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THE OUR KIDS REPORT:
Sunflower Early Learning Society

Grades Preschool TO Preschool — North Vancouver, BC (MAP)
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Sunflower Early Learning Society:
THE OUR KIDS REPORT
REPORT CONTENTS:

Pages in this report:

  • Grades
    Preschool — Preschool
  • Gender
    Coed
  • Class Size
    5 — 15 students
  • Tuition
    $2,400 to 5,500/year
  • Language of instruction
    English
  • Associations
    N/A
  • Enrolment
    60 day students
  • Approach
    Reggio Emilia
  • EBROCHURE
    N/A

School address

  • 2260 Philip Ave, North Vancouver, British Columbia, V7P 2W8 (MAP)
  • Busing not available

Our Perspective

How we see Sunflower Early Learning Society

This community-based, not-for-profit childcare program offers preschool and out-of-school childcare in North Vancouver. With a curriculum rooted in the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Sunflower Early Learning Society makes children’s early education engaging and meaningful. 

At Sunflower, kids are valued for their ability to do meaningful work and their sense of wonder and curiosity. Teachers view them as competent with an innate ability to learn about the world around them, and they’re encouraged to express themselves and learn through interaction with their community. Parents are considered to be partners in education, at Sunflower, and teachers are viewed as guides who help facilitate the exploration of children’s interests. 

 

School's Perspective

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How Sunflower Early Learning Society sees itself

The school administration answered our questions

Who are you, as a school?

"Sunflower is a community centred Not-For Profit Childcare Society that offers Reggio Inspired Preschool & Out of School Care Programs in the heart of beautiful Pemberton Heights, North Vancouver. Drawing inspiration from the schools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, Sunflower creates an inclusive space for children and families to co-create curriculum and living pedagogies. At Sunflower you will find that children are valued and honoured for their ability to do meaningful work, their sense of wonder and their curiosity."

  • Reggio Emilia Inspired Curriculum
  • Diverse staff with multiple languages
  • Highly qualified staff with many years of Esxperience
  • High quality documentation of learning
  • Emergent curriculum experience
  • Small class sizes with above required ratios

What do you do differently and uniquely well?

"Some families might be surprised to see that we don’t have a strict, structured curriculum, but instead a flexible and hands-on curriculum. Each year our programs look different as the children and educators come together to create unique groupings with different interests, thoughts and observations. We aren’t afraid to step out of our daily routine to take a sporadic walk to the forest, or even bake muffins in the classroom!"

To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?

"Families choose our school over other schools because we offer a calm, welcoming and nurturing classroom. Oftentimes when families first enter our space, they feel relaxed with our neutral colours and natural light. We work hard at creating spaces that make our children feel comfortable - natural items from the outdoors, a cozy corner for children who need a quiet space, photos of families to comfort children who may be having a tough day and a magical outdoor space hidden amongst the trees."

What aspect of your school is underappreciated?

"Something that can be unappreciated until realised at Sunflower is the incredible benefits of joining our Sunflower Board of Directors. All parents of Sunflower are eligible to join our Board every fall at our AGM. Being a board member is a way to build strong local networking connections and make an impact in our community. Sunflower Board members also receive the benefit of priority registration for all of our programs including preschool, B&A and Camps."

What might families find surprising about your school?

"Our educators set up open-ended activities and provocations for children to explore, as opposed to sit-down lessons. As a Reggio-inspired school, we investigate and inquire about different topics through play and exploration. Our goal is to empower children to be researchers in their own learning experiences."

No additional photos or videos
School Facilities

Photo-tour of facilities

Athletics facilities

Arts facilities

Classrooms

Shared spaces

Insider Perspectives

How people from the school’s community see Sunflower Early Learning Society

Written reviews of Sunflower Early Learning Society

(4.9)

Parent, Diana Mirhosseini (2023)

Preschool (current) — I was initially worried when signing up my son for preschool, as he was extremely attached to me, ho...

School leadership

Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone

Message from school leadership

Katherine Keenan, Executive Director
BC ECE

I knew from the moment I walked in that Sunflower Preschool was a very special place. I have the privilege of leading the school and I fall further in love with it everyday. From our intentional and developed classrooms to our enchanting garden and caring educators, your child will feel warm and welcome as they enter and experience preschool. Our variety of classes allows you to select a time and number of sessions that works for you while our diverse and experienced staff guide you through your time at Sunflower. One of the things that makes Sunflower so special is its community orientation and Reggio curriculum. Our Sunflower students learn through experience and engage with the community on varying levels. Our older children plan and host community events while preschoolers take local walks where we wave to neighbours and play with friends. Our education team works to ensure everyone is included and is able to learn at their best. We notice small things and develop long term inquiry projects into topics that interest and engage children. Come visit my office for a coffee and I can tell you more about this truly magical place. 

Warm Regards,

Katherine Keenan

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THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Sunflower Early Learning Society

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