The Best Daycare In Nanaimo Isn't A Daycare.
At CEFA Nanaimo, we are all that and more. Core Education & Fine Arts (CEFA) is an Early Learning Private School with a proprietary and award-winning curriculum designed to educate and develop your whole child—academically, emotionally, physically, and socially so they’re ready for kindergarten—and for life!
Join CEFA Early Learning in Nanaimo
CEFA Nanaimo is more than a daycare or traditional childcare centre. CEFA Early Learning opened its first school over 20 years ago in B.C. and is now Canada’s leading private school for children ages one to five. Trusted by parents since 1998, CEFA has earned a reputation for developing intellect in the early years, and for providing children with the finest start in education, arts, and the humanities.
CEFA students develop and play along with other children who are the same age, and they are always learning and playing—not just learning, and not just playing. At CEFA, core fundamental skills are at the heart of our curriculum.
We offer an incredible opportunity and and enriched curriculum for 120 students to not only explore and learn, but to discover how they can contribute to the world.
Our investment in one of the largest schools in Nanaimo with over 14,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space results in allowing for the most ideal classroom sizes for personal growth. Our beautiful Nanaimo location boosts 7 classrooms, three infant/toddler rooms and four classrooms for ages 3-5, resource/parent room, an in house chef and three brand new outdoor playground. Our under 36 months old are having a separate sleeping area other than their activity area to ensure their safety while sleeping.
We welcome applications from new families at any time, although we recommend registering at birth for our unique CEFA programs. To enroll in our school and avail of our current offer send us an email or call us.
Here at CEFA Nanaimo we are proud to be an approved participant for the Government’s Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative and Affordable Child Care Benefit, with monthly savings of up to $350 and $1,250 respectively depending on the program/schedule you choose.
Find out if you are eligible for the Affordable Child Care Benefit.
CEFA Nanaimo Program Schedules and Openings!
A note about scheduling at CEFA schools: We always want to welcome you even when you may not be scheduled. Occasionally parents may request to bring their child on a day outside of that child’s schedule. If there is space available in the classroom, the family would be invoiced a drop-in fee for that day. Please note that CEFA can only offer drop-in days to currently registered students. We do not switch scheduled days. Please contact the school for the drop-in fee.
We welcome applications from new families at any time, although we recommend registering at birth for any of our unique CEFA programs.
CEFA BABY 
Early Learning Child Care Matters
Did you know that the first five years are the most important in a child’s learning journey? Our schools are designed to provide your child with the right education at the right time: during the brain’s most formative period.
Having your child attend CEFA will help change their ability to learn, for life. What you give your child by enrolling them at CEFA Early Learning Private School is curriculum that ensures that their future is the best and most successful it can possibly be.
Our Early Childhood Education curriculum is proprietary and award-winning. We offer an enriched program to students that includes Core Education subjects (such as S.T.E.M., Reading, and Writing) and Fine Arts (such as Drama, Music, Dance, and Yoga). Our Teachers have their Early Childhood Education licences as well as specialized CEFA Teacher Training Certification, so our children learn from the very best. We provide a healthy and nurturing environment for your child, enabling you to be happy in the knowledge that your child is safe and stimulated throughout the day.
Your Child's Potential is Waiting
Studies like the Abecedarian Project, and the Perry Preschool Project, have shown that high-quality Early Learning can have a powerful and lasting positive influence on children and even the communities where they live. Children take the benefits and confidence of this foundation throughout their lives. As a private early learning school focused on Core Education and Fine Arts, our proprietary curriculum is the most sophisticated in Canada. It is designed to educate and develop your child—to get them kindergarten-ready and life ready. We believe your child’s education is one of your best investments.
News & Updates
See what’s going on at CEFA Nanaimo.
- CHEF’s Sample Menu – Our in-house chef prepares hot and nutritious meals each day for our students to enjoy.
- Parent Package – This includes everything you need to know regarding school tuition.
- Early Childhood Educators – Our teachers are licensed Early Childhood Educators and are trained in the highest standards of child development and safety.
School Closures
School Closures In case of inclement weather conditions or power outages which prevent CEFA Early Learning from providing service to families, the school’s Franchise Partner will make an early morning decision to close the school based on our School District.
Snow closures – in heavy snowfall, our priority is the safety of our families and staff. We expect to be open every day throughout the winter. However, if the public schools in your School District have decided not to open schools because the roads are deemed too unsafe for travel CEFA will also be closed.
Contact
Open Houses
Please contact the school for a private tour.
Hours of Operation
Monday–Friday: 7:30AM to 5:30PM
Hours subject to change with notice.