From Goosey Gander until now
Our CENTRE Philosophy
Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre started as Goosey Gander Kindergarten Association in 1959. Our centre has a long history of providing outstanding early learning programs to the Victoria community. In 2004, we moved to our current 1.4 acre site on Haro Rd and re-opened as Arbutus Grove Children's Centre.
Our centre offers full and half day early learning programs for 3 and 4 year old children, as well as a school age program for kindergarten - Grade 5 students attending Frank Hobbs Elementary. Our Educators provide stimulating and engaging experiences that nurture each child’s sense of wonder and innate desire to learn through play, exploration, discovery and creative expression.
Self-directed play promotes growth and development in ways that cannot be achieved through the traditional approach of teaching pre-academic skills. Our programs recognize the diversity of our children and seeks to meet the individual needs of each child’s unique development level and learning style.
Learning is enhanced by the expertise and collaboration of our educators who provide developmentally appropriate activities that nurture each child’s natural curiosity.
Values
Curiosity – We strive to nurture each child’s sense of wonder, curiosity, and innate desire to learn through exploration, discovery, play and creative expression.
Diversity – Each child is unique; we respect their diverse learning styles, families, cultures, and communities.
Expertise - Educators are valued for their knowledge, collaboration, and commitment to child-centered, early childhood education.
Independence – Children learn best in a safe, supportive, non-competitive, respectful, and accepting atmosphere. Educators encourage and teach children independence and self-help skills to provide them with a sense of accomplishment and autonomy.
Play-oriented Learning – Children learn in stimulating environments that encourage educational experiences built on creative, play-oriented activities that engage all their senses.
Staff
Our exceptional early learning programs are made possible by the skill and dedication of our team of Educators.
Our team of staff consists of Early Childhood Educators, Assistants, Responsible Adults and Administrators. All of our staff work together to support each other, share knowledge and ideas and provide mentorship to new staff. It's a caring and professional workplace that places the children first.
Our School
Our centre consists of a main building, two Studios and use of the Frank Hobbs gym. Our main building houses our Early Years programs. Studio one houses our Nature program and School Age program. Studio two and the gym houses our School age program.
Each distinct room and building provides unique learning opportunities with a wide array of different materials and activities that enhance all areas of childhood development and learning.
Registration
AGCC IS AN APPROVED $10/DAY CHILDCARE SITE. CURRENT RATES ARE APPROVED UNTIL MARCH 31, 2026
REGISTRATION TIME LINES
If registration date falls on a weekend or stat, registration will open up on the following week day.
January 15 - Re-registration of current EY and NP families for following Sept
February 1 - Registration begins for new EY families & new NP families for following Sept
February 1 - Registration for OSC Spring Break Camp
February 15 - OSC Registration for current OSC/EY/NP families for following September
March 1 - Registration begins for new OSC families for following Sept
April 15 - Registration for current EY & OSC families for Summer programs
May 1 - Registration for current NP families for EY summer program
May 15 - Registration for new families for summer programs - EY & OSC
EY - Arbutus Grove Early Years Program (3-5 year old)
NP - Nature Program (4-5 year old)
OSC - Out of School Care for Frank Hobbs/School Age Care (Kindergarten - Grade 5)
