What a day looks like at Fleetwood Children's Centre
When you are choosing childcare, one of the first questions is simple: what will my child actually do all day? Here is an honest look at a day with us.
Fleetwood Children's Centre is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, at 16011 83 Avenue in the Fleetwood neighbourhood of Surrey. Both of our programs keep the same hours, so siblings can arrive and go home together.
Arriving and settling in
The day starts at the door. Your child hangs their coat on their own hook, and an educator crouches down to say good morning. Every child is greeted by name, every single morning.
What happens next depends on the child. Some kids run straight for the blocks. Some need a lap and a book first, and that is fine too. When a drop off is hard, we hold your little one until they are ready to play. Nobody is rushed into the day.
Each program has its own rhythm
We have two programs under one roof, and each one moves at a pace that suits its children.
Infants and toddlers, 0 to 36 months
In our Infant and Toddler Program, babies and toddlers keep their own feeding and nap schedules. We follow your lead, not the clock. If your baby is hungry, they eat. If they are tired, they sleep.
Between feeds and naps there is plenty of floor play. The room is built low, soft and safe, with low shelves, cozy corners and room to crawl, cruise and take first steps.
The 3 to 5 Years Program
Older children follow a gentle routine. In our 3 to 5 Years Program, the day blends free play, small group activities, circle time, learning centres and outdoor play.
The space is set up as a series of invitations: blocks here, books there, paint always within reach. Children choose from art, building, books and pretend play. We follow their interests and build on them.
By mid morning you might find paint drying on the easel, a fort growing in the corner and a pot of pretend soup still simmering. Nobody is told to hurry up. Along the way, children practise the things kindergarten will ask of them, like listening at circle, taking turns and early letters and numbers.
Outside every day, rain or shine
Outdoor play happens every day. Rain or shine, we go out. That means puddle jumping in boots, digging in the dirt and chalk on the pavement. We only stay inside when the weather is truly unsafe.
Because we go out in all kinds of weather, please send weather gear along with a change of clothes, indoor shoes and any comfort item your child loves. Infant room families also bring diapers, wipes and bottles or formula. We will give you a simple checklist before your first day.
A calm afternoon
Lunch is calm and social, never rushed. Children help set up and clear away, and there is always time to finish.
After lunch the lights dim and everything slows down. Nappers nap. Children who have outgrown naps get quiet time with books instead of a forced sleep. Our youngest children still sleep on their own schedules, whenever they need to.
From there, the afternoon winds gently through puzzles, snack and one more trip outside.
You hear about the day, every day
You will never have to wonder how the day went. We are in touch with every family every day. Infant and toddler families get the practical details, like meals, naps and diaper changes. Every family gets the little stories that matter, like a first step or a new friend.
Pick up is a real conversation. We tell you the truth, kindly. If there was a hard moment or a squabble over a toy, you will hear about it from us first, along with how we handled it. We would rather have an honest chat than a polished one.
Come see a day for yourself
A blog post can only show you so much. The best way to picture your child's days here is to see the centre and meet us in person.
You can learn more about both programs on our programs page, and you can reach us through our Book a Tour page.
Fleetwood Children's Centre
16011 83 Avenue, Surrey, BC V4N 0N2
Phone: 604-503-0149
Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM