As per the Canada-British Columbia Early Learning and Child Care Agreement research into early childhood education has found that quality child care provided by qualified ECEs can provide positive developmental outcomes for all children.

Our Teachers are qualified Early Childhood Educators (ECE) and ECE Assistants (ECEA) with Childhood First Aid, and have clear Criminal Record Checks, who bring a variety of life experiences, interests and a passion for early childhood learning and development to our classroom, which add in the colourful make up of our schools curriculum.

Our teacher’s goals are to provide program excellence, valuing flexibility, cooperation, kindness, creativity and motivation by:

• Capturing children’s natural curiosity and to encourage children to love learning
• Engaging and supporting children in their learning of language, cognitive and motor skill development
• Guiding children in social behaviour and self-regulation – taking turns, respecting another’s body, space and feelings, empathy, basic manners, toileting etiquette, eating etiquette, and problem solving
• Accepting and celebrating the individuality of each child
• Building strong realtionships with each child and family
• Respecting the needs and choices of each child and family

ECE – Head Teacher/Supervisor Jenna – Working with children has always been a passion of mine. Going to University and getting my Early Childhood Educator Diploma, gave me a better foundation to build upon something I already knew. Children are smart, capable little beings. They are curious about the world around them and full of great insight on how they view the world. The study of people in general is really fascinating to me. In 2018, I also received an Educational Assistant and Support Worker Certificate from Vancouver Island University. I have been employed with Jack and Jill since my son was here in 2015 and 2016. We are originally from Alberta but came for a visit to the Sunshine Coast in 2015, and decided we wanted to stay. We love the outdoors, the rain and the beach.

ECE – Assistant Teacher/Admin Robin –

Being in nature and being creative brings happiness to my heart and mind. There is always something to marvel, learn about, and explore! 

After having children of my own, and incorporating these values into our family life,  I felt the calling to share this same happiness with others, as I feel nature and art can inspire children to question curiosities, learn about and explore their environment, ultimatly building their foundation of their future lives.

My little family of 4, moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2015, from the other side of our Sea to Sky, where we decided to set down roots and steward land, grow our own food, ethically raise animals, and share with our children how to live with the sesasons.

I have worked with Jack and Jill since 2018, from being the Treasurer on the Board of Executives, to now being the Assistant Educator/Administrator, I am thrilled to be able to contiue my journey in early childhood education and am grateful for the opportunity to continue to improve and grow as an educator at Jack and Jill.  

My goal as an educator is to spark wonder and curiosity in the unknown as I learn alongside the children. I strive to create an environment where children feel safe, confident, capable to explore, and share ideas through the arts and nature based learning.

ECEA – Assistant Teacher Tina – Facilitating lifelong learning and building community have always been important to me, so they’re common threads that can be found throughout my work experience. In previous chapters of my life, I’ve helped people navigate new territories as a French tutor, swimming coach and university student-athlete mentor. I’ve collaborated with grown ups to build businesses and teams as a leader in communications and in learning and development. I’ve helped professionals advance their careers in the tech sector as an advisor and administrator in higher education. I’ve also had the chance to design, plan and run over 100 events, gathering people around things that light me up — learning, love, good food and music.

After moving with intention to the Sunshine Coast from Vancouver in 2019, I saw both of my children blossom during their time at Jack and Jill. In following my heart and shifting my focus towards working with children, I’m so grateful for the opportunity to join the educator team at this place that is so special to me and to my family. As an early childhood educator (in-training) at Jack and Jill (and with the SD46 Early Years team), I love exploring curiosities and getting creative with kids, especially in adventures outside! And I do my best to create intentional, positive experiences for children that are not only fun in the moment, but ones that actively help them form a solid emotional, mental and physical foundation to build upon as they move through life as lifelong learners and community members.