Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Quality Child Care and Early Learning Programs in Port Alberni
Alberni Valley Childcare Society, part of the Alberni Valley Childcare Society, has been a trusted provider of early learning and childcare services in Port Alberni since 1971. Our programs are designed to foster child development through play-based learning, nurturing relationships, and inclusive environments. We offer age-specific services for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children, emphasizing teamwork, creativity, and safety.Our mission prioritizes affordability and accessibility, supported by partnerships with the Province of British Columbia and the City of Port Alberni. With over 50 years of experience, we maintain a commitment to quality care grounded in core values like respect, inclusiveness, and sustainability.
Services
Daycare Services
Preschool Programs
Multi-Age Programs
Before & After School Care
Early Learning Curriculum
Details
- Year established: 1971
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of experience in early childhood education.
- Our programs are licensed and adhere to strict safety standards.
- We offer inclusive, developmentally appropriate care for all ages.
- Our staff maintains low child-to-caregiver ratios for personalized attention.
- We partner with local organizations to enhance community engagement.
Services
Daycare Services
Our daycare program supports children aged 30 months to 5 years in a nurturing environment. We focus on independence and early learning through structured play and caregiver interaction. Services include daily activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Preschool Programs
Preschool services for 3-5-year-olds emphasize creativity and discovery through art, cooking, and outdoor play. Children participate in reading programs and group projects while developing foundational academic and social skills in a supportive setting.
Multi-Age Programs
This program accommodates children from birth to Grade 6, allowing siblings to enroll together. Activities include indoor/outdoor games, weekly outings, and special events designed to foster peer learning and family convenience.
Before & After School Care
We provide supervised care for Kindergarten to Grade 6 students with structured activities like art projects, cooking, and outdoor recreation. Snack provision and limited transportation options support working families during school transitions.
Early Learning Curriculum
Our curriculum integrates play-based learning with developmental milestones. Services include literacy support, STEM activities, and social-emotional skill-building tailored to age groups, all aligned with provincial childcare standards.
People
Julie Spencer
Executive Director
Julie Spencer leads Alberni Valley Childcare Society with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She oversees program development and community partnerships while ensuring compliance with provincial licensing standards.
Christina Dicks
Program Administrator
Christina Dicks manages program logistics and staff coordination at Stepping Stones. With a background in child development, she ensures operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality care standards across all facilities.
Kelly Simister
Program Administrator
Kelly Simister supports program implementation and family engagement at Stepping Stones. Her expertise in childcare administration helps maintain consistent service quality and regulatory compliance across multiple locations.
Questions
What age groups do your programs serve?
We provide care for children from infancy through Grade 6, with specialized programs for infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children.
Are your staff trained in childcare?
All caregivers hold early childhood education certifications and maintain current first aid/CPR training to ensure quality, safe care.
Do you offer part-time enrollment options?
We primarily offer full-time programs but can discuss flexible arrangements based on availability and family needs. Contact us for details.
What safety measures are in place?
We maintain strict safety protocols including secure facilities, staff criminal record checks, and emergency preparedness plans reviewed annually.
How do you involve families?
We encourage family participation through regular communication updates, parent-teacher conferences, and special events throughout the year.
Reviews (2)
Lacey Frazer
Jan 14, 2018
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The staff are caring, just awesome all around. Kelly simister the manager is beyond helpful and i have no issues at all with the whole establishment. They are Very good with working around peoples work needs for childcare
Melissa Harley
Jan 13, 2018
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My littles have been going to Stepping Stones Too for almost a year now and they love it. All the ladies there are wonderful and make it way easier to leave my kiddos with them so I can go to work! ❤️
