ACORN-EIGHT OAKS DAY CARE CENTRE

Acorn 8 Oaks is a 3-5 year old centre located at W. 20 and Cambie. They will take 1-2 kids who are 2 1/2 years, but generally are limited to those aged 3-5 years. Acorn employs professional employees who are warm and kind. Most have worked there for many years so the team seems to enjoy great relationships. We found staff to be excellent, sensitive care providers, and a good source of information and support to parents, too, since most staff are experienced parents, too. They operate their space and service professionally - top notch. Parents can attend board meetings, become board members and are otherwise encouraged to be involved in fundraising etc. for the centre. Staff are easy to access for meetings re children, as needed. They often bake for the children and offer great pre-school programming throughout the day. Many attending kids live in the immediate neighbourhood so there is the chance to attend school with daycare friends upon 'graduation'...if you live in the area. The inside physical space is smaller than many daycares. And in summer it can be quite warm inside because of the large number of west facing windows. However, their outdoor, fenced space is excellent with a super play structure, covered sand box, well maintained outdoor toys etc. They are also an integrated centre so they have toys/equipment for kids with special needs. Parking for pick up/drop off is a challenge if you don't live close enough to walk. But they are located on a bus line so access is easy by transit, including the new Canada Line. Priority placement given to families with children in the 8 Oaks Co-op Housing complex in which the centre is located. Relatively expensive, but you pay for what you get here.