Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is your centre licenced? Are your teachers qualified?
Yes, we are full licenced with yearly evaluations from Richmond Childcare Licensing Branch. All of our teachers have their BC government certified Early Childhood Educator licence. All teachers have a current first aid certification, current criminal record check, medical clearance from their physician. All teachers are required to take at least 8 hours a year in workshops and conferences in their field of work to better their education.

2. What is your Child/Teacher ratio?
Our 2.5 year old program has a ratio 2 teachers for a maximum of 7 children. Our 3 year old program has 3 teachers for 15 children and our 4 year old program has 3 teachers for 20 children.

3. What is your release/security policy?
Safety with children is our top priority. When you start with the preschool you will be asked to fill out a pickup /release form. You will write down all people that would be authorized to pick up your child from the centre. Parents must keep teachers informed at all times if anything should change on the form. If a person is picking up your child and we do not know them and/or they are not on your form the child will not be released and the parent will be called immediately.
Security: all unknown adults that enter the facility are stopped and questioned. If their business is not concerning the preschool they are asked to leave. Our playground area is fully fenced and all exits are watched carefully.

4. What is your curriculum?
Little Friends Preschool is an inclusive play-based program that covers a variety of teaching opportunities in a fun and loving way. Children will be taught simple math concepts, science experiments, writing skills, letter/phonics, arts and crafts, language building skills, fine motor development, and gross motor development. We aim to build self-esteem and confidence, to encourage them make friends, and to challenge themselves personally and academically.

5. Does my child need to be toilet trained?
No, it is not required. We believed toilet training is very different for each child and we will work with parents to help that process along. Be sure to speak to the teachers on your child progress and be sure to bring extra clothes with them to school.

6. Do you take subsidies for fee payments?
We do accept subsidy payments. It is up to the parent to apply and keep their account active. If there is a delay in payments, a subsidy has lapsed or is denied or the amount is not completely covered, the parents will be responsible to pay the appropriate fees due. It is not the preschool's responsibility to keep your subsidy payments current and on time.

7. Does your preschool have a religious component?
No. We do rent the space from South Arm United Church but there is no religious component in our curriculum.

If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us at any time.