What is the difference between daycare and preschool?
The only difference is the time. Our preschool program for 3-5’s runs Monday – Friday from 8:45am – 12:30pm. and the daycares are open from 7:45am – 5:30pm. Our play-based, emergent curriculum is part of each room. Each day is a balance of activities – free choice in specially designed learning centres, teacher directed activities such as music, drama, art and science, as well as outdoor or gym time. In the past there has sometimes been a perception that children learn more in preschool than they do in daycare. Not so here! Our licensed teachers provide quality care and education for all the children in our programs whether they are here just for the morning or if they stay all day.
Does the program run through the summer?
The full day daycares, for toddlers 18 – 36 months and children 3-5 years run year round.
The preschool programs run from September – June.
How long is the waitlist?
The waitlist for the Toddler daycare is a pool of names. When one of the 12 spots becomes available, we look to see who is the right age, with member alumni and members getting first priority, moving then to non-members. The waitlist for the 3-5 year olds daycares, with 36 spots in total for two rooms, is a lot more concrete. Preschool registration happens every January and a waitlist is then begun when classes are full.
Do you have to be Jewish to attend?
The Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver welcomes families from all faiths. There is a strong emphasis on Jewish values and traditions. Holidays are celebrated through stories, songs, art, games and of course cooking. Hebrew is integrated into our daily schedule.
How old does my child have to be to attend a program?
For preschool for 2’s and 3 -5’s, your child must be the appropriate age as of Dec. 31 of the year you begin.
For the 3-5 daycares, your child must be 3 when they start. There is a licensing allowance for 2 children, 30 – 36 months olds in each of the two daycares.
Do you offer part time daycare?
Our daycares are full day, 7:45 am – 5:30 pm. There may be 3, 4 or 5 day options, depending on availability.
