About Little Owl
Little Owl & Friends Early Learning Centres are located in the beautiful communities of Fairfield and Oaklands. We currently have two licensed infant and toddler centres with a third in the process of being licensed. All of our locations have huge, beautiful outdoor spaces with plenty of room for the children to explore.
Little Owl is committed to supporting the whole child by focusing on high quality indoor and outdoor learning environments, forming partnerships with families, by implementing positive behaviour support in our programs, and by offering free early childhood education professional development courses for all staff members.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you accept the Affordable Child Care Benefit (subsidy)?
A: We do! It is up to the parent/guardians to check on the BC Government website to see if this is something your family qualifies for. If so, we can sign the paperwork to apply once your child is offered a space.
Q: Are you opted in to the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI)?
A: Yes, we are!
Q: What are your fees?
A: Our full time fees with the new fee reduction applied is $900 per month. These fees are subject to change annually pending approval from the government programming. If your family qualifies for the Affordable Child Care Benefit (subsidy), the fee is reduced further based on what amount you qualify for.
Q: Do you offer part time?
A: At the moment, we only accept full time registrations.
Q: Do you offer earlier drop off or later pick up?
A: No. Our hours are based on staffing and they are not flexible at this time.
Q: What are the program sizes?
A: We have 8 infants and toddlers at Richardson St with two staff. We also have 8 infants and toddlers at Victor St, also with two staff. We have a float staff that works between the two programs and a small, established sub list. With our new program, we will have 24 infant and toddler spaces with 7 full time staff members.
Q: Does the centre owner work in the programs?
A: Heather oversees all of the paperwork, registrations, helps out in the programs, and coordinates the schedule of the team members. She is available for a chat via e-mail or phone during business hours and helps in program to get to know the children and families, and to support the staff.
Q: What does the daily routine look like?
A: Our daily schedules run with an emergent curriculum, which is based off the needs and interests of the group. We offer free play, art and sensory activities, science experiments, circle time with songs, felt stories, and learning games, and plenty of outdoor play opportunities. Little Owl has a little library with hundreds of books for each location.
Q: What discipline methods are used at Little Owl?
A: We offer a gentle and age-appropriate approach when it comes to discipline. We don't believe in time out, but rather a "time in." We use redirection, positive guidance, and working as a team. Feelings are valid and we want to support each child in our programs by building trust and a strong attachment so that they feel safe and secure in the environment. Our motto is “connection before correction.”
Q: Are food and drink provided? Are there any allergies?
A: We do not supply any food (if shared snacks happen, parents are aware in advance) but we have healthy snacks on hand if needed. We always have clean drinking water available and regularly offer water bottles to the children. A notice will be sent out if we need to modify any programs due to allergies.
Q: Is there a wait list? How will I know where I am on the wait list?
A: Our wait list is now open and you can e-mail littleowlearlylearning@gmail.com to add your family to the list.