Goosey Gander Kindergarten Association

The Goosey Gander Kindergarten Association is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to early childhood education. Established in 1959, it has a longstanding history of providing outstanding early learning programs to the Victoria, British Columbia community[1]. It is registered as a charity under the Canada Revenue Agency with the business registration number 894224161RR0001[2][3].

Originally operating as Goosey Gander Preschool for 46 years, the organization evolved and moved in 2004 to a new 1.4-acre site on Haro Road, rebranding as Arbutus Grove Children's Centre[1][4]. This centre continues the legacy of the original association, offering comprehensive programs that support children’s growth and development through play-oriented learning.

Programs and Services

The organization provides early childhood education programs tailored for children aged three and four, as well as school-age programming for students from kindergarten through Grade 5. These programs emphasize play, exploration, discovery, and creative expression to nurture children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn[1][4].

The centre operates three main programs:

• Early Years Program for preschool-aged children
• Nature Program promoting outdoor learning and exploration
• School Age Program for elementary school students attending Frank Hobbs Elementary School[4][5]

Philosophy and Approach

The Goosey Gander Kindergarten Association, through its current operation as Arbutus Grove Children’s Centre, adopts a philosophy that values self-directed play as essential to children's growth and development. This approach contrasts with traditional pre-academic teaching methods by fostering individual development through play and discovery[1][4].

Educators at the centre provide developmentally appropriate activities that respond to the diverse needs and learning styles of each child. The programming is designed to be inclusive and supportive of each child's unique development stage, encouraging creativity and social-emotional growth[1][4].

Community Impact and Partnerships

The organization is actively involved in the Victoria community and has partnered with the Greater Victoria School District to expand licensed childcare spaces. In 2018, it collaborated to create 85 new childcare spaces at Frank Hobbs Elementary School, part of a broader initiative to add over 400 new childcare spots in Victoria. This partnership enhances accessibility and support for families, including those with children requiring additional support[5].

Recognition

Goosey Gander Kindergarten Association is recognized as a registered charity compliant with Canada Revenue Agency regulations, enabling it to receive donations to further its mission in early childhood education[2][3].

Note: The Goosey Gander Kindergarten Association respects the traditional territories of the lək̓ʷəŋən peoples, including the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples, acknowledging their historical and ongoing connection to the land where its programs operate[4].