Happy Corner Parent Participation Preschool at FALAISE HALL — Daycare & Preschool in Vancouver, British Columbia

What parents say

• Eleni Kassaris

  Happy Corner is more than just a preschool. It is a place where kids can feel a sense of community and involvement while learning through play the skills that will get them ready for full time school. The teachers really care about the kids and do a lot of detailed planning to make each class special. Don’t be scared off by “parent involvement”. Not everyone can volunteer In the same way and the teachers and board members know that and work with you to help you find a way to be involved that works. At least they did that for me. Located right in the heart of Falaise Park with a great playground for kids to play before or after class, Happy Corner has been a staple of the community for generations. I signed up my son for happy corner on the recommendation of a friend and neighbour. She went to Happy Corner as a child and her kids went to Happy Corner. I don’t regret the decision!

• Sherry Chan

  We absolutely loved sending our little guy to preschool for two years here. It's a wonderful environment with loving teachers and a great program. My son enjoyed every minute and we appreciated being more involved in some of the events and classroom activities than we were in the previous preschool that we sent our older kids too. The montessori preschool our older two kids went to was great in it's own way, but I don't think our youngest child missed out on any learning or development by going to play based preschool like Happy Corner. In fact, I think it was so magical there that he probably had the best preschool experience of them all.

• Jesed Richard

  At Happy Corner, kids engage in playful learning! The teachers are so attentive to the unique needs of each child and are continuously seeking ways to tap into the imagination, creativity, and interests of each participant. Through mindful interactions with their peers and teachers, the children develop practical and social skills that are foundational for their future. Happy Corner is a special place where children feel safe, heard, and loved.

• Kim Scott

  I'll never forget the day I picked up my kids from this preschool and someone walking by remarked, "my kids went here, all three of them, they loved it. Such a wonderful sense of community." Random strangers feel compelled to share their positive experiences from here. It's that rewarding! The recently retired teacher Hisae was a legend and teacher Jiwon and Shivonne continue to honor her legacy while creating their own nourishing environment. Bright and cheerful Jiwon pours her heart and soul into this school with the passion of someone who is in love with her career and dedicated to helping children thrive. Calm and comforting Shivonne is committed to the development and success of children, and is currently updating her education with a specialization in child anxiety. They make a wonderful team together. As a parent, I can't recommend *enough* the impact of being in the classroom with your child. I learned so much about my kids. Even though I'm a stay-at-home parent, who spends a lot of time with her kids, I experienced and witnessed things about them that I wouldn't have without this environment. And I also learned things about myself as a parent! I gained skills that are invaluable. You can't find this knowledge and guidance online. This fantastic place truly is a community, so if you're hoping to drop your kids off and pick them up, and that's the extent of your involvement, this is not the place for you. Parent participation is not just in the classroom once a month, it includes other roles which keep the school running such as fundraising, play dough making, cleaning, executive roles like president and vice president, etc. The teachers are the leaders and educators, but both the teachers and the parents run the school collaboratively. Time wise it can be anywhere from 4 hours a week to a full-time job depending on the role you volunteer for. If you like the idea of being hands on and involved with your child's care and education, and being led by two of the most caring and wise teachers on the planet, then welcome to HCP!

• Sarah Wong

  I'd suggest parents take some time to book an observation about Happy Corner to see what it is about after reading these reviews! You can get a much better idea of what is involved that what I can describe: Happy Corner is not only a place for preschoolers, but it's a place for their families as well. Moms, dads and caregivers are involved in the school and with the teachers everyone forms this amazing community. I'm so glad I had the chance to participate in the classroom and watch my child in a school setting. Being with my child at Happy Corner has helped me see my child develop emotionally, socially, physically and cognitively. The Parent Involvement part includes coming in once a month to help the teachers in the classroom, attend the 4/5 meetings each year that includes a parent education seminar, and take on a family job that fits my schedule and interests. The Parent Educational seminars have made me a better parent, each time I learn more about my child and our family system. The teachers at Happy Corner are amazing, I truly believe the regular communication they have with parents in forming this community makes Happy Corner such a magical, wonderful place for my child.