Welcome
Our Mission
To provide the community with a model program in the holistic care and education of young children, while supporting continued education and work experience for students pursuing Early Childhood Education at High School, College, and University Levels.
General Information
For the Parents
St. Matthews provides a service for children between the ages of 4 months and 12 years which complements the parental care of the child, shares the responsibilities for the promoting healthy holistic growth, allows the parent/guardian the use of time to review her/himself as a person, thus enjoying the child on return home. The facility acts as a resource centre for information on available community resources and how to use them, and an exchange of ideas with other parents about child behaviour and guidance.
The Centre fulfills the need of the community as a pre-educational facility. Under the supervision of qualified staff, young children engage in their first group experiences away from home, before entering the school system.
For the Child
St. Matthews provides a stimulating experience in an appropriate environment which promotes the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development of the child, thus laying a strong, healthy foundation in preparation for future skills, formal learning and good social interactions with the child's peers and adults.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors are elected community leaders and representatives from staff and parents/guardians. The board meets quarterly and is responsible to the Society for the administration of the facilities and decision making of policies and operations.
Staff
The staff are licensed Early Childhood Educators and / or assistants in training and are required to have a First Aid Certificate. The Society ensures all staff and volunteers undergo a criminal record check, as required by law.
The Centre supports practicum students from Early Childhood Education programs - both as participants and as observers.
Membership
Membership is made up of Board members and families of enrolled children. The Society requires a $10.00 non-refundable fee to be paid at the time of registration.
Our History
St Matthews Day Care Centre began operation in 1974 on Lakeview Avenue, in Burnaby, after obtaining a license for forty children between the ages of three and six years. This was done under the sponsorship of the Family Services of Greater Vancouver.
In 1978, due to the cancellation of the main source of operating funds for day care services through the United Way Fund, a board was formed. It was independent of any governing body and consisted of community members and parents. This board assumed the responsibility of the Centre, which, at the time, had expanded to meet the needs of twelve school age children.
In June 1979, the Centre was incorporated as a Society under the Societies Act, which was governed by a constitution and working conditions contract, thus becoming St Matthews Day Care Society. An annual meeting is held in the spring, where financial statements are presented and the election of officers takes place.
In June 1980, the Society moved its operations to the vacant Glenwood Elementary School at 5787 S.E. Marine Drive in South Burnaby. It expanded over the years to accommodate 94 children in five child care programmes.
In September 1994, due to the re-opening of Glenwood School, St Matthews relocated to its current premises at the Edmonds Resource Centre at 7355 Canada Way in East Burnaby.
The facility continues to operate five licensed childcare programs as follows:
1. Under Threes - 12 children
2. The Blue Room - 20 children ages 3 to 4 years
3. The Yellow Room - 25 children ages 4 to 6 years (Kindergarten)
4. The Club House - 30 children ages 6 to 12 years
5. Pre-School - 14 children / session, 2 sessions / day, ages 3 & 4 years
The facility also operates an unlicensed ESL programme, sponsored by the Burnaby School District.
The hours of operation are 7.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Statutory holidays are recognized.
