extra Steps in 2020. Focuses on outdoor play's role in emotional resilience and environmental stewardship. Creates engaging play environments that foster social connections and developmental milestones through natural exploration.
Christa Wilson
Preschool Educator
Certified ECE with 6 years at Extra Steps, trained in Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods. Advocates for play as children's fundamental learning right. Develops inclusive programs that celebrate individuality while building classroom community through empathy and creative expression.
Robb Weaver
Program Advisor
Early childhood expert with 15+ years experience, diploma from Mount Royal University. Co-owner of Extra Steps Learning Centres, former college instructor and childcare director. Provides strategic guidance on program development and educator training while maintaining hands-on classroom involvement.
Sarah Goundouvas
Program Advisor
Vancouver-trained ECE specialist with calm, nurturing approach. Skilled in guiding children through emotional challenges while maintaining respectful interactions. Combines traditional wisdom with innovative teaching methods to create balanced learning environments that foster confidence and social competence.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We accept children aged 30 months to 5 years, with flexible scheduling options to accommodate different developmental stages and family needs.
How do you handle special needs accommodations?
We partner with BC Centre of Ability and PACE program to create individualized support plans while maintaining inclusive classrooms with sensory-friendly materials and trained staff.
What is your educator-to-child ratio?
We maintain a 1:6 staff-to-child ratio with experienced Early Childhood Educators ensuring personalized attention and safe learning environments.
Are meals provided?
We have an open snack policy where children bring their own nut-friendly snacks. No formal meals are provided, but we have designated snack times with staff supervision.
How do you communicate with parents?
We use Lillio platform for updates, share photos/videos regularly, and maintain open communication channels for immediate concerns or program updates.
What safety measures are in place?
We have strict sign-in procedures, daily health checks, monthly emergency drills, and secure facilities with supervised outdoor play areas and criminal record-checked staff.
