Background
In 1993, the Hillcrest Elementary school principal and a group of families came together, recognizing the need for an After School Care Program. They formed a society, allowing them to register HEOSC as a non-profit organization. In the 1993-94 school year, HEOSC ran its first year of After School Care, and began offering additional Before School Care the following year. Ready Set Grow Preschool opened in 2001. All programs have been running successfully since.
HEOSC operating as a non-profit organization helps keep fees low and provides families with an opportunity to have input in the program through the Board of Directors. The Board oversees HEOSC operations and is comprised of parents and guardians of children enrolled in its programs.
HEOSC is located in the Gordon Head neighbourhood in Victoria, BC. It lies within the territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples (respresented by the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations) and the W̱SÁNEĆ peoples (represented by the Tsartlip, Pauquachin, Tsawout, Tseycum and Malahat Nations). HEOSC is grateful to operate on this land. HEOSC is inclusive of all backgrounds, and encourages children to learn about and explore other cultures beyond their own.
Be Safe
Be Safe = Responsibility
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Stay with the leaders and within the boundaries
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Listen to and follow directions
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Keep your body to yourself
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Positively communicate your needs
Be Kind
Be Kind = Cooperation
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Help others when they need help
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Be considerate to everyone
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Respect yourself, others, toys, and equipment
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Include everyone
Have Fun
Have Fun = Enthusiasm
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Participate in all activities
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Show good sportsmanship
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Always try your best!
Be Safe, Be Kind, Have Fun is HEOSC's Code of Conduct. Children, staff, and families are expected to follow these rules!
About HEOSC
HEOSC provides quality, licensed childcare in all its programs - Preschool, Daycare (soon!), and Before/After School Care. Licensed childcare facilities meet specific requirements for health and safety, staffing qualifications, record keeping, space and equipment, child-to-staff ratios, and programming. HEOSC is monitored and inspected regularly by Island Health. For more information on licensed care, see the BC government website here. Below, you can read more about HEOSC's philosophies, goals, and staff.
Philosophies
1. To build a fun, safe, and healthy environment where each child is treated as an individual
2. To provide a stimulating setting that encourages curiosity, exploration, and learning
3. To create a semi-structured program that allows choice and balance between free-play and planned activities
Goals
1. To guarantee a reliable, safe, and positive play environment that enhances the child's well-being and provides growth opportunities
2. To offer services to parents and guardians that assist them in managing their family
3. To contribute positively to the Hillcrest Elementary School community
Staff
HEOSC's wonderful Out of School Care staff meet the Island Health Child Care Licensing requirements. Staff are first-aid certified and have childcare-related education and/or training. They are dedicated to creating a fun and safe environment!
HEOSC's Preschool Educators are caring and highly qualified. Preschool staff all meet the Island Health Child Care Licensing requirements. They have many years of experience complimented by a creative, enthusiastic, and safety-focused way of working with children.