Little Sprouts Early Learning Centre

Yes. Little Sprouts is a licensed group child care facility under BC's Child Care Licensing Regulation, inspected by Fraser Health's licensing officers — our inspection reports are posted by the front door and we're happy to walk you through them on a tour. We've been licensed at this location since 2009.

Doors open at 7:00 a.m. for early arrivals and free play. Breakfast snack is at 8:00, then circle time at 9:00 with songs and the day's plan. We're outside in the garden by 9:30, back in for art and sensory play, and lunch is at 11:30. Nap and quiet time runs 12:15 to about 2:30 (non-nappers get puzzles and books), then afternoon snack, a second long stretch outside, stories, and pickup by 5:30 p.m. School-age kids arrive on the walking bus around 2:45 and join us after their snack.

Smaller than the BC minimums wherever we can manage it: 1 educator to 4 children in the infant and toddler rooms, 1:8 in preschool and kindergarten readiness, and 1:10 for school-age care. Every room is led by a certified ECE; assistants are ECE-As working under supervision, and everyone on the floor holds first aid and CPR.

Our cook, Deepa, has run the kitchen for nine years and cooks everything on site — no reheated trays. A sample day: oatmeal with berries for morning snack; turkey and vegetable pasta bake with steamed broccoli and milk at lunch; apple slices, cheese and crackers in the afternoon. Menus rotate every four weeks and follow Canada's Food Guide. The whole centre is nut-free, and children with allergies get an individual plan, labelled placemats and medication stored per licensing rules.

The front door runs on individual family codes — no code, no entry — and children are only released to adults on your authorized pickup list, photo ID checked until we know every face. We're a licensed, inspected facility; every educator has first aid and CPR certification and a clear criminal record check. You'll also see the day as it happens: our parent app sends photo updates, meal and nap notes, and messages from your child's educators in real time.

Gladly — it's a team sport. When your toddler starts showing signs at home, tell us and we'll mirror exactly what you're doing: same words, same routine, lots of low-pressure trips to our toddler-sized toilets. Most Sprouts kids are confidently trained within a few weeks of starting, and nobody is ever shamed for an accident. Extra clothes live in their cubby for a reason.

Licensing rules — and fairness to 60 other families — mean children stay home with a fever over 38.5°C, vomiting or diarrhea, or anything contagious, and can return 24 hours after symptoms clear. If your child gets sick during the day we'll keep them comfortable in the quiet corner and call you right away. We don't charge for the first two sick days each quarter; after that, your space is held at the regular rate.

Yes, for preschool and school-age care. Preschool runs a popular 3-day schedule (Mon/Wed/Fri or Tue/Thu/Fri) at $695/month, and before-and-after school care can be booked for set days each week. Infant and toddler rooms are full-time only — babies settle best with the same faces every day, and our 1:4 ratios depend on steady groups.

We do, and we'll help with the paperwork. Little Sprouts participates in BC's Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, so the fees posted here drop significantly before you pay them — most preschool families pay well under half the posted rate. If you also qualify for the Affordable Child Care Benefit, both can apply to the same space. Bring your income details to your tour and we'll estimate your real monthly fee on the spot.

Three steps. First, book a tour — you'll see the rooms at their busiest and meet the educators, and there's no obligation at all. Second, register: one form, a $75 registration fee (waived for families who tour this season), and your start date is locked in. Third, join the family — every child gets a gradual-entry first week, short days building to full ones. Infant spaces do run a waitlist of about four months; preschool spaces open most Septembers and Januaries. The waitlist is free and we'll tell you honestly where you stand.

Through our parent app: photos and short notes through the day, what they ate, how long they napped, and messages straight from their educators. At pickup you still get the human version — two minutes with the educator who spent the day with your child, not just a report on a screen.