Verdant Early Learning Centre (SFU Childcare Society)

Welcome to SFU Childcare!

We are situated on top of Burnaby mountain nestled in the trees on the west side of campus and in the new UniverCity neighbourhood. We provide the highest quality childcare to the families of SFU, its alumni, UniverCity resident families, and families from the broader community. 

Inspired by the practice of infant/toddler and pre-schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy, we pay particular attention to the aesthetics of our setting. We believe the environment is a participant in the learning process of the children. Our educators provide the children with the opportunity to engage the environment through a thoughtful and intentional process, a variety of setups and provocations. 

The UniverCity Childcare Centre opened its doors on April 2, 2012. The revolutionary facility, with space for 50 three to five-year-olds, is expected to be the first building in western Canada to meet the Living Building Challenge™, which means it will have to generate as much energy as it uses, collect or recycle more water than it consumes, and be built and operated using non-toxic materials, sourced as locally as possible. The centre cost 15 to 20 per cent less than other childcare facilities being built in the region, without the green features.