Vancouver Island Cooperative Pre-School Association

The Vancouver Island Cooperative Pre-School Association (VICPA) is a Canadian nonprofit organization established in 1949 that serves as an umbrella organization for parent participation preschools on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. It is registered under the business number 130915341RR0001 and operates as a registered charity under the Canada Revenue Agency. VICPA is dedicated to advocating for high-quality early childhood education and setting professional standards for educators working with young children[1][4].

Overview and Mission

VICPA supports fourteen member preschools, all of which meet or exceed provincial government licensing and safety standards. The organization emphasizes a philosophy of learning through play and fosters partnerships and community building, aiming to enrich the lives of young children and their families. VICPA also provides adult education on child development through resources, workshops, presentations, and an annual event known as the Making Tomorrow Early Years Conference[1][4].

The cooperative model of VICPA encourages strong collaboration among early childhood educators, families, and communities to promote healthy child development. The association prioritizes health equity, family engagement, and the building of strong relationships among children, educators, and families. It offers professional development and continuous support for early childhood educators, empowering them with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their roles[2][3].

Programs and Activities

VICPA’s programs are designed to benefit families with young children by fostering growth, learning, and well-being through cooperative efforts. The association's approach includes:

• Supporting parent participation in preschools to bridge home life and preschool experiences.
• Promoting health equity to ensure all children have access to resources necessary for development.
• Providing education and resources to parents, educators, and stakeholders involved in early childhood.
• Facilitating community connections to create a supportive environment for young children.
• Hosting the Making Tomorrow Early Years Conference, focused on early childhood education themes[2][4].

Governance and Structure

The organization is managed by a board of directors that includes early childhood educators and other stakeholders dedicated to maintaining high standards of preschool education across its member schools. VICPA operates on a not-for-profit basis, fostering a cooperative, inclusive environment involving staff, volunteers, educators, and families[3].

Historical Context

VICPA is part of a broader tradition of cooperative preschool movements in Canada, influenced by the early 20th-century cooperative childcare initiatives in the United States and Europe. The cooperative preschool approach emphasizes parental involvement and high educational standards, inspired by pioneers such as Maria Montessori and early cooperative models developed in North America during the 1930s and 1940s[1][5].

VICPA remains a significant contributor to early childhood education in British Columbia, promoting a cooperative, community-centered model that supports children’s development and family engagement on Vancouver Island and beyond.