Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Child Care Partner in Vancouver
We are a non-profit child care organization that has been providing quality affordable before and after school care since 1974. Our mission is to create a safe, fun environment that encourages children to explore new experiences while meeting individual needs through licensed, fully integrated programs. With six centers across Vancouver, we offer age-appropriate challenges designed to nurture positive growth and self-confidence for children aged 3 to 12. Our programs include morning care, after-school activities, winter/spring/summer breaks, and specialized Supported Development initiatives.All our centers operate under licensed supervision with staff trained to deliver consistent, high-quality care. We maintain our founding principles as a parent-run society while adapting to modern child development standards. Our team of dedicated professionals works daily to ensure children receive balanced social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development opportunities. We remain committed to affordability while maintaining rigorous programming standards across all our locations.
Services
Before School Care
After School Programs
Summer Camps
Winter Break Programs
Preschool Services
Leaders Club
Supported Development
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We are a non-profit, parent-run society since 1974
- All centers are licensed and fully integrated
- Specialized Supported Development programs for diverse needs
- Licensed staff trained in child development
- Six convenient locations across Vancouver
Services
Before School Care
Morning care from 7:30am until school starts includes quiet activities and supervised outdoor play. Breakfast available for a nominal fee. Programs balance structured learning with free-choice activities to prepare children for the school day. Staff supervise kindergarten students separately during morning hours.
After School Programs
After-school care operates until 6:00pm daily with age-appropriate activities. Programs nurture social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development through creative play and structured learning. Specialized options include Leaders Club for children 9-12 years old and Supported Development initiatives for diverse needs.
Summer Camps
Full-day summer programs run from 7:30am to 6:00pm with exciting activities for children aged 5-12. Similar programs operate during winter and spring breaks. Activities include outdoor recreation, arts and crafts, and educational experiences while maintaining safe, supervised environments.
Supported Development
Integrated programs for children with diverse needs operate alongside regular programming. Specially trained staff provide individualized support while ensuring inclusion with peers. Services are funded through Social Services Ministry partnerships and delivered within all centers' regular operating hours.
Preschool Services
Year-round preschool for 3-4 year olds operates at David Livingstone School location. Programs focus on foundational skills through play-based learning. Morning and afternoon sessions available with qualified early childhood educators maintaining low student-staff ratios for optimal development.
People
Julie
Supervisor
Julie supervises Spare Time Challenge Club with over 15 years of child care experience. She specializes in creating engaging learning environments that balance structure with creative exploration.
Astrid
Supervisor
Astrid brings extensive child development expertise to Spare Time Challenge Club. Her focus on inclusive programming ensures all children receive personalized attention within structured daily activities.
Oliver
Supervisor
Oliver supervises Spare Time Bobolink center with specialization in outdoor education. He develops active learning programs that combine physical development with environmental awareness for school-age children.
Alona
Supervisor
Alona manages Spare Time Clubhouse with emphasis on creative arts integration. Her programs incorporate music, drama, and visual arts to enhance children's self-expression and social skills.
Cindy
Supervisor
Cindy supervises Spare Time Connection center with expertise in early childhood education. She develops age-appropriate activities that support cognitive development and social interaction for diverse age groups.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We care for children aged 3-12, including preschool programs for 3-4 year olds and after-school care through Grade 7.
Are your staff trained in child development?
All staff hold Early Childhood Education certifications with specialized training for our Supported Development programs.
Do you operate during school breaks?
Yes, we offer full-day programs during winter, spring, and summer breaks from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
Are meals provided?
Breakfast is available for a nominal fee during morning care. Children bring lunches for after-school programs.
How do you handle severe weather closures?
We follow school district closure policies with updates posted on our website and social media platforms.
Can parents get involved?
As a parent-run society, we encourage family participation through volunteer opportunities and program feedback.
