Our Children’s Centre Society (OCCS) would like to acknowledge that the land on which we live, work, play, and learn is within the traditional territories of the Coast Salish, belonging to the Lekwungen (Songhees, Esquimalt) and WSANEC communities. We are grateful to reside and thrive on the land.
OCCS is a non-profit society offering childcare services to families in Victoria, British Columbia. OCCS opened its doors on February 1, 1992 as a fully licensed daycare facility and has provided quality childcare services for over 30 years. OCCS offers childcare to 45 children within our Arbutus (Infant), Hummingbird (Toddler) and Crow (Preschool) programs, and employs 11 educators who report to the Centre’s Manager and Assistant Manager.
OCCS is governed by a Board of Directors made up of parents elected by the members of the society. The Board is responsible for its members, and staff. They also work closely with the Managers to ensure the success and well-being of the Centre.
At Our Children’s Centre, we are committed to creating a high-quality and accessible early childhood education (ECE)environment where meaningful relationships are nourished so that everyone has a sense of belonging. Our pedagogy is guided by the BC Early Learning Framework and its vision for respectfully living and learning together.
Prime Ministers Award
“Excellence in Early Childhood Education”
“Anna is an inspiration, not only to me but to many others. I feel beyond lucky to have the pleasure of getting to be at work with her each day in a field where at times it can be hard, stressful and even exhausting. Anna is thriving in her lead role at OCCS.”
Anna Correia has been with Our Children’s Centre Society of Greater Victoria for 16 years. She completed a practicum there as a student, moved on to the preschool program, and eventually became the program’s lead educator. She now guides a team of early childhood educators, bringing in resources, conducting research, asking questions and leading by example.
Anna welcomes all children with warm consistency and is keenly aware of each child’s interests and needs. She was instrumental in creating an ethos statement for her room at the centre. It says, in part: “We view children as respected individuals who come to us with a lifetime of knowledge… We believe children are not blank slates and that they contribute their unique insights, experiences, and curiosities to form a collective community.” Anna endeavours to make every child feel seen and to find creative, innovative ways to engage them.