History of Our

Centre and Society

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 Cay 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 SE Marine Drive in South Burnaby. It expanded over the years to accommodate 94 children in five child care programs.

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 South Burnaby.

The facility continues to operate five licensed child care programs as follows:

Under Threes............. 12 children

The Blue Room.......... 20 children ages 3 to 4 years

The Yellow Room...... 25 children ages 4 to 6 years (Kindergarten)

The Club House......... 30 children ages 6 to 12 years

Pre-School.................. 14 children per session, two sessions per day, ages 3 & 4 years

The facility also operates an unlicensed ESL program, 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.