- Overview
Infant Plus Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centre has been in operation since 1984, originally for children between 18 months and 3 years of age. In April, 2021, we completed a long awaited expansion, adding infant care, alongside a program for children ages 3-5, creating a continuum of care for children and families. We are very proud of all the hard work and passion that went into our new purpose built centre, and filled with gratitude for the support and parallel efforts of our community.
Infant Plus is run by the James Bay Child Care Society, a registered non-profit society and registered charity (#118972694RR0001). The Centre, located at 149 Montreal Street, in Victoria, B.C., is licensed and is subject to routine inspections by the provincial regulator. The Centre's director, Wendy Lowe, may be reached by email or by phone at 250-388-9144.
Highlights
- Small group centre (licensed for 8 children in our infant space, 8 in the toddler space, and 16 in preschool aged space)
- Qualified and accredited Early Childhood Educators
- A full range of developmentally appropriate activities (e.g., music freeplay, etc.)
- Daily outdoor play, and a chance to experience being part of a community
- Simple sign language used to encourage communication and facilitate language recognition and growth
- A centre that encourages parent participation at an administrative level, such as by being on the board of directors or fundraising
- An inclusive policy that recognizes the needs of each individual child, by designing a program based on the needs and strengths of each child
Location
We are located in a purpose built centre on a quiet residential street in James Bay — a 15-minute walk from the inner harbour in downtown Victoria. (walk or bike to work!).
Philosophy
Infant Plus' philosophy is child-centred, inclusive, and family-centred. We believe that when children interact with peers in a stimulating environment, and with nurturing adults, a child will develop confidence, self-esteem and will thrive developmentally. We seek to cultivate positive human values of compassion, reverence for life, respect, cooperation, love of nature and social conscience, as well as support cognitive, artistic and social skills.
The Program
Educators create a calm pleasant atmosphere for children and are sensitive to each child’s individual growth and development. Children are encouraged to learn about their world through exploration, to make their own choices and to become self-learners. Outdoor time is integral to the Infant Plus experience, providing children with fresh air, exercise and a stimulating, interesting day.
Children with Diverse Abilities
We believe that children with diverse abilities learn and develop best through interaction with other children, within a safe and stimulating play environment, and that all children benefit and learn from their participation with children with diverse abilities.
Guidance Policy
The Early Childhood Educators work with the children to find appropriate expectations. We use encouragement, modeling and effective communication with children.
Staff and Board Members
|
Director
Wendy Lowe Staff Colleen Kerrie Narisse Christensen Talia Lopez Pena Alicia Tysick Iris Truong Rebekah Pavia Laurine Harrison Jaedyn Bickerton Nana Yamaoka |
Board Members
Jen Cameron (President) Rosalie Chartrand-Rodrique (Treasurer) Madeline Shaw ( member at large) |
Director and Staff Bios
Wendy Lowe ECE, Director
Wendy Lowe is the Director of Infant Plus Child Care Centre and has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for two decades. She has worked with children birth to 12 years of age, although for the majority of her career she has focused on children under five years.
Wendy has been a Director or Manager at three childcare centres in Victoria over the past 15 years. Wendy is dedicated to providing the best support possible to children, families and educators and is committed to providing high quality child care through advocacy and leadership.
Wendy has her diploma in Early Childhood Education with a specialty in Infants and Toddlers, and has also completed extensive training in Play Based Curriculum, Empathy and Restitution programs, and Coaching training. She has also taken courses through Camosun College and Canadian Professional Management Services relating to Leadership and Management Development.
Wendy is a Board Member of the South Island Branch of Early Childhood Educators of BC, and a member of the Executive Directors' Network through Volunteer Victoria.
Wendy was a recipient of the 2016 Provincial Child Care Award of Excellence- Lifetime Leadership
Colleen Laite, ECE IT
Colleen is an ECE IT and educator at Infant Plus. She is a graduate of Camosun College, receiving her diploma in Early Learning and Care with a specialization in Infant and Toddler education. Colleen takes joy in learning from and working with our families. She delights in her work with the children and finding ways to enrich our program.
Other staff Bio's are coming.
Wendy Lowe ECE, Director
Wendy Lowe is the Director of Infant Plus Child Care Centre and has been in the field of Early Childhood Education for two decades. She has worked with children birth to 12 years of age, although for the majority of her career she has focused on children under five years.
Wendy has been a Director or Manager at three childcare centres in Victoria over the past 15 years. Wendy is dedicated to providing the best support possible to children, families and educators and is committed to providing high quality child care through advocacy and leadership.
Wendy has her diploma in Early Childhood Education with a specialty in Infants and Toddlers, and has also completed extensive training in Play Based Curriculum, Empathy and Restitution programs, and Coaching training. She has also taken courses through Camosun College and Canadian Professional Management Services relating to Leadership and Management Development.
Wendy is a Board Member of the South Island Branch of Early Childhood Educators of BC, and a member of the Executive Directors' Network through Volunteer Victoria.
Wendy was a recipient of the 2016 Provincial Child Care Award of Excellence- Lifetime Leadership
Colleen Laite, ECE IT
Colleen is an ECE IT and educator at Infant Plus. She is a graduate of Camosun College, receiving her diploma in Early Learning and Care with a specialization in Infant and Toddler education. Colleen takes joy in learning from and working with our families. She delights in her work with the children and finding ways to enrich our program.
Other staff Bio's are coming.
