Early Childhood Education (ECE)
Learning That Takes Root Outdoors
The UNISUS Early Childhood Education Centre is expanding! Limited new spots are now available for September 2025! We proudly offer the Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI) to all students. Families can also apply for the Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB)
At UNISUS, early learners build strong roots through forest school adventures and outdoor exploration, hands-on STEM learning, fun Spanish lessons, the sign language alphabet and key letters, creative music and art, and a playful start to early literacy and numeracy—where wonder and curiosity leads the way!
Our Early Childhood Learning Centre (ECLC) program fosters a nurturing, nature-connected, and inquiry-based environment for children aged 2.5-5 and runs as a Summerland Pre-School.
Built on the foundations of outdoor discovery and child-led play, our Early Childhood Learning Centre encourages curiosity, independence, and a sense of belonging, while aligning with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) Early Years framework.
Book a Tour
Interested families can book a personal tour of the Early Childhood Learning Centre! Come and see our beautiful space and our incredible outdoor area, meet the teachers and learn all about the amazing program!
Curriculum Overview | Hands-On Learning
At the UNISUS Early Childhood Learning Centre, we emphasize hands-on learning and exploration through three daily outdoor activity periods which include the following areas:
- Social-Emotional Learning and Cultural Immersion
- Language and Communication
- Cognitive and Inquiry Skills
- Creative Expression
- Physical Development and Outdoor Adventures
- Nature & Sustainability
Social-Emotional Learning and Cultural Immersion
Language and Communication
Cognitive and Inquiry Skills
Creative Expression
Physical Development and Outdoor Adventures
Nature & Sustainability
Pre-School Hours:
- Monday-Friday
- Drop off time: 8:15-8:45am
- Pick up time: 3:30-4:30pm
Daily Schedule
8:15am | Doors open: Student arrival. Parents begin to drop students off at our outdoor play area as we love to start the days discovering nature ! |
8:15 - 8:45am | Soft start: Outside free play continues! Kids are partaking in imaginative play at our outdoor kitchen and musical centre, are being creative with rocks, are playing in the sandbox or are looking at our gardens! |
8:45 - 8:55am | Transition #1: We walk together inside and take off our outside play clothes. We then take turns taking a bathroom break and give our hands a good wash! |
8:55 - 9:15am | Student-led snack: Nutritious options first |
9:20-10:00am | Physical Education: Games or optional extended free play. On Thursdays, this time block is for music! |
10:05-10:30am | Morning Circle/ Daily Lesson. Sign language is always included with circle time! On Thursdays we have big buddies during this block. |
10:35-10:55am | Daily Craft or Open Ended Art Project |
10:55-11:05am | Transition #2: Bathrooms, outside clothes |
11:05-12:00pm | Outdoor Education |
12:00-12:10pm | Transition #3: Inside clothes, hands are all washed, bathroom |
12:10-12:40pm | Student led lunch: Students eat the lunch they brought and this is followed by setting up nap cots |
12:40-1:00pm | Transition #4: Bathrooms, students are on their cots with blankets for quiet story time |
1:00-2:30pm | Rest Time: Students nap on cots if they are able to, or, quiet activity centre |
2:30-3:30pm | Snack and Early pick up, put away cots from nap time |
3:30-4:30pm | Outdoor Free Play: Students play outside during pick up |
Early Childhood Education Tuition and Benefits
Program |
Monthly Fee: What Parents Pay (After CCFRI) |
Additional Benefits Available | Parent Payment per Month (example) |
---|---|---|---|
Early Childhood Education Tuition: Full time Monday-Friday |
$770 |
Affordable Child Care Benefit (ACCB) up to $550/month additional fee reduction based on eligibility determined by the BC Government. |
After CCFRI and ACCB parents can pay a as low as $225/month dependent on ACCB eligibility. |
“I had the pleasure of joining my son’s preschool class for an hour and it was absolutely one of the most enjoyable mornings I’ve had in a long time. The respect that I witnessed between the kids was inspiring. I especially love how the classroom is set up for open play and discovery with different “stations” for the kids to explore".
- Current UNISUS Family
Request for More Information
If you would like to learn more about our program, please fill in the form linked below, or book a personal tour come come and visit the school and see the centre!