Business Details
Play-Based Preschool in Vancouver
We are a licensed play-based preschool dedicated to fostering children's development through an emergent curriculum. Our approach emphasizes individualized learning, where each child's temperament, preferences, and abilities shape our programs. By integrating play as the foundation for learning, we cultivate social skills, emotional resilience, and cognitive growth in a nurturing environment. Our team of experienced educators collaborates closely with families and local communities to create a supportive ecosystem for early childhood education.Located in Vancouver's Douglas Park neighborhood, we prioritize accessibility, safety, and natural exploration through daily outdoor activities. Our commitment to quality has earned recognition from WestCoast Families and approval under British Columbia's Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative, making exceptional early education more accessible to families.
Services
Preschool Programs
Summer Camps
Play-Based Curriculum
Child Development
Community Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We implement a play-based curriculum that adapts to each child's unique learning style
- Our educators maintain a 3:1 staff-to-child ratio for personalized attention
- Daily outdoor exploration at nearby Heather Park promotes nature connection
- We partner with BC Centre of Ability for specialized child development support
- Approved by the BC government's Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative
What people say
Loved his teachers
Improved social skills
Teachers are caring
Fun environment
Positive development
Services
Preschool Programs
Our licensed preschool programs offer structured play-based learning for children aged 2.5-5 years. With flexible scheduling options from 1-5 days weekly, our curriculum fosters social-emotional development, cognitive growth, and physical coordination through child-led exploration. Certified educators maintain a 3:1 staff-to-child ratio to ensure personalized attention and meaningful learning opportunities.
Summer Camps
Themed summer camps provide half-day educational adventures for preschool-aged children. Weekly programs explore science, art, sports, and nature with a maximum 20:3 child-to-staff ratio. Activities include hands-on experiments, creative projects, and outdoor exploration at local parks. Separate registration required for these specialized summer learning experiences.
Child Development
Our play-based approach specifically targets key developmental milestones through intentional teaching strategies. Educators create individualized learning plans that address each child's unique needs while promoting emotional resilience, social skills, and cognitive abilities. Regular progress observations help adapt activities to support optimal growth throughout early childhood.
People
Larry Law
Preschool Manager
Early Childhood Educator with over 10 years' experience, holding ECE certification from Vancouver Community College. Specializes in play-based learning and multilingual communication in Cantonese and Mandarin.
Nicole Lam
Preschool Educator
Passionate about nature-based play and emotional development, Nicole brings expertise in creating engaging learning environments that foster children's natural curiosity and social connections.
Christa Wilson
Lead Educator
Certified ECE professional with 6 years at Extra Steps, specializing in play-based philosophy and individualized child-centered instruction that emphasizes empathy and creative expression.
Robb Weaver
Program Advisor
Early childhood education expert with 15+ years' experience directing childcare centers and developing innovative preschool programs focused on holistic child development and educator training.
Sarah Goundouvas
Child Development Specialist
Vancouver-trained ECE professional known for nurturing approach to guiding children through challenging situations while fostering confidence and positive social interactions through play-based learning.
Questions
What ages do you serve?
We accept children aged 2.5 to 5 years for our preschool programs and summer camps.
What is your staff-to-child ratio?
We maintain a maximum 3:1 staff-to-child ratio for optimal individual attention.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes! Weekly themed summer camps run half-days with separate registration required.
Are you government licensed?
We are a licensed preschool operating under British Columbia's childcare regulations.
How are fees structured?
Monthly fees range from $188-640 based on attendance days, with summer camps priced at $155-185 weekly.
Reviews (5)
Chrissi Vi
Oct 16, 2018
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Our daughter is now for a year with Extra Steps and she just loves it and she can't wait for each day to come on which she goes there to see her friends and teachers. This paly oriented preschool is just amazing, the teachers are super lovely and very engaged. I really appreciate the outstanding communication the teachers provide to us parents, anything and everything gets announced and shared ahead of time or if something comes up (positive or challenging) with our little ones, it will be discussed right away with us parents. What I personally extremely value is that this preschool takes our
Aimee L.
Oct 06, 2017
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Our son only got to attend for 2 mos - but the educators are all so lovely, trust worthy & our son comes home telling us he had fun at preschool. Lots of activities and because the curriculum is play based they really focus on what your child likes to do. They encourage kids to really shine and develop the skills they have. We are sad to leave.
Christine A.
Aug 06, 2015
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Max particularly enjoys the lighthearted fun that Robb brings to the school and often comes home with stories of silliness. I also appreciate their willingness to let him push his own boundaries.
April H.
Jan 13, 2015
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A fantastic play based preschool with energetic, loving teachers. My child loves going here which is perhaps the best compliment of all.
Lloyd Burr
Dec 14, 2014
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My son has been attending Extra Steps for over a year; he loves the teachers, his friends and the environment. Robb and Sarah run a great program that gives the children lots of fun & freedom while teaching routine & social skills. Weather permitting there are local excursions outside and when inside there are many activities to engage with. Looking forward to sending my youngest there when he's old enough.
