I recently spoke with the owner, April Kennedy, at CEFA South Surrey/Panorama (now open at 152nd and No. 10 Hwy | #100 – 5446 152nd Ave) to find out more about their programming and facility.
As it turns out, CEFA isn’t just a childcare facility, it’s a private school for children aged 1-5. Canada’s leading private school for this age group in fact. CEFA, which stands for Core Education and Fine Arts, has designed their curriculum around educating the whole child, not just academically but socially, emotionally and physically as well. Their development team travels the world finding the best learning techniques for early childhood education to apply right here in BC, and their teachers spend up to six months at CEFA University to develop the skills and techniques to effectively teach the children.
This full-day learning program is split into four different age groups to ensure that each classroom is composed of similar aged children, but also with equal skills and abilities.
Learn through play is their core philosophy which I believe to be the best way for little brains to develop happily.
I asked April Kennedy a few questions about why she brought CEFA to South Surrey.
What Did You Do Before CEFA?
I am a registered nurse having worked at three different hospitals here in the Lower Mainland. I have two beautiful girls and like many families, want to provide the best life possible for them.
Children today are being lost in technology and individualism that they are forgetting the importance of play. CEFA reminds me of when I was a child, getting caught up in the beauty of nature and the innocence of group play. How every child is an artist and a great learner, and each branch is an adventure waiting to happen.
Why Did You Start CEFA South Surrey?
I started CEFA because I struggled to find full time care for my own children. I had no interest in basement or home daycares and wanted a program that is education based vs traditional daycare format. I loved the CEFA program but at that time, it was only in Vancouver, Richmond and Burnaby. This is when I decided to bring the CEFA program to Surrey and after three years, I finally opened my school.
Having two daughters, I know first-hand the challenges today’s parent face, and the importance of building confidence, imagination and creativity in our children.
Why CEFA?
CEFA is the leader in early childhood education. It was Canada’s first Junior Kindergarten program offering an enriched curriculum. CEFA is different as it is a Fine Arts school so children learn through play, creativity and nurturing the artist in each child.
Children today are being lost in technology and individualism that they are forgetting the importance of play. CEFA reminds me of when I was a child. Getting caught up in the beauty of nature and the innocence of group play. How every child is an artist and a great learner, and each branch is an adventure waiting to happen.
Finally, as a private school, there is a Principal and administrator that oversea the teachers ensuring proper the proper curriculum is being taught and the teachers meeting the needs of the children and parents.
What A Deal!
CEFA South Surrey is currently offering 15% off standard tuition until the end of June … so the earlier you register, the more you save!
Mention This: Special promotion for all Modern Mama families will receive a $200.00 uniform credit upon registration!
What parents are saying
“Even if I were a stay at home mom, I would have Aviva here at cefa™. I know that during these formative years, she is being challenged and stimulated in the most wonderful ways. It is an added bonus that the school has a chef who cooks the children a healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack!”
“Your curriculum and your program are second to none. We love your academic program.”
“The teacher made school fun and positive experience for our child. She helped our child during his gradual entry, making him and us feel very comfortable: we know that the decision we made to enroll him at cefa™ was the right one!”
“The teachers have all made our lives happier. They are approachable, and keep us up to date in the progress of our child. We feel confident that our child has the best care, in a secure and happy environment.”
Check them out here and visit them this month (January) any Saturday from 10am to 1pm for Open House!