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Centre for Early Learning

Eagle View Elementary

  • 97 Talcott Rd, Victoria

Palsson Elementary

  • 9 Grosskleg Way, Lake Cowichan

Chemainus Elementary

  • 3172 Garner St, Chemainus

Saltair

  • 3850 South Oyster School Road, Ladysmith

3rd Ave

  • 730 3rd Ave, Ladysmith​

Ladysmith Primary

  • 510 6th Ave, Ladysmith

Fairview Elementary

  • 205 Howard Ave, Nanaimo​

Pipers

  • 100-4750 Hammond Bay Road, Nanaimo

Little Tots

  • 3507 Littleford Road, Nanaimo

Rock City Elementary (coming soon)

  • 3741 Departure Bay Rd, Nanaimo

Port Alberni (coming soon)

  • 3061 8th Ave, Port Alberni

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Child Care from Birth to 12 years and Preschool

About

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Inquiring Little Minds (ILM) was founded in September 2011. The Saltair Childcare Society (SCS) and ILM work together in a private-public partnership (a long-term arrangement between a government institution and a private sector institution). We also work in partnerships with the City of Port Alberni, Cowichan Valley School District, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools, and Saltair Community Society.

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ILM facilities are dedicated to the provision of safe, well-managed childcare services for children that are provided by full and part-time, qualified staff. ILM's goal is to stimulate emotional growth, independent growth, intellectual growth, physical growth, and social growth amongst its charges.

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Services provided by ILM to the public include:

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  • Full and part-time child care ages 0 to 12 years.

  • Resource programs for children with special needs.

  • Before and after school care for school-age children.

 

We also provide subsidized services for parents in need (as determined by the Ministry of Children and Families' assessment).



The ILM Education Center's philosophy is based on the Early Learning Framework (ELF) and uses the principles of the inquiry method of education. After traveling to learn about the Reggio Emilia Approach in Italy, ILM incorporated the principles of play, creativity, and socialization. We are licensed through the Ministry of Health. Our license numbers are: 275131 (Palsson), 277421 (Chemainus), TMGN-8K8UB7 (Saltair), CLEY-C6VVKM (LPS), KRIS-B89V9Y (3rd Ave), CFRN-C6VQGH (Fairview), CFRN-BUKMT8 (Pipers), and 276400 (Little Tots).

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ILM's founder, Alisha Neumann, has earned a Master of Education in Distance Education (Athabasca University, 2020), and a Master of Education in Early Childhood Education (University of British Columbia, 2017). Previously, Alisha completed an Early Childhood Education Diploma (Northern Lights College, 2015). Alisha also graduated with a Bachelor of Education in Elementary Education (2007) and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Political Science (2003) at the University of Northern British Columbia. ​Alisha's academic/research interests include: measuring and assessing quality; increasing affordability and spaces; creativity; and advocacy for better working conditions and standards for Early Childhood Educators.



Dependant on completed education, ILM staff are qualified with certificates from the Early Childhood Education Registry of British Columbia as either: (a) Responsible Adult; (b) Early Childhood Education Assistant; (c) Early Childhood Educator; or (d) Infant Toddler Educator. All ILM staff have Criminal Record Checks through the Ministry of Justice and valid first aid training. We take advantage of professional development workshops from all over the world to gain different perspectives in Early Childhood Education.

Early Childhood Education Training

If you are interested in working in a child care setting here are several certifications and ways to achieve them.

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Responsible Adult (RA)

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A Responsible Adult is a person who is at least 19 years old and has 20 hours of experience or workshops. The best way to achieve this certification is by completing the following online course. It can be completed at your pace and is not completed with a classroom setting in mind. The course can be found here:

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http://www.workshopsonearlylearning.com/course.html

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Early Childhood Education Assistant (ECEA OR ECA)

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An ECEA has taken one course in Early Childhood Education either in Health, Safety and Nutrition, Child Development, or Child Guidance. This course can be completed face to face or online at an accredited institution. We can provide you with links to the Colleges that offer Early Childhood Education Training upon request. After successful completion of the course, certification can be requested from the BC ECE Registry.

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http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/early-learning/teach/training-and-professional-development/become-an-early-childhood-educator/apply-for-ece-ecea-certificate

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Early Childhood Educator (ECE)

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The process for certification as an ECE is much the same as for an ECEA. However, 10 courses or 2 semesters of course work are required for the certificate. Having ECE certification allows you to teach Preschool and run a 3 year old to 5 year old Child Care Room.

 

Infant Toddler Educator (ITE)

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Becoming an ITE requires completing a two-year Diploma in Early Childhood Education. An ITE is able to run an Infant and Toddler room.

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