Preschool (30 months to School Age)

Tsuma-as Just B4

Tsuma-as Just B4 is a licensed, early childhood program, offering high quality early learning experiences. Tsuma-as Just B4 is specifically designed for 4-year-old children with the hope of inspiring and supporting the creation of rich, joyful early childhood experiences. Our goal is to provide opportunities to strengthen early years to kindergarten transitions for young children and their families.

At Tsuma-as Just B4, we believe that young children are active, curious learners. We value creating spaces for children where they can explore, discover, wonder, ask questions, seek answers, experiment, get messy, take risks, problem solve along with their peers, families, and educators. We respect all children and value their culture and family background they bring to the program.

We provide many play-based opportunities that fosters the ideas and experiences of the children enrolled. Our Educator works hand in hand with the children to answer their questions, to seek out knowledge, understand and to encourage their sense of wonder and curiosity.

We operate Monday-Thursday 12:15-2:15 Fee Based.

Katherin Charbonneau, Manager

Melissa Busby, Early Care and Learning Educator

Location: Tsuma-as Elementary- 5055 Compton Road, Port Alberni

phone: 250-720-2763

email: kcharbonneau@sd70.bc.ca

Childcare provided by Non-profit Providers on School Grounds

Infant and Toddler Care (Under 36 Months)

Hummingbird Childcare Society- Infant Toddler Program

Hummingbird Childcare Society’s primary caregiver model, caregivers are able to be attentive to each child’s cues and adapt their schedule to meet their eating, diapering, and sleeping needs.  The environment is set up to allow exploration and a variety of play experiences that are developmentally appropriate to meet the needs of all children.  They use daily records which are filled out by parents and staff to share information regarding the child’s diapering, sleeping, eating and any other important aspects of the day to ensure consistency of care.  Infants are taken outside every day to enjoy the outdoors while either exploring our covered outdoor area with toys or going on a neighborhood walk.

Hummingbird Childcare Society Infant and Toddler program operates Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Contact: Nicki B (email)

(250) 723-4919

Location: Next to Wood Elementary-#2 - 4111 Wood Ave, Port Alberni (map)

Mighty Learners Child Care Infant Toddler Program

Mighty Learners is an inclusive, family-focused early years centre offering group Infant Toddler Care. They offer play-based learning, through nature focused experiences and explorations. They believe that children learn and develop best when they are given the opportunity to follow their interests and freely explore their environment through play.

They strive to ensure their programming feels welcoming to all children and their families. They value open communication, transparency, and family involvement. Their programming grows and changes to meet the diverse needs of the families they serve.

Mighty Learners Infant & Toddler program operates 7:30 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday and operates 12 months of the year Fee Based.

Contact: Jessica Thompson and Margaret Lamb (email)

250-736-1051

Location: Tsuma-as Elementary School, 5055 Compton Rd, Port Alberni (map).

Comfort First Early Learning- Infant Toddler Program

Oceanside Sprouts Early Learning Society ( Comfort First Early Learning) is a new non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality childcare in the West Coast community. Their mission is to create and nurture engaging, enriching environments that support the holistic development of children. They are committed to fostering inspired and passionate Educators who are central to delivering exceptional care and education.

Comfort First Early Learning Infant & Toddler program operates 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Fee Based

Contact: Morgan and Drew Palframan (email)

250-266-4290

Location: The Children’s Grove (In between Ucluelet Elementary and Secondary) , 1401-1 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet (map).

COMING SOON Tofino: Inquiring Little Minds at Taking Care of Children- Infant Toddler Program

Inquiring Little Minds child care programs are built on the philosophy that best-practice early childhood experiences are play-based, relationship-driven, and provide opportunities for children to build connections with the community, land, and people that they interact with daily. Their mission is to provide play-based, best-practice programs that are culturally safe, evidence-based, high quality, and inclusive: their approach is research-based and grounded in the BC ELF and the First People’s Principles of Learning.

When open, Inquiring Little Minds at Taking Care of Children Infant Toddler program will operate 6:30 AM-6:30 PM. Fee Based

The program is not open yet, as ILM is still securing staffing. Families can put their name on the interest list by filling out the online form here: HOW TO REGISTER | ILM Child Care or email: inquiringlittleminds@gmail.com

Contact: Kelsey Lilledahl (email)

250-585-7898

Location: Taking Care of Children at Wickanninish Community School, Tofino - (map)

Group Child Care (30 Months to School Age)

Hummingbird Childcare Society- 3-5 Year Old Program

Hummingbird Childcare Society’s primary caregiver model, caregivers are able to be attentive to each child’s cues and adapt their schedule to meet their eating, diapering, and sleeping needs.  The environment is set up to allow exploration and a variety of play experiences that are developmentally appropriate to meet the needs of all children.  They use daily records which are filled out by parents and staff to share information regarding the child’s diapering, sleeping, eating and any other important aspects of the day to ensure consistency of care.  Infants are taken outside every day to enjoy the outdoors while either exploring our covered outdoor area with toys or going on a neighborhood walk.

Hummingbird Childcare Society 3-5 year old program operates Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Contact: Nicki B (email)

(250) 723-4919

Location: Next to Wood Elementary-#2 - 4111 Wood Ave, Port Alberni (map)

Mighty Learners Child Care 3-5 Year Old Program

Mighty Learners is an inclusive, family-focused early years centre offering group child care 30 month to school age care. They offer play-based learning, through nature focused experiences and explorations. They believe that children learn and develop best when they are given the opportunity to follow their interests and freely explore their environment through play.

They strive to ensure their programming feels welcoming to all children and their families. They value open communication, transparency, and family involvement. Their programming grows and changes to meet the diverse needs of the families they serve.

Mighty Learners 3-5 year old program operates 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. *They offer limited early drop-off spaces between 6:30 - 7:00am. The 3–5-year-old program operates Monday to Friday and operates 12 months of the year. Fee Based.

Contact: Jessica Thompson and Margaret Lamb (email)

Location: Tsuma-as Elementary School, 5055 Compton Rd, Port Alberni (map).

Comfort First Early Learning- 3-5 Year Old Program

Oceanside Sprouts Early Learning Society ( Comfort First Early Learning) is a new non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality childcare in the West Coast community. Their mission is to create and nurture engaging, enriching environments that support the holistic development of children. They are committed to fostering inspired and passionate Educators who are central to delivering exceptional care and education.

Comfort First Early Learning 3-5 year old program operates 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Fee Based

Contact: Morgan and Drew Palframan (email)

250-266-4290

Location: The Children’s Grove (In between Ucluelet Elementary and Secondary) , 1401-1 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet (map).

AVCS Stepping Stones at Alberni- 3-5 Year Old Program

AVCS Stepping Stones at Alberni provides care, support and activities to develop each child's individual independence and personal growth. Children are building on preschool skills in a daycare environment. Each centre has spacious rooms, fully equipped programs and universal playgrounds. At Stepping Stones, children can also access a large indoor gym space. A nutritious morning and afternoon snack is provided. The staff to child ratio is 1 to 8.

Contact: Katherine Currie, (email)

250-720-0957

Location: At Alberni Elementary School- 4645 Helen St, Port Alberni (map)

COMING SOON Tofino: Inquiring Little Minds at Taking Care of Children- 3-5 Year Old Program

Inquiring Little Minds child care programs are built on the philosophy that best-practice early childhood experiences are play-based, relationship-driven, and provide opportunities for children to build connections with the community, land, and people that they interact with daily. Their mission is to provide play-based, best-practice programs that are culturally safe, evidence-based, high quality, and inclusive: their approach is research-based and grounded in the BC ELF and the First People’s Principles of Learning.

When open, Inquiring Little Minds at Taking Care of Children 3-5 year old program will operate 6:30 AM-6:30 PM. Fee Based

The program is not open yet, as ILM is still securing staffing. Families can put their name on the interest list by filling out the online form here: HOW TO REGISTER | ILM Child Care or email: inquiringlittleminds@gmail.com

Contact: Kelsey Lilledahl (email)

250-585-7898

Location: Taking Care of Children at Wickanninish Community School, Tofino (map)

School Age Care (5 to 12 years old)

Alberni Valley Saplings

Saplings School Aged Care provides licensed before and after school care for children 5 to 12 years of age at EJ Dunn Elementary and John Howitt Elementary.

They are an inclusive, nature-based facility that strives to foster children’s connections - to family, community, and the natural world. 

Their philosophy is grounded in providing play-based, nature-inspired experiences. Their educators uphold the value that learning is collaborative. They see children as the drivers of their own knowledge, and as educators they listen, ask questions, document, and provide the space and materials to fuel their natural desire to learn.

They focus on creating the time and space for children to pursue their interests, engage in playful experiences, and get outside. While always providing an open invitation to rest and recharge after a busy day at school.

They provide year round care, Monday to Friday - including professional days and summer months. They operate from 6:00am - 9:00am & 2:30pm - 6:00pm. Full days provided in July and August.

Location: The Family Hub at EJ Dunn Elementary School, 3500 Argyle Street, Port Alberni (map)

Contact: Sharon Hobbs- 250 - 206 - 7794

AVCS Stepping Stones at Alberni- School Age Care Program

The AVCS Stepping Stones School Age Care programs provide opportunities for group and personal projects, indoor and outdoor games, art, cooking, weekly outings and special events. Snack is provided. The staff to child ratio for K-1 is 1 to 12 and 1-15 for children Grades 2-6. Some transportation available on their Stepping Stones Bus - please call.

Contact: Katherine Currie, (email)

250-720-0957

Location: At Alberni Elementary School- 4645 Helen St, Port Alberni (map)

Fern Valley School Age Care

Fern Valley provides licensed before and after school care for children 5 to 12 years of age that attend Maquinna Elementary. The program is child-centred and play-based, designed as a “living” framework that adjusts to the group’s dynamics, needs and interests. Emergent activities will be laced around the concept of developing and growing their grassroots to themselves, their community, and their natural environment. Inclusion and independence will be balanced as social and emotional intelligence is taught through gentle guidance and teachable moments.

Fern Valley School Age Care operates Monday to Friday including professional days and summer months. They operate from 6:30 am-9:00 am- 2:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Contact: Lisa McFarlane- 250.720.3102.

Location: Maquinna Elementary- 3881 Bruce St, Port Alberni (map)

Mighty Learners Child Care- School Age Care

Mighty Learners is an inclusive, family-focused early years centre offering school age care. They offer play-based learning, through nature focused experiences and explorations. They believe that children learn and develop best when they are given the opportunity to follow their interests and freely explore their environment through play.

They strive to ensure their programming feels welcoming to all children and their families. They value open communication, transparency, and family involvement. Their programming grows and changes to meet the diverse needs of the families they serve.

Mighty Learners School Age Care operates 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. *They offer limited early drop-off spaces between 6:30 - 7:00am. The School Age Care program operates Monday to Friday and operates 12 months of the year. Fee Based.

Contact: Jessica Thompson and Margaret Lamb (email)

Location: Tsuma-as Elementary School, 5055 Compton Rd, Port Alberni (map).

Comfort First Early Learning- School Age Care Program

Oceanside Sprouts Early Learning Society ( Comfort First Early Learning) is a new non-profit organization dedicated to providing high-quality childcare in the West Coast community. Their mission is to create and nurture engaging, enriching environments that support the holistic development of children. They are committed to fostering inspired and passionate Educators who are central to delivering exceptional care and education.

Comfort First Early Learning School Age Care program operates 2:35-5:00 Monday to Thursday and Friday 2:05-5:00. They operate morning care based on need. Fee Based

Contact: Morgan and Drew Palframan (email)

250-266-4290

Location: The Children’s Grove (In between Ucluelet Elementary and Secondary) , 1401-1 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet (map).

Inquiring Little Minds at Howitt - School Age Care Program

Inquiring Little Minds child care programs are built on the philosophy that best-practice early childhood experiences are play-based, relationship-driven, and provide opportunities for children to build connections with the community, land, and people that they interact with daily. Their mission is to provide play-based, best-practice programs that are culturally safe, evidence-based, high quality, and inclusive: their approach is research-based and grounded in the BC ELF and the First People’s Principles of Learning.

Inquiring Little Minds at Howitt School Age Care program operates 6:30 AM-8:20 AM and 2:20-5:00 Monday to Friday. Fee Based.

Contact: Kelsey Lilledahl (email)

250-585-7898

Location: Howitt Elementary- 3867- Marpole Street, Port Alberni (map)

COMING SOON Tofino: Inquiring Little Minds at Taking Care of Children- School Age Care Program

Inquiring Little Minds child care programs are built on the philosophy that best-practice early childhood experiences are play-based, relationship-driven, and provide opportunities for children to build connections with the community, land, and people that they interact with daily. Their mission is to provide play-based, best-practice programs that are culturally safe, evidence-based, high quality, and inclusive: their approach is research-based and grounded in the BC ELF and the First People’s Principles of Learning.

When open, Inquiring Little Minds at Taking Care of Children School Age Care program will operate 6:30 AM-8:45 AM & 2:15 PM-6:30 PM. Fee Based

The program is not open yet, as ILM is still securing staffing. Families can put their name on the interest list by filling out the online form here: HOW TO REGISTER | ILM Child Care or email: inquiringlittleminds@gmail.com

Contact: Kelsey Lilledahl (email)

250-585-7898

Location: Taking Care of Children at Wickanninish Community School, Tofino (map)