Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool in Vancouver for Play-Based Learning
Since 1974, Little People has been nurturing young minds in Kerrisdale, Vancouver's vibrant west side. As one of the city's longest-running preschools, we pride ourselves on creating a warm, inclusive environment where children and families thrive. Our play-based curriculum fosters social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through joyful, child-centered experiences. With a 1:6 adult-child ratio and fully qualified ECE teachers, we prioritize individualized attention and community-building. Our spacious classrooms and secure playground encourage exploration and creativity, while partnerships with local businesses and organizations extend learning beyond our walls.We actively involve parents through classroom participation and educational evenings, fostering a collaborative approach to early childhood education. Over 50 years of service have solidified our commitment to preparing children for kindergarten through trust, discovery, and imaginative play. Our alumni network remains engaged, contributing cherished memories to our Digital Museum. This enduring legacy reflects our dedication to nurturing not just students, but entire families, in a supportive, community-focused setting.
Services
Preschool Programs
3-Year-Olds Class
4-Year-Olds Class
Outdoor Classroom
Parent Involvement
Details
- Year established: 1974
Highlights and features
- We offer a 1:6 adult-child ratio with fully qualified ECE teachers
- Our play-based curriculum emphasizes kindergarten readiness and social-emotional development
- We maintain a secure, fully fenced playground with diverse gross-motor opportunities
- Our community-focused approach includes parent involvement and local partnerships
- We provide flexible programs tailored to individual children's developmental needs
What people say
Teachers are friendly and attentive
Children develop social skills
Nurturing learning environment
Caring and supportive staff
Wonderful preschool experience
Services
3-Year-Olds Class
Our 3-year-olds program focuses on separation from caregivers, emotional expression, and peer relationships through structured play. With a 1:6 teacher ratio, children develop social competence and self-regulation skills. Daily activities include outdoor play, snack time, and circle time to build foundational learning habits.
4-Year-Olds Class
Designed to build kindergarten readiness, this program emphasizes emotional regulation, academic exploration, and extended focus periods. Children engage in field trips, collaborative projects, and creative activities that foster empathy, friendship skills, and academic curiosity in a play-based environment.
Outdoor Classroom
Our secure playground features a large sandbox and gross-motor equipment that supports physical development and social interaction. Outdoor play is integrated into daily curriculum to promote health, sensory exploration, and unstructured peer engagement in a safe, natural setting.
Parent Involvement
We encourage parental participation through classroom visits, event planning, and educational evenings led by child development professionals. This collaborative approach strengthens home-school connections and provides families with tools to support their child's learning journey.
Educational Evenings
Free workshops featuring early childhood experts cover topics like language development, emotional regulation, and kindergarten transition. These sessions provide practical strategies for parents while fostering a supportive community network among participating families.
People
Caitlin
Teacher
Experienced ECE teacher specializing in 3-4 year old development, with expertise in creating engaging play-based learning experiences that foster social and emotional growth.
Laura
Teacher
Dedicated early childhood educator focusing on peer social competence and creative expression through structured play activities tailored to individual children's needs.
Bianca
Teacher
Skilled in developing trust and discovery-based learning environments, Bianca creates inclusive classroom experiences that emphasize emotional regulation and collaborative play.
Irene
Support Teacher
Provides specialized support for children's transition periods and individualized attention during classroom activities, focusing on building confidence and social skills.
Julia
School Manager
Oversees daily operations and parent communications, ensuring program quality and maintaining the preschool's community-focused approach to early childhood education.
Questions
Do you provide all-day childcare services?
No, we're a licensed preschool offering half-day programs for 3 and 4-year-olds. Our morning class runs 9-11:30am and afternoon class 12:30-3:30pm.
Can I place my 18-month-old on a waitlist?
Yes, you can preregister your child for our waitlist. We prioritize alumni families and operate on a first-come basis for new applicants.
Is potty training required for enrollment?
No, we accept children in diapers or pull-ups. Our teachers will assist with changes as needed without pressuring children to be toilet-trained.
How do you support English language learners?
We have extensive experience with multilingual children. Our teachers use play-based interactions to help non-English speakers build language skills naturally through peer engagement.
What is your withdrawal policy?
We require one month's notice or payment in lieu of notice for withdrawals. We recommend completing the full school year for optimal learning continuity.
Do you offer care for infants or toddlers?
We only accept children in their 3rd and 4th calendar years. For younger children, you'll need a facility with an infant/toddler license.
Reviews (6)
Julia Du
Aug 30, 2018
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Six years ago when I was looking for a preschool for my boys,all of my neighbors recommended this preschool.It has been in the neighborhood for almost half a century and all the teachers we met are amazing ! My boys made so many friends there and me too.I am so excited that they still hang out with their preschool BFF and me too:-)
Zooba Pros
Oct 25, 2016
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Love the school and teachers! We are so lucky to met teacher alexandra and janice!! We will miss this school.
Tyler Sork
Jan 13, 2016
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Excellent preschool! Really love the fact that they have a class for 2 yr. old's since not all preschools do (Parents/caregivers have to remain onsite). Teachers are great and there's lots of different things for kids to do. Large outdoor playground for when the weather is nice.
Helen Shen
Jul 07, 2015
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The teachers are very supportive and nurtures an environment that encourages learning through play. Monthly speaker series are fun and informative. Our child loves coming to school. We love coming to school with her!
Shauna Begley
Jun 15, 2013
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My son has just started at Little People and we have definitely made the right choice! From the space, to the teachers, to the other parents & kids... what a great environment. Learning through play... it's a concept we should all live by!
Jill Wood
Jan 29, 2013
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Great school, great teachers, and great parents! We've been there for four years and have two more years to go, and we love it. The teachers are creative, interactive, and love to do just about anything with the kids. We've experienced Hawaiian parties, making pasta, painting with potatoes, playing dress up, sawing/nailing wood, and the list goes on and on!!
