Curious Minds Learning Centre has been welcoming Maple Ridge families for over 12 years, and what I love most is their clear focus on early learning through hands-on discovery. Located in a bright 2,400 sq ft facility just off Lougheed Highway, they specialise in preschool and daycare for infants to kindergarten-aged children, with a reputation for small group sizes and predictable routines that help little ones settle quickly.

Their day-to-day programme is practical and varied. Morning circle time uses the Montessori-inspired Practical Life materials, then children rotate through sensory play, art, and an outdoor nature zone that includes raised garden beds and a sandbox. They offer extended care from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm, a before- and after-school pickup for nearby elementary schools, and a summer camp with themed weekly projects (robots, forest explorers, and community helpers). Meals are prepared on site with a rotating menu that notes allergies and follows Canada’s Food Guide for child nutrition.

What sets them apart is how they work with each child. Teachers document progress with weekly portfolios and share short observational notes via the Brightwheel app, so parents see both photos and developmental milestones. The lead educators hold Early Childhood Education (ECE) certifications and several staff have infant-toddler specialisation and Standard First Aid with CPR-C. Staff-to-child ratios are kept lower than provincial minimums on busy days, and small cohorts mean familiar faces and consistent routines.

Curious Minds is woven into the Maple Ridge community. They partner with the local library for monthly story walks, host parent workshops on sleep and positive behaviour, and run fundraising bake sales for the neighbourhood food bank. Families choose them because of the practical programming, transparent communication, and genuine care. Call 604-476-0232 or visit http://www.curiousmindslearningcentre.com/ to arrange a tour.