Who we are
St. Peter’s Childcare is a warm, welcoming, and inclusive early learning community located at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Parish in New Westminster, British Columbia.
We provide a nurturing environment where children can feel safe, valued, respected, and supported as they learn and grow. Our program brings together play-based learning, meaningful relationships, and Catholic values to support the development of the whole child.
We believe every child is unique and capable, and we are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for every child and family who becomes part of our community.
Our Philosophy
We believe children learn best through play, exploration, relationships, and meaningful everyday experiences. Our role as educators is to create a safe and engaging environment where children are encouraged to wonder, explore, create, communicate, and develop confidence in their own abilities.
We value not only what children learn, but how they learn—through curiosity, relationships, discovery, creativity, and connection with the world around them.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide high-quality childcare in a safe, caring, and faith-filled environment where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop a strong sense of belonging.
We strive to support each child’s social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and spiritual development while building meaningful partnerships with families and our community.
Our Values
Love & Kindness
We encourage children to care for one another and demonstrate kindness, compassion, patience, and empathy.
Respect
We value every child and family and recognize the unique experiences, abilities, cultures, and perspectives they bring to our community.
Belonging
We strive to create an environment where every child feels welcomed, included, secure, and valued.
Faith
Through age-appropriate experiences, children are introduced to Catholic values such as love, gratitude, forgiveness, compassion, generosity, and care for others.
Community
We believe children thrive when families, educators, the parish, and the wider community work together.
Catholic Faith & Values
As a childcare program located within St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Parish, Catholic values are naturally woven into our daily environment and interactions.
Children may experience simple, age-appropriate opportunities for prayer, gratitude, stories, songs, celebrations, and learning about kindness and caring for others. Throughout the year, children may also be introduced to important seasons and celebrations within the Catholic faith, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter.
Our approach is gentle and developmentally appropriate. At the heart of our faith-based program is a simple message for every child:
You are loved. You belong. You are called to care for others.
Our Approach to Learning
Our program is play-based and child-centred. Educators thoughtfully prepare learning environments and experiences based on children’s interests, developmental needs, questions, and emerging abilities.
Explore and investigate
Build friendships and social skills
Develop independence and confidence
Express ideas through art, music, movement, and imaginative play
Strengthen communication and problem-solving skills
Develop physical skills through active play
Connect with nature and the local community
Practice kindness, cooperation, and respect
We recognize that learning happens throughout the entire day—from conversations and play to meals, transitions, outdoor experiences, and relationships with others.
BC Early Learning Framework
Our educational approach is guided by the British Columbia Early Learning Framework. We recognize children as capable, curious individuals who learn through relationships with people, places, materials, and ideas.
Educators observe, listen, reflect, and respond to children’s interests and experiences while creating opportunities that encourage exploration, creativity, communication, collaboration, well-being, and belonging.
Our Educators
Our educators are committed to creating positive and responsive relationships with children. We understand that strong relationships are the foundation of early learning.
Educators take time to know each child as an individual, recognize their strengths and interests, and provide encouragement and support as they develop new skills. Our team works together to maintain a safe, respectful, nurturing, and engaging environment where children can feel confident exploring and learning.
Our Learning Environment
Our learning environment is designed to feel welcoming, calm, engaging, and child-centred. Children have opportunities to explore a variety of materials and learning areas that encourage creativity, imaginative play, literacy, problem-solving, social interaction, and independence.
Outdoor experiences are also an important part of our program. Through regular walks and visits within our local community, children have opportunities for movement, exploration, connection with nature, and learning beyond the classroom.
Partnership with Families
Families are an essential part of a child’s learning journey. We value open, respectful, and ongoing communication between families and educators.
By sharing information about each child’s interests, routines, strengths, experiences, and needs, families and educators can work together to provide consistent and meaningful support.
We welcome families as important partners in our childcare community and look forward to building relationships based on trust, communication, and mutual respect.