Our House Preschool
123 West 16th ave Vancouver BC
Our Philosophy
We believe that children require warm, nurturing care with a safe and supportive environment. Children are capable, competent learners therefore we develop responsive programs through negotiation and collaboration with children. We know that children learn through interactions with others and that providing them with opportunities to play, both with other children and with our teachers, are essential to their development. We believe that parents are the most important people in a child’s life and the importance of listening to parents’ concerns, desires and hopes for their children. We welcome participation and ideas from parents.
Our Emergent Curriculum supports children in their natural pursuit of play; we are a play based, child led program and offer the space, time and resources for children to conduct their own investigations, test their hypothesis, and try things out through open-ended, intrinsically motivated activities.
Our philosophy is rooted in respect for all children and the different ways that they experience the world, and this is made visible through our practice, actions and attitude, for example at Our house Preschool we believe a respectful practitioner is;
Trustworthy
Engaged with the children and their interests
An Active listener, Co-Constructer
Aware of different approaches to learning and communicating
An advocate for equality
Able to see perceived challenges, as opportunities
At Our House Preschool we see children as:
resilient, capable, creative, unique, full of zest, researchers, reflective, curious,
and Life Long Learners...
Our Four's Classes...
Class Time - What We Do:
Our four years old take part in our three hour program which consists of
~free play which is lead by children's interest and provocations,
~ Group Gathering times to provide a safe space for a sense of belonging,
~ Open snack time which provides children the independency to listen to their bodies,
~ Outdoor time where we build a zest for the outdoors 45 min-1.5 hrs
Children learn through curiosity........
Your child has come so far in their development. They are creative and becoming confident about their environment. They have the drive to want to research more about topics of interest. Through observations and connections we create an understanding of questions we wonder about. Our curiosity drives us to work together and focus on two or three interest based projects throughout the year which are then shared with families. Our interest-based projects encourage a deeper curiosity to want to learn. Our gatherings will be used for interest-based stories, brainstorming, and other creative ways to research together. As we venture into the community for our daily outings, we use this time to connect with nature and explore the world with respect and resilience. Educational experience, driven by play, always ends in an outcome greater than a theme-based plan. Through the year the teachers strive to help support children to be able to problem solve, be capable, build self-esteem and ready to take on their next chapter - Kindergarten.
Our Three's Classes...
Class Time - What We Do:
Our three years old programs consists of:
~Free play which is lead by children's interest and provocations,
~ Group Gathering times to provide a safe space for a sense of belonging,
~ Open snack time which provides children the independency to listen to their bodies,
~ Outdoor time where we build a zest for the outdoors 30 min-1 hour
Children learn through curiosity........
Welcome to our Three’s Program, we are excited to take on this next journey with your child. Our program focuses on social emotional education and development of the child. Positive social and emotional development in early childhood provides a critical foundation for lifelong development and learning. Educators scaffold problem solving, social conflict resolution, and emotional regulation through co-regulation. Children are taught to recognize and label emotions that they themselves are feeling and their peers. The environment is a safe place for your child to learn, play and develop the social and emotional skills needed to succeed in life. We thrive on providing an environment where your child can work on their four domains of development during the this class.
Our Two’s Classes...
Two’s Class Time
We are very excited to have your child join us this year. Our 2’s program is designed to help your child learn new skills and enhance the skills they already have. We thrive on providing an environment where your child can work on their four domains of development. During this time, we as teachers listen, repeat and help lengthen their sentences and introduce new words. We will be repeating songs for a few weeks to help build LANGUAGE domain
Their minds are growing at an astonishing rate during this time. From solving problems, to matching and sorting, along with being able to stay focused. We use all sorts of activities such as matching pieces, grouping of colors, animals, etc. to help introduce and build their COGNITIVE processes. We encourage them to make decisions that are safe and think about their own wellbeing. We use carpet time as a time for turn taking and encouraging one another, letting every child build their independence and helping improve their SOCIAL EMOTIONAL domain. We provide art tools to children such as crayons, glue sticks, small scissors, stickers, and many other common supplies. We talk to them about safety while using these as well as providing guidance. Weather they work on art or their climbing journey, they focus and build their MOTOR skills.
Our Parent Participation Classes
Co-Education and Inclusive Community Class
We are very excited to have your child join us this year. Our Parent participation program is designed to help your child learn new skills and enhance the skills they already have. This Program is developed to help children transition from home to preschool with the support of the parents in class. Children grow in their own unique way and their needs will always be different from another child's.
This program is constructed to provide those families who prefer to co-educate during these early years, a space to do that. We provide spots for children ages 3-5 in this program. Our Parent Participation also provides an inclusive setting for those who may need extra support but do not have support in place. The Parent Participation is the best place to start building those social interactions all while having a parent close by. Parents are to co-educate alongside our Educators and be a part of an enriching experiences and environment. The EC Educators will be providing a holistic approach to the class and creating a relaxed routine that you and your child will continuously take part in. Part of the parent participation is to engage in activities that help build your child developmental milestones and to learn about the world around them and feel a sense of belonging. You will be your child's guide to help build relationship and creating trust with other co-educators in the class. As children grow and feel secure parents have the option to venture out and leave their child with the teachers in the program. Throughout the class time the EC Educators will be helping you understand and provide tools to help learn more about the developmental domains of your child.
Our Educators
Jo
Preschool supervisor and inclusion coordinator
I have been bringing a nurturing and fun environment to MPCCA since 2019. With a passion for nurturing young minds and a commitment to fostering inclusive learning environments, I have dedicated my career to the development of children from diverse backgrounds. Since 2003, I have been actively involved in early childhood education, bringing my expertise in neurodiversity, Reggio Emilia, inquiry-based learning, and social-emotional child development to the forefront of my practice. My approach is deeply rooted in the belief that every child deserves an foundation that celebrates their unique abilities and encourages their full potential. I am well-versed in creating inclusive environments that cater to all learners, ensuring that each child feels valued and supported. I hold a strong background in neurodiversity, recognizing and embracing the different ways in which children learn and interact with the world. My experience with the Reggio Emilia philosophy has taught me the importance of a child-centered curriculum that is responsive to their interests and needs. As an advocate for inquiry-based learning, I encourage children to explore, question, and discover, fostering a love for lifelong learning. My focus on social-emotional development ensures that children develop the emotional awareness necessary to navigate their social world. Our House Preschool Children from past describe me as “Funny, almost as tall as me, knows all about super hero’s, can ride the kids bikes and gives squishy hugs“. By the way I’m also a mom since 2004 to 5 amazing loving humans 4 boys and 1 girl.... they help me stay youthful and keep my modern day lingo up to date.
Patricia
Early Childhood Educator
My name is Patricia and teaching has always been my passion. I enjoy supporting the children's growth and learning in a loving, respectful and safe environment. In particular, I celebrate each child's unique accomplishments! My teaching journey started in Chile where I taught as an Elementary School Teacher in grades 1 through 4. As an Early Childhood Educator, I feel passionate about including music in class. You'll often see me with a guitar and using a wide variety of instruments with them. Music supports children in so many ways. Their joy and freedom to express themselves in their own unique way makes me feel happy to be their teacher! I am proud to say that I have worked for Mt Pleasant Association for 30 years as a Preschool teacher. I love this community and am so grateful to be a part of your child life!
Wioletta
Early Childhood Educator
Hello Our House Preschool children and families, My name is Wioletta. I’ve been an Early Childhood Educator since 2013 while working in a preschool program since 2015. I’m an enthusiastic, caring and passionate educator who believes that all children can learn and thrive in a learning environment that is stimulating, comforting, and appropriate to children’s abilities. Working with children provides me with the opportunity to develop a new purpose each day. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing the children have that “ah ha” moment that we’ve both striving towards. My passion for working with children started quite early in my life when I was a young girl playing school with my siblings. But my ECE career started right after having my three sons – now they are teenagers. When I’m not in preschool, I’m supporting my sons in their education and athletic careers, hiking with my husband, or working in my garden. In my spare time, I enjoy completing jigsaw puzzles, watching a movie or sewing. I’m looking forward to meeting you and learning all about your favourite things. See you soon!
Kiran
Early Childhood Educator
Hello Our House family. My name is Kiran, and I am pleased to announce that I have joined the team at Our House Preschool!
I have been an Early Childhood Educator since 2017, and I've been passionate about working with children long before that. Growing up in a household with several younger family members helped to shape my approach and values about childcare at an early age.
I received my Diploma at Langara College, where I am also currently in the process of completing the Infant/Toddler and Early Childhood Special Education certifications.
Being in this profession allows me to not only witness and foster the development of your children, but it gives me the opportunity to grow and learn too.
Fun fact about me: I lived in Germany for about a year, where I had the opportunity to teach English and provide childcare.
I also enjoy singing and creating children's songs, poems, and stories.
Our Educators
Julieta
Early Childhood Educator
My name is Julieta and I am very excited to join the Our House Preschool team. I have a background in psychology and recently graduated from my masters in Early Childhood Education at UBC. I am originally from Mexico, where I started my journey as an educator, working as a preschool teacher and therapist of children with special needs.
I am passionate about education and being part of children’s learning processes through play and exploration. I believe big part of my role as educator is to spark each kid curiosity and nurture their ideas, creating a safe space to co-imagine better futures
Sydney
Inclusion Support
Hi I’m Sydney! I’ve been with OHCC since 2020 and I’m a student at UBC working towards a degree in developmental psychology and special education. I am passionate about making Our House inclusive, and love to come up with new games and activities that inspire the kids to be creative and silly. I have been working in the preschool for 3 years and provide children with activities that help bring inclusion practices into place. All children are unique and capable when provided the right environment where they can thrive at their own pace.
Our Classroom
Our CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT plays a VITAL ROLE in the children's learning. Children thrive in environments that provides opportunity for children to grow and be creative in their own unique way. Our classrooms are viewed as a place that is welcoming, holistic and embraces nature and has material that provides unlimited opportunity for children to grow and be creative in their own unique way. Each class is set up accordingly to the groups interests and helps build relationships, starts meaningful communication, group collaboration, and helps children reach their own mountains.
Shout Outs from Our House Families......
"Both my kids have attended our house preschool. The kids have never complained about going and have learnt so much both socially and academically.
I love how much time they spend outdoors and how the projects are led by the children.
I feel like the preschool really prepares the kids for kindergarten. The teachers are wonderful and I feel like my kids are in great hands.
The preschool is a hub in the neighbourhood and the kids and us have made some solid friendships because of it."
Sarah
Our House Preschool has been a special part of our lives for the past 4.5 years. Teachers are kind and caring and it's been such a joyful place for my children. What we love most about Our House is its sense of community and how much they explore and experience the neighborhood. Will surely miss Our House as my kids grow out of their preschool years.
Joane
"I can’t say how much I love and appreciate Our House Preschool. It’s been a huge stepping stone for not only my daughter, but myself. All of the staff are incredibly supportive and deal with each family based on needs. I have seen such an amazing, positive transformation in my daughter who at first wouldn’t let me leave, now says goodbye running into the classroom. The activities are educational and fun. She loves the staff and per peers now too. Can’t say enough wonderful things about this program. So fortunate we came across Our House Preschool.
Shannon
"We feel so fortunate that our daughter got the opportunity attend Our House Preschool. She is a complex medical kid with special needs, so when we decided to enroll her in a preschool, we were very nervous on how she would be treated and accepted. We visited many preschools before finally deciding to go with Our House Preschool, and we are so glad that we made that choice. The preschool staff and management have been nothing but inclusive and accommodating to her needs. They worked so hard to understand her needs even before she started at the preschool, and ensured that her needs are accommodated she is given an equal opportunity along with her peers. We are so delighted and relieved to see our daughter so happy and enjoying her time at the preschool. The entire team is so wonderful and makes sure that a positive, warm, and nurturing environment is provided to all the kids.
Choosing Our House Preschool for out daughter was one of the best decisions we have made for her. We couldn’t have asked for a better place to start her school journey; we are grateful beyond words.
Safra
Reach out!
Our House Childcare Center
604-257-3061 Ext 2
Registration Questions
email: Vera.meza@vancouver.ca
604-707-0311
Program Information
email: jasleen.chahal@vancouver.ca