Heron Junior Kindergarten

Sandpiper can accept children from 29 months - 5 years of age.

The program operates 8:00 - 4:30, however we offer a morning-only and afternoon-only registration option for families who are not looking for full day care.

Our early dismissal dates, professional day closures and holiday closures are available to view in our annual calendar:

2026/2027 Calendar

Parent Participation Programs are different than other daycares or preschools, because our parents are directly involved.

Parents have the opportunity to be with their child once each month in the classroom during their mandatory volunteering shifts. Parents participate in the administration of their child’s daycare by working on parent subcommittees that support the program operation, such as helping with registration and enrolment; supporting HR, recruitment and retention;  managing parent volunteer schedules; helping with making playdough or filing art work; updating classroom calendars; or managing our parent social media.

Like all parent participation programs, we offer free parenting education workshops throughout the year.

Each family is required to do 1 shift (3 hours) per month, per child.  This may be an in-person shift in the classroom, or it may be a take-home administrative shift.

All children need some extra help or support some of the time; but if your child requires 1:1 or 1:2 support most of the time, there are a few options to explore.  Unfortunately, funding options are limited, but applying to all possible options and, if possible, accessing AFU funding for support can create a network of supports so your child can thrive in a social environment.

1) Apply to Supported Child Care for support funding.  Our Inclusion Coordinator can help you with this application - please note the SCD prioritizes children who are 4 and graduating to Kindergarten.

2) If your child has an autism diagnosis, SSOCC is an approved AFU provider, and we can work with your family to either hire a support aide on your behalf or to hire one of your BI’s already on your team.  We can bill AFU directly for funding; your BI can work to support your child 1:1 as well as support your child in social play.  The important work your child’s team does with your child - be it SLP, OT, RCC, BCBA or other professionals - often focuses on individual development, but within the classroom environment, a BI / classroom aide is able to focus specifically on Kindergarten readiness and social development.

3) The PACE program offers short term support through a support aide who will assess the program and your child within the program, making recommendations for teachers to better support your child.  This is usually restricted to 6 weeks, one visit per week, but can be invaluable information to understanding your child’s needs within a group environment.

4) Our program accepts ACCB as well as the special needs child care subsidy, to reduce tuition fees as much as possible.  If your child has a diagnosis, you may be eligible for the special needs child care subsidy (150.00/month)

In addition to our outdoor classroom, we visit Mitchell Elementary’s playground as well as King George Park.

Yes, Sandpiper Junior Kindergarten is a licensed group 3-5 child care program with Vancouver Coastal Health.

The ratio for Sandpiper is one Early Childhood Educator (ECE) for the first 8 children; one ECE and one assistant for 9 - 16 children; one ECE and two assistants for 17 - 25 children.

All of our educators are required to have a criminal record check and valid first aid.

A 3-5 year old program requires an educator to have a BC ECE or ECEA teaching certificate.

All SSOCC educators additionally participate in a minimum of 32 professional development hours per year.

Please refer to our health and wellness policy in our parent handbook.

Children graduating from the Heron Toddlers program into the Heron JK program are not required to complete gradual entry.

New parents will be asked to visit the program 1-4 times prior to the first day of enrolment, to support their child in adjusting to childcare.

A gradual entry schedule will be provided to you prior to your first day. Please plan on 3 days for gradual entry.

Typical Preschool Gradual Entry

Day 1 - 8:30 - 11:30

Day 2 - 8:30 - nap

Day 3 - 8:30 - full day