About WVCP
The Westboro Village Cooperative Preschool was founded, more than 30 years ago, on the dual principal that children learn through play and that parental involvement is key to any child’s educational success.
Our Mission & Philosophy
Our program provides social, musical, physical, & linguistic play experience for each child’s individual developmental needs. WVCP is all about learning through play!
Our Story
Westboro Village Cooperative Preschool is a non-profit Co-operative Preschool. It was founded more than 30 years ago on the dual principal that children learn through play and that parental involvement is key to any child’s educational success. Our goal is to provide children an optimal learning experience in a safe and caring setting. Our co-operative environment encourages children, parents and teachers to share ideas, socialize, make connections, and build community. Our program provides social, musical, physical, and linguistic play experiences for each child’s individual developmental needs.
Our Co-Op
Our co-operative environment encourages children, parents and teachers to share ideas, socialize, make connections, and build community.
How We Co-Operate
At the Westboro Village Cooperative Preschool, parent contribution is key to the school’s success.
Our warm and caring educational environment, as well as our reasonable tuition rates, are maintained by the support of our members.
Member parents can expect:
+ to have a duty day on average once every 6-8 weeks
+ to participate in fundraising
+ to be punctual in accordance with school schedules
+ to do an occasional (usually once per year) load of laundry
+ to participate by voting on amendment changes of the co-op bylaws
+ to attend the general meetings, three times yearly
+ to participate in one of several committees devoted to fundraising, publicity, maintenance of the school, and organizing annual concerns
In addition:
As a co-operative, our preschool welcomes the varied talents, skills, knowledge and experience of all members into our program. If you have a talent or resource that would be a benefit in the classroom, we encourage such contributions.
Helping Your Child Explore, Grow, & Learn
At Westboro Village Cooperative Preschool, our educators are the heart of everything we do. We are proud to employ a dedicated team made up of both Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) and qualified professionals with diverse backgrounds in early education. From child development and inclusive education to social work, psychology, and the arts, each educator brings a distinct perspective that enriches our learning environment and strengthens our ability to meet the needs of every child.
What sets our team apart is not only their expertise, but their deep commitment to reflective, responsive practice. Our educators design thoughtful, play-based experiences grounded in the How Does Learning Happen? and ELECTframeworks. Through careful observation, collaboration, and intentional planning, they foster curiosity, confidence, and connection in every child.
We believe that relationships are foundational to learning. Our educators cultivate nurturing, inclusive classrooms where children feel safe, supported, and seen. They also work in close partnership with families, embracing the cooperative model that defines our preschool. Parents are actively involved, not only in day-to-day classroom life, but in shaping the direction of our programs and school community.
Together, our educators and families create a dynamic, joyful environment where children are empowered to learn and grow!
Sarah. Y - Assistant Director ( RECE)
Hello everyone!I graduated in 2018 from St. Lawrence College – Kingston Campus in the Early Childhood Education program. I am thrilled to be a part of the WVCP family!
My goal as a RECE is to provide a safe, positive, and inclusive environment for children to learn and grow. Every child is unique and different, and catering to each child’s individual needs is vital for their developmental growth. I believe children can learn so much through play and exploration!
My job as an educator is to provide those learning opportunities with plenty of open-ended materials and tools along with thought-provoking questions.
I believe bringing nature into the classroom is important. Where children can take the time to investigate and see parts of nature from a different perspective.
Respect for the children, families, educators and directors is vital. Everyone deserves to be treated equally, and open communication should always be available.
Jill. P - Pedagogical Lead
Hello! My name is Jill and I am very excited to be part of WVCP! Before coming to WVCP I was lucky enough to be able to have a home daycare for over 11 years that thrived in the Hintonburg and Westboro areas. I met many wonderful families, most of whom I remain in strong friendships with. I was very lucky to teach and learn from many children from all different types of families and backgrounds.
Before opening the daycare, I traveled around the West Coast of Canada taking in all the sights of this wonderful country. I have two children who are kind,caring, compassionate and hilarious and a husband who is an amazing chef. I have a passion for exploring, helping my neighbours and community and love animals of any kind.
Helping children gain independence and confidence through free and structured play based learning, asking questions and learning the answers together, has been the best part of this job.Letting the children know, though my actions, that I too am still learning by taking risks, making mistakes and overcoming challenges. Bringing together the social and emotional needs of children using their interests and skills to help them feel heard, seen and comfortable in a school like environment is very important to me.
Fostering a good relationship with school at an early age develops into a lifelong love of learning and continued personal growth. I am very excited for the daily successes, challenges and accomplishments I get to be part of and getting to see the children grow and thrive is a privilege that I consider myself very lucky to do every day.
Bushra. M - Toddler Educator
My name is Bushra, and I am happy to be part of WVCP.
I graduated from Damascus University with a degree in Psychology and Education. I did several courses from a Montessori international school in Damascus, Syria, and I am certified from Albert school in Ottawa in the Childcare Assistant program.
I have six years of experience Teaching in Kindergarten (3-5 years old children) and two years of experience with special needs children (Autism, down syndrome, and cerebral palsy).
My passion is to work with children and make them happy and satisfied. Children learn by exploring the world surrounding them. My goal as an educator is to provide a safe and fun environment to the children and work with them to reach my goal as an educator to develop their cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities.
Stephanie. L - Preschool Educator
Hello! I am very excited to be a part of the WVCP family.
Although I have no formal diploma or degree in the education field, I have been working with children for over 20 years in both Manitoba and now in Ottawa. In my first job, I was a babysitter, which led to other opportunities like being a camp counsellor, kids club leader, and piano teacher. Eventually, I served in an elementary school as an Educational Assistant, not only working and helping with kids from kindergarten to Grade 3, but also providing support to children on a range of neurodiversity. I’m thankful to have had these experiences.
I went back to school in 2010 and earned my Medical Lab Assistant diploma, working in the medical field for 10 years. Following a few moves to different provinces, covid, and finally settling in the Gatineau region, I was excited to work with young kids again. In early 2024, I started working as a supply staff member in preschools and daycares with different approaches to learning and supporting children. But, WVCP stood out because of their child-led learning approach, the support and resources they provide each child and staff member, and how involved the WVCP community was with their kids. That’s why I have been happy to serve here since the fall of 2024.
As a parent, I know firsthand how important for each child to be seen as an individual and how beneficial the learn-through-play model can be. What works for one may not work for another. Allowing them to learn their way is important to me. What I enjoy about WVCP is how the leaders, teachers, and helpers strive to include and truly care for every child. I am excited to be a part of this community and look forward to continuing working with and learning more from each child and staff here.
Talyse. W- Todder Educator ( RECE)
For the last 20 years of my life, I’ve had several different jobs working with children of all ages and needs. As a teen, I started out volunteering in Kindergarten classes. My love for children and how easily I can connect with them grew from there. Once I graduated high school, I enrolled in the ECE Program in Seneca College in Toronto while working at a Child Care Centre part-time.
Right after College, I moved to Victoria, BC. I worked with school age children in an after school program, I worked as an Educational Assistant in the Victoria School District with several different children who have exceptionalities and worked part-time at a Child Care Centre. After having children of my own and becoming a mother, I’m very happy to be here at WVCP.
My Philosophical approach to early learning would be to allow the child to learn and explore at their own pace. Every child learns differently, which means they need to be able to learn at their own pace. I believe in guiding them at the appropriate time will give them the confidence to carry out certain tasks.
Rina. O - Preschool Educator ( RECE)
Hello! I graduated from the Early Childhood Education program in 2014 from Mohawk College in Hamilton. Since then, I have spent a majority of my career working with toddlers. I also had years of experience working in Montessori, preschool classes and the Catholic School Board.I fell in love with being an ECE during my first placement in a preschool room. Since that experience, being able to work with children has been a dream of mine. I enjoy planning fun activities, crafts, and learning experiences for this age group. My experiences in Montessori have also given me the chance to teach children whether that is numbers, writing, French or the alphabet. I look forward to helping each child grow and nurture their individual ways of learning.
Vanessa. G - Toddler Educator
I have been part of WVCP since 2007, when I enrolled my first child in the toddler program. It was such a good experience that my other two children came too. Since my youngest graduated to kindergarten in 2014, I have been supply teaching at the school. My own background is wide-ranging. I have worked as a geologist and have cooked professionally. One of my favorite jobs was teaching cooking to kids. I also love dogs, gardening and playing hockey.
I feel lucky to be able to spend my time with the young students of the preschool. It’s wonderful to hear their fresh perspectives on life and I love that they remind me what it’s like to be a kid again. When I’m with the students, I like to strike a balance between having fun and learning. While I do love being silly and fun, I also take every opportunity to enhance the skills of the students. I like to focus on life skills, interpersonal skills, academics, emotional and physical literacy, all things needed to make for a successful transition to kindergarten.
For me, a successful day at preschool is one where students are happy and confident, show respect for each other, behave responsibly and learn something new. I feel that our job as preschool teachers is to foster a love of school that will continue to grow as the students move forward in their education
Taylor. C - Preschool Educator ( RECE)
My first introduction to education was in my own early education. I had the most amazing experiences and educators that I looked up to, and still, do. I have always wanted to become an educator and make an impact in children’s lives. I am an RECE. I studied in the early childhood education field at Algonquin college and most recently graduated with my ECE diploma.
Children are all unique individuals. Not all children learn and think the same, but none the less, they all deserve equal opportunities and experiences. I believe as an educator it is important to teach children the way they learn, rather than expect children to learn the way I teach. When planning activities or exploration opportunities, I also plan alternative options to support each child’s personal expression and engagement.
In addition, I believe every program has at least three teachers, the educators, the environment and the children. An effective learning environment should be a place that children feel supported and welcomed. A place where children aren’t afraid to explore, express and learn. An effective environment supports children’s development and growth, in every aspect. As well, children are amazing teachers. We can learn so much from children. When we give children opportunities to lead, direct, guide and teach, they will surprise you. Inside every child is a competent, capable and curious learner, who is waiting for opportunities to share their experiences and knowledge. Crazy things happen when we give children platforms, and luckily for me, I build my students stages.
Najwan. A- Toddler Educator ( RECE)
Hello everyone! My name is Najwan. I am from Toronto, Ontario with a Syrian background! I am very excited to be a part of the WVCP family.
I graduated from the early childhood education program at Algonquin college in August of 2021. I have worked with a variety of age groups since graduating, having built lots of experience to bring forward new ideas and input into the curriculum that I implement in the program along with my co-workers. I truly enjoy working with preschoolers the most. I also have experience from being a mother to two beautiful children. I have an 11 year old son and a 6 year old daughter.
I believe every child deserves to be loved, safe, cared for and receive the best care possible in the absence of their families. I love to make my teaching style inclusive, fun, and open at all times to new ideas. I love to interact with the children and learn about their interests, personalities, and hobbies. I truly hope to make a positive impact on every child in my care so that they can have great memories and look forward to attending preschool. It’s always my pleasure working with your children! I look forward to being their teacher and working with them to learn and explore in our WVCP preschool family.
What We Offer
The Westboro Village Cooperative Preschool facility is comprised of a spacious and well-equipped classroom for each of the Toddler and Preschool programs, as well as a large gymnasium.
Curriculum
Our curriculum is rooted in an inquiry-based, play-driven approach that encourages children to take the lead in their learning. We believe that when children explore their interests in a supportive and stimulating environment, they develop a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Our educators act as facilitators, observing and responding to each child’s curiosity, adapting the environment and experiences to nurture growth, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Through purposeful play, hands-on discovery, and collaborative learning, children build essential skills in communication, critical thinking, and social-emotional development.
Our three diverse learning environments—the gymnasium, outdoor nature-based classroom, and indoor classrooms—offer rich opportunities for movement, exploration, and creative expression. Whether engaging in science experiments, storytelling, music, art, or physical play, every experience is designed to inspire wonder, foster independence, and build confidence.
Programs
Toddler AM - 9:15 - 12:30
Days Of The Week
+ Tuesday / Thursday
+ Monday / Wednesday / Friday
+ Full Week
9:15 am – 12:30 pm
Preschool AM - 9:15 - 12:30
Days Of The Week
+ Tuesday / Thursday
+ Monday / Wednesday / Friday
+ Full Week
9:15 am – 12:30 pm
Toddler and Preschool Full Day 9:15 - 3pm
Days Of The Week
+ Tuesday / Thursday
+ Monday / Wednesday / Friday
+ Full Week
9:15 am – 3pm
Registration
Registration is on-going throughout the year as spots become available.
Wait lists are maintained by the centre Director.
What Our Families are Saying
