Childcare Centre Enrollment List for New Households 97555
Finding the right early knowing centre is equal parts head and heart. You want a location where your child feels safe, curious, and seen. You likewise need a useful suitable for spending plan, area, and schedules. After years assisting households enlist in programs varying from baby spaces to after school care, I've learned that a clear, comprehensive process saves time, reduces stress, and assists you make a positive decision. Consider this your buddy guide, complete with what to ask, what to gather, and what to expect from the first query to the first drop-off.
Start with your household's priorities
Before you browse "daycare near me" or "preschool near me," time out and map what matters most. Commute times, nap schedules, nutrition needs, and your child's temperament all shape the ideal fit. I've worked with parents who liked the warm, homey ambiance of a small local daycare, and others who thrived in a bigger certified daycare with a full curriculum and on-site experts. Know your non-negotiables and your nice-to-haves so you can examine each childcare centre on a constant basis.
A couple of examples from genuine families:
- A parent working early shifts selected a centre that opened at 6:30 a.m., although it was a 10-minute longer drive. Those additional early morning minutes avoided a day-to-day scramble. A toddler with a dairy level of sensitivity needed a program willing to fine-tune snack strategies and let the family offer approved alternatives. A preschooler who had problem with shifts did finest where the class had a foreseeable everyday rhythm and visual schedules.
When you comprehend your child's requirements and your household logistics, the rest of the process becomes clearer.
Researching programs without drowning in tabs
Most neighborhoods use a series of choices: early knowing centre programs for babies and young children, mixed-age daycare centre classrooms, preschool classrooms that stress school readiness, and after school care attached to main schools. You'll also see independent programs like The Learning Circle Childcare Centre, plus community, faith-based, and co-op models. The trick is narrowing the field.
Use 3 filters:
- Location and commute: Search "childcare centre near me" however cross-check with your real commuting paths, not just your home address. A centre 2 blocks from the train may be more useful than one near home if you rely on public transit. Licensing and accreditation: Confirm the program is a certified daycare. Licensing doesn't guarantee perfection, however it sets baseline standards for safety, ratios, health practices, and personnel vetting. Accreditation, if readily available in your location, adds another quality marker, typically connected to curriculum and continuous improvement. Age fit and waitlists: Some centres master infant and toddler care, others in preschool programs. Inquire about normal wait times for your child's age. Infant spaces often have the longest waits due to the fact that of stricter ratios.
Families sometimes avoid over small details in a rush. Do not. If you need flexible days or half-day preschool, note which centres really accommodate that, instead of assuming you can adjust later.
Booking tours that expose the real picture
A tour tells you more in 20 minutes than a site can in 20 pages. Trip at least two programs if you can, even if you fall in love with the first. You'll notice differences in classroom layout, sound levels, teacher-child interactions, and the method children move between activities. Always take notice of the ambiance. Do kids seem engaged, calm, and curious? Do educators meet you at eye level, show you products, and share concrete examples of discovering goals? Does the outside space look well utilized, not just staged for visitors?
A few little but telling signals:
- Classroom paperwork: Look for discovering stories, images, or child-made deal with walls. Can staff inform you what the kids were exploring recently and what's on deck next? In a strong early childcare environment, educators can link activities to skills, not simply fill time. Transitions: Observe any shift in the day, like clean-up or getting ready for treat. Smooth shifts reveal deliberate routines and reduce tension for delicate children. Teacher tone: Listen for language that supports issue solving. "How could we fix this together?" teaches more than "Stop that." The tone you hear on a random Tuesday is the tone your child will hear too.
If a centre like The Learning Circle Childcare Centre welcomes you to visit throughout outside play, take that possibility. You'll see how educators manage danger, deal with scrapes and squabbles, and guide group play.
Clarify the curriculum and everyday rhythm
Not all early knowing structures look the exact same. Some lean into play-based exploration, others present letter noises, number sense, and pre-writing with more structure. A quality program can do both, weaving literacy and numeracy into play. Ask how teachers scaffold abilities. For young children, it may be basic cause-and-effect play with ramps and balls, or matching video games to develop language. For preschoolers, it may be journal time, counting with manipulatives, and significant play that ties to stories.
Ask about:
- Ratios and group size: Ratios are typically set by licensing, however group size and staffing patterns differ. Smaller sized groups typically indicate calmer rooms, specifically for toddler care. Outdoor play: How many minutes or hours a day do children go outside? What takes place in bad weather? In numerous regions, high-performing centres go for a minimum of an hour daily, layered across the day. Mixed-age times: Some centres mix ages in the early morning and late afternoon. That can be a gift for social learning or frustrating for some children. Ask how they support quieter kids during blended periods. Rest and naps: Does the centre impose naps for young children, or offer rest with quiet activities? If your child is dropping naps, you'll desire a versatile plan.
If you hear a great deal of buzzwords without specifics, request an example from recently. A strong educator can explain what children did, why it mattered, and how they'll extend it.
Health, security, and emergencies
Licensed daycare programs follow health and safety protocols: safe entry, sign-in systems, allergic reaction tracking, and routine drills. Still, details matter. Ask how they confirm authorized pick-ups, manage medications, and handle moderate disease. Fever cutoff policies, return-to-care rules, and on-site storage for emergency medications must be clear. Some centres stock epinephrine and inhalers with an individual use plan, others need family-provided medications with identified prescriptions.
Nutrition is another safety topic. Centres differ on food service. Some offer all meals and snacks with a signed up strategy, others ask households to load lunches. If your child has allergic reactions, request to see the treat list. If infants are on formula or breast milk, ask how the centre stores and warms bottles, and how they track each feeding. Try to find strenuous labeling and a double-check process in shared fridges.
Emergency strategies ought to cover everything from a power outage to a citywide occasion. Ask where kids evacuate to, how the centre communicates with families during an event, and how they reunify kids with licensed adults. Centres that drill quarterly and send quick after-action notes usually execute much better when it counts.
Fees, deposits, and what's included
Money talk is clearer previously. Anticipate an application charge to hold a spot on the waitlist and a deposit to protect a used seat, generally one to four weeks of tuition credited to your last month. Some centres use brother or sister discounts or part-time rates. Others may participate in government fee-reduction programs that lower costs for qualified households. If you'll need extended hours for after school care in later years, ask how tuition modifications by program level.
Clarify what your tuition consists of. Diapers and wipes are often family-supplied for babies and toddlers, though some programs bundle them into costs. Ask about sun block, field trips, in-house gos to from music or movement experts, and vacation closures. Households sometimes overlook closure calendars. If your centre closes for a full week in August or during winter season holidays, plan for backup care.
The documentation you'll need and why it matters
Enrollment forms can feel unlimited, however each serves a purpose. Programs gather this information not simply to inspect boxes, however to keep your child safe, adapt care to their needs, and fulfill licensing standards. A lot of centres will hand you a packet as soon as you accept a spot, with deadlines to return everything before your start date.
Essential documents generally include:
- Enrollment application with household contact details, authorized pick-up list, and emergency situation contacts. Health and immunization records signed by your child's doctor. If your region permits exemptions, expect additional types and policies around outbreaks. Allergy and medication forms that specify dosages, delivery approach, and storage. For EpiPens or inhalers, centres typically need the medication on-site before your child starts. Development and routines questionnaire. Share nap patterns, comfort items, feeding preferences, words your child utilizes, and any sensory level of sensitivities. The more you offer, the smoother the very first weeks. Consent kinds for pictures, sunscreen, school outing, and observation by professionals. You can customize permission. If you prefer no social media however enable internal class paperwork, state so.
Centres like The Learning Circle Childcare Centre frequently provide a digital website to finish these forms and upload records. If you trusted daycare centre prefer paper, ask for that choice. What matters is accuracy and clarity, not format.
Preparing your child for the transition
Enrollment is a paperwork milestone. Adjustment is the genuine work. For young children and young children, previewing the new routine assists tremendously. If the centre offers a short orientation check out, take it. Thirty minutes in the classroom with you nearby offers your child a sensory map of the space: where the restrooms are, what the cubbies look like, and who the teachers are.
At home, play "school" with gentle structure. Load a pretend lunch, hang a coat on a hook, sing the clean-up song. Practice goodbye routines. Some families use an unique expression or a small laminated photo clipped to the backpack. Consistency matters more than intricacy. On the very first day, keep the goodbye quick, warm, and last. Remaining increases anxiety for numerous children. Educators are practiced at guiding those first couple of minutes.
Expect a transition window. For some kids, mornings get tear-free on day 2. Others take 2 to 3 weeks. The stable markers are sufficient sleep at home, foreseeable drop-off routines, and clear parent-centre interaction. If your child is still deeply distressed after a couple of weeks, schedule a conference to problem-solve. Changing nap timing, tweaking arrival time, or sending out a familiar blanket can make a real difference.
Communication you can count on
A childcare centre is a second set of eyes and hearts on your child. Good interaction keeps everybody aligned. Everyday notes might include what your child consumed, nap length, diapering or restroom information, and an emphasize from play or knowing. Some centres utilize apps that enable real-time images and fast messages. Others depend on whiteboards and end-of-day chats. Both work if they're consistent.
Two-way interaction is a lot more important. If your child had a rough night or is attempting a new food, let the instructor understand at drop-off. If you're working on potty learning or a new nap schedule, work together on a strategy. Educators appreciate clear objectives and client timelines. Progress isn't direct, specifically with toddlers.
For bigger concerns, book time. Trying to catch an instructor at pick-up while they supervise 10 children is difficult for everybody. Ask for a 15-minute call or meeting. Centres like The Learning Circle Childcare Centre will often suggest a time when ratios permit a correct conversation.
Understanding ratios, staffing, and turnover
Ratios matter for safety, but teacher continuity matters for accessory. Ask how the centre deals with staff absences and how typically kids alter classrooms. In programs that promote by age, kids typically "go up" once a year. Transition plans can consist of brief sees to the new room and a handover conference. If you can attend part of that transition, take the chance. You'll discover the brand-new routines and faces together with your child.
Turnover occurs all over, but high turnover interferes with classrooms. Ask about typical period and how the centre purchases professional advancement. A director who can call training subjects from the last six months is normally running an intentional program. If the centre partners with local colleges to host practicum trainees, that can add energy and new ideas, supplied veteran educators anchor the rooms.
What a day looks like for different ages
Infant and toddler care is not small preschool. It's relationship-based, responsive, and versatile by design. Children eat and sleep on personalized schedules, and educators follow their cues. You need to see soft spaces, low shelves, and plenty of floor time. For young children, you'll see short, varied activities, generous outdoor time, and easy group minutes like songs and fingerplays.
Preschool spaces include longer jobs, emerging styles, and more explicit pre-literacy and math minutes. You may see name acknowledgment games, journaling, and structure obstacles that encourage partnership. At its best, a preschool day feels purposeful without being rushed. Kids complete cycles of play, not just rotate on timers.
After school care supports older kids when classes end. It needs to provide a dependable treat, time to move, and a mix of research assistance and play. Search for checking out nooks, parlor game, craft products, and space outdoors. This is a decompression window. Programs that respect that tend to keep kids engaged and willing to go.
Policies that quietly shape your experience
Handbooks are not thrilling, but they forecast your everyday. Pay unique attention to:
- Late pick-up costs and grace durations. Life takes place. Know the policy before you're stuck in traffic. Sick policies, specifically around 24-hour symptom-free rules. These vary somewhat in between centres and affect your backup plans. Holiday and professional development closures. Put all dates in your calendar the day you enroll. Behavior assistance. Ask for examples. How do teachers react to biting in young children or hitting in preschool? Clear, consistent approaches matter for class culture. Inclement weather condition closures and interaction channels. Will you get a text, email, or app alert by a set time?
Reasonable families and terrific centres still hit snags. Knowing how the centre deals with exceptions and communicates changes matters as much as the policy text itself.
What to pack, labeled and ready
A well-prepared bag spares you 6 a.m. scavenger hunts. The centre will list classroom-specific needs, however the basics are constant: additional clothes, a water bottle, indoor shoes if requested, weather-appropriate outerwear, and convenience products. For babies and toddlers, include diapers, wipes if needed, and a sleep sack if permitted. Some centres ask for a small blanket for preschool rest time.
Many teachers love a simple system. A separate wet bag for soiled clothing. A little pouch with an extra pacifier. A folder in the knapsack for kinds and art. Label whatever with first and last name. If you use initials, duplicate initials can trigger mix-ups in bigger programs. Permanent marker works, however washable labels survive laundry better.
Here's a brief packing reference you can screenshot for the first week:
- Two full modifications of identified clothing, including socks and underwear. Weather-ready gear: sun hat and sunscreen in warm months; raincoat, boots, mittens in wet or cold seasons. Comfort item for rest, if enabled: little blanket, soft toy, or family photo. Refillable water bottle and, if needed, an identified lunch container with ice pack. Any medications with signed types, in original packaging.
Restock on Fridays so Monday isn't a scramble. Teachers generally send home a note when clothes or diapers run low, but a weekly routine keeps you a step ahead.
The first week: what "great" looks like
A great first week does not always suggest no tears. It suggests your child experiences foreseeable care, fulfills warm grownups, and starts to find out the rhythm of the space. Educators must share a minimum of one concrete positive story every day. "He loved the water table and used a scoop to fill cups for five minutes." "She sat with Maya at treat and they counted blueberries together." You're developing trust through specifics.
If your child naps in a different way at the centre, that's typical. Sleep shifts with new stimuli and noise levels. Share what assists in the house, however enable time for the space's routine to take hold. Appetite likewise differs the very first week. As long as your child remains hydrated and shows interest in a minimum of one snack or meal, you're on a healthy path.
Stay in touch without hovering. A midday check-in on day one assists your nerves and doesn't trouble staff if it's quick. By day three or four, let the class flow. Conserve bigger questions for a planned chat.
Red flags worth noticing
No centre will be best every hour, and one off minute isn't a deal-breaker. Still, some patterns are worthy of attention. Persistent classroom mayhem, consistently harsh tones from staff, or minimal outside time across numerous days signal much deeper issues. If you see security corners cut, like gates propped open or medications opened, raise it with the director immediately. A strong centre will act and follow up.
Communication matters here too. If you bring a concern and get a defensible explanation and a clear strategy, that's an excellent indication. If you get defensiveness, blame-shifting, or vague responses, think about whether this is the partnership you want.
Why a certified program sets a strong foundation
Families in some cases ask if they should select a certified daycare over casual care with a neighbor or household buddy. Both can work, and many kids grow in blended arrangements throughout their early years. The benefit of a licensed childcare centre depends on consistent standards: background checks, training requirements, ratios, evaluations, and a written curriculum plan. Program leaders tend to track child results and change practice. You also have option if something fails, through regulative bodies.
Centres like The Learning Circle Childcare Centre construct on this baseline with an intentional learning culture. You should see teacher reflection, family feedback loops, and evolving class environments. Those are silently powerful indicators that the program is not just certified, but committed to growth.
Questions to ask that get past the brochure
You do not require a long script. A couple of well-placed concerns expose whether a centre will partner with your family:
- Tell me about a child who had a hard time at drop-off. What helped over time? How do you present brand-new teachers to the space so children feel secure? What's one change you made this year based on household feedback? How do you support children who don't nap however need quiet rest? Can you share a current job and how you extended it across a week?
Listen for specifics. You're searching for genuine stories, not generic promises.
When to put your name on a waitlist
If you're pregnant or embracing and understand you'll need child care, get on waitlists as quickly as you identify your top options. In some cities, baby areas book 6 to 12 months out. For toddlers and preschoolers, 3 to six months' preparation is generally enough, though this varies by season. If you're versatile on start date or schedule, say so. Some families safe and secure momentary part-time care while waiting for preferred days to open up.
If you're moving into a new area and searching "childcare centre near me," call the leading few programs and be candid about your timeline. A strong director will tell you the most likely wait based on historic patterns. If an area opens eleventh hour, choose rapidly. That's difficult, however it happens. Ask for how long they can hold the area while you visit and examine the handbook.
Partnering with your centre for the long run
Your child might invest two to 4 years in a single program, from infant care through preschool, then shift to after school care. Think of this as a relationship, not a deal. Share turning points and rough spots. Commemorate teachers who make a distinction. If you can, sign up with parent coffees or quick family nights. Those casual minutes enhance the material of the neighborhood your child lives in daily.
You also have a voice in your child's knowing. If your child becomes fascinated with bugs, tell the instructor and ask how you can support the query in the house. Bring an image of a yard discovery. That little act bridges home and school, and kids feel it.
A last word on fit and trust
When you have actually toured, asked your questions, and filled out your types, listen to your gut and your notes in equivalent step. Select the centre that aligns with your top priorities and makes area for your child's character. An excellent early learning centre, whether a big certified daycare or a smaller local daycare, feels like a group. The building matters, the curriculum matters, and policies matter, but individuals make the difference.
If The Learning Circle Childcare Centre or a similar program near you checks the big boxes, move on. If you're still uncertain, request a second check out at a different time of day. Great centres welcome the scrutiny. They know an honest appearance constructs trust, and trust is the vital component that turns enrollment into a partnership your child can grow in.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre – South Surrey Campus
Also known as: The Learning Circle Ocean Park Campus; The Learning Circle Childcare South Surrey
Address: 100 – 12761 16 Avenue (Pacific Building), Surrey, BC V4A 1N3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-385-5890
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.thelearningcirclechildcare.com/
Campus page: https://www.thelearningcirclechildcare.com/south-surrey-campus-oceanpark
Tagline: Providing Care & Early Education for the Whole Child Since 1992
Main services: Licensed childcare, daycare, preschool, before & after school care, Foundations classes (1–4), Foundations of Mindful Movement, summer camps, hot lunch & snacks
Primary service area: South Surrey, Ocean Park, White Rock BC
Google Maps
View on Google Maps (GBP-style search URL):
https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=The+Learning+Circle+Childcare+Centre+-+South+Surrey+Campus,+12761+16+Ave,+Surrey,+BC+V4A+1N3
Plus code:
24JJ+JJ Surrey, British Columbia
Business Hours (Ocean Park / South Surrey Campus)
Regular hours:
Note: Hours may differ on statutory holidays; families are usually encouraged to confirm directly with the campus before visiting.
Social Profiles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelearningcirclecorp/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tlc_corp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thelearningcirclechildcare
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus is a holistic childcare and early learning centre located at 100 – 12761 16 Avenue in the Pacific Building in South Surrey’s Ocean Park neighbourhood of Surrey, BC V4A 1N3, Canada.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus provides full-day childcare and preschool programs for children aged 1 to 5 through its Foundations 1, Foundations 2 and Foundations 3 classes.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus offers before-and-after school care for children 5 to 12 years old in its Foundations 4 Emerging Leaders program, serving Ecole Laronde, Ray Shepherd and Ocean Cliff elementary schools.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus focuses on whole-child development that blends academics, social-emotional learning, movement, nutrition and mindfulness in a safe, family-centred setting.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and is closed on weekends and most statutory holidays.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus serves families in South Surrey, Ocean Park and nearby White Rock, British Columbia.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus has the primary phone number +1 604-385-5890 for enrolment, tours and general enquiries.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus can be contacted by email at [email protected]
or via the online forms on https://www.thelearningcirclechildcare.com/
.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus offers additional programs such as Foundations of Mindful Movement, a hot lunch and snack program, and seasonal camps for school-age children.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus is part of The Learning Circle Inc., an early learning network established in 1992 in British Columbia.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus is categorized as a day care center, child care service and early learning centre in local business directories and on Google Maps.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus values safety, respect, harmony and long-term relationships with families in the community.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus maintains an active online presence on Facebook, Instagram (@tlc_corp) and YouTube (The Learning Circle Childcare Centre Inc).
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus uses the Google Maps plus code 24JJ+JJ Surrey, British Columbia to identify its location close to Ocean Park Village and White Rock amenities.
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus welcomes children from 12 months to 12 years and embraces inclusive, multicultural values that reflect the diversity of South Surrey and White Rock families.
People Also Ask about The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus
What ages does The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus accept?
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus typically welcomes children from about 12 months through 12 years of age, with age-specific Foundations programs for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
Where is The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus located?
The campus is located in the Pacific Building at 100 – 12761 16 Avenue in South Surrey’s Ocean Park area, just a short drive from central White Rock and close to the 128 Street and 16 Avenue corridor.
What programs are offered at the South Surrey / Ocean Park campus?
The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus offers Foundations 1 and 2 for infants and toddlers, Foundations 3 for preschoolers, Foundations 4 Emerging Leaders for school-age children, along with Foundations of Mindful Movement, hot lunch and snack programs, and seasonal camps.
Does The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus provide before and after school care?
Yes, the campus provides before-and-after school care through its Foundations 4 Emerging Leaders program, typically serving children who attend nearby elementary schools such as Ecole Laronde, Ray Shepherd and Ocean Cliff, subject to availability and current routing.
Are meals and snacks included in tuition?
Core programs at The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus usually include a hot lunch and snacks, designed to support healthy eating habits so families do not need to pack full meals each day.
What makes The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus different from other daycares?
The campus emphasizes a whole-child approach that balances school readiness, social-emotional growth, movement and mindfulness, with long-standing “Foundations” curriculum, dedicated early childhood educators, and a strong focus on safety and family partnerships.
Which neighbourhoods does The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus primarily serve?
The South Surrey campus primarily serves families living in Ocean Park, South Surrey and nearby White Rock, as well as commuters who travel along 16 Avenue and the 128 Street and 152 Street corridors.
How can I contact The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus?
You can contact The Learning Circle Childcare Centre - South Surrey Campus by calling +1 604-385-5890, by visiting their social channels such as Facebook and Instagram, or by going to https://www.thelearningcirclechildcare.com/ to learn more and submit a tour or enrolment enquiry.
