Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool in Vancouver Since 1974
Founded in 1974, Little People has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in Vancouver's Westside. Our mission centers on nurturing young minds through play-based learning, fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development in a warm, inclusive environment. With over five decades of experience, we maintain a 1:6 adult-child ratio in our 3s class, led by fully qualified ECE teachers, ensuring personalized attention. Our curriculum emphasizes community-building, seasonal exploration, and kindergarten readiness, supported by a vibrant parent-teacher partnership.We prioritize gradual entry strategies for separation, accommodate diverse developmental needs, and maintain strong ties with local schools and organizations. Our outdoor classroom and sensory-rich playground provide unique opportunities for gross-motor development and nature-based learning. Recognized as Vancouver's longest-running preschool, we continue evolving while preserving our founding philosophy that 'learning through play' creates lifelong learners.
Services
3s Class
4s Class
Outdoor Classroom
Parent Involvement
Educational Evenings
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- Celebrating 50+ years of early childhood education excellence in Vancouver
- 1:6 adult-child ratio in 3s class with fully qualified ECE teachers
- Play-based curriculum proven to develop kindergarten readiness skills
- Inclusive environment accommodating diverse developmental needs
- Strong community connections with local schools and organizations
What people say
Friendly teachers
Caring staff
Community-style learning
Wonderful experience
Amazing teachers
Services
3s Class
Our 3s program develops foundational skills through structured play activities. Children learn emotional regulation, social interaction, and basic classroom routines while exploring trusting relationships. Qualified educators guide activities that build self-confidence and peer connections through daily outdoor play, snack time, and creative centers. The curriculum prepares children for successful transitions to more advanced learning environments.
4s Class
Designed to solidify kindergarten readiness skills, our 4s program extends attention spans and deepens social-emotional learning. Children engage in collaborative projects, academic explorations, and leadership opportunities while maintaining play-centered learning. Specialized instruction focuses on friendship building, creative expression, and foundational academic concepts through both indoor and outdoor educational experiences.
Outdoor Classroom
Our outdoor spaces transform seasonal elements into teaching tools. Children explore natural materials, weather patterns, and environmental science through hands-on discovery. The secure playground features gross-motor equipment, sensory gardens, and exploration zones that change with the seasons, creating dynamic learning opportunities that connect children with their environment throughout the year.
Parent Involvement
We foster strong family connections through flexible participation opportunities. Parents contribute to classroom activities, attend educational workshops, and build community through social events. Our open-door policy allows families to observe classroom interactions while gradual entry support ensures smooth transitions for new students and anxious caregivers during the critical adjustment period.
Educational Evenings
Complimentary professional development sessions help parents understand early childhood development. Experts present on topics like language acquisition, emotional regulation, and school readiness. These gatherings strengthen home-school connections while providing practical strategies for supporting children's growth beyond the classroom environment through evidence-based practices shared by industry specialists.
People
Caitlin
3's/4's Teacher
Caitlin specializes in play-based learning for 3 and 4-year-olds. With focus on social-emotional development, she creates engaging experiences that foster curiosity and confidence in young learners through structured yet flexible classroom activities.
Laura
3's/4's Teacher
Laura combines creativity with educational expertise to nurture early childhood development. Her patient approach helps children build essential skills through play while maintaining open communication with families about their child's progress and needs.
Bianca
3's/4's Teacher
Bianca brings energy and innovation to early education. She designs interactive learning experiences that balance structured curriculum with spontaneous discovery, helping children develop social skills and academic foundations in joyful classroom environments.
Irene
Support Teacher
Irene provides specialized classroom support focusing on individualized attention. Her adaptable teaching methods accommodate diverse learning needs while maintaining consistent routines that help children feel secure and engaged throughout the day.
Julia
School Manager
Julia oversees daily operations while maintaining strong community connections. With extensive early childhood education experience, she ensures program quality and facilitates communication between staff, parents, and local organizations to enhance the preschool experience.
Questions
Do you provide all-day care for children?
We operate as a licensed preschool with morning (9am-11:30am) and afternoon (12:30pm-3:30pm) classes. For full-day care, families should seek facilities with daycare licenses rather than preschool accreditation.
Can I put my 18-month-old on a waitlist?
Preregistration is available for future enrollment. We maintain first-come priority with alumni family consideration. Families receive notifications about registration timelines and community events as openings approach.
What if my child isn't potty-trained?
We accommodate children in diapers or pull-ups without pressure. Teachers provide assistance as needed while respecting each child's developmental timeline for toilet training readiness.
How do you support English language learners?
Our experienced staff works with multilingual children through immersive play and peer interaction. Teachers use visual aids and contextual learning to help non-English speakers build language skills naturally during daily activities.
What happens if we need to withdraw mid-year?
We require one month's notice or equivalent tuition payment. While we prefer full-year commitment, we understand unexpected changes and handle transitions with flexibility and clear communication.
Are tuition subsidies available?
We participate in British Columbia's Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and assist families with Affordable Child Care Benefit applications to make quality preschool education more accessible.
