Your child is between 18 months and 3 years old — old enough to need structured social interaction, language-rich programming, and physical movement, but not yet school-ready. You need licensed toddler daycare in Coquitlam with qualified educators, consistent routines, and real communication about what your child is doing every day. Smiling Kids Childcare Centre serves toddlers 18 months to 3 years at two North Coquitlam locations. Call 604-600-4393 to ask about current availability.
What Sets Smiling Kids’ Toddler Programme Apart in Coquitlam
Toddler care is the hardest age group to run well and the most consequential for long-term development. The 18-month to 3-year window is where language, emotional regulation, social connection, and physical coordination are all forming simultaneously. A toddler programme that handles this well is intentionally designed for this age — not a scaled-down version of preschool, and not informal supervision.
- Language-first programming. Our toddler educators narrate constantly — labelling objects, describing actions, responding to every communication attempt whether it comes as a word, a gesture, or a sound. Vocabulary at 24 months is one of the strongest predictors of reading readiness at age 5.
- 1:4 ratio maintained. BC regulations set the maximum toddler ratio at 1:4 for children under 36 months. We maintain this standard and aim to operate below it where staffing allows.
- Co-regulation, not punishment. Toddlers under 3 years cannot regulate their emotions independently — their prefrontal cortex isn’t developed enough. Our educators use co-regulation: staying calm, naming the emotion, offering comfort. We do not use time-outs or isolation for toddlers.
- Outdoor play every day. All weather, all seasons. We have appropriate outdoor clothing for toddlers at the centre. Physical movement is not a break from learning — for toddlers it is the primary mode of learning.
- Daily updates to parents. What your toddler ate, how long they napped, what they played with, what words they used, who they interacted with. You know your child’s day — not a summary, a record.
- BC Childcare Subsidy accepted. The ACCB benefit covers toddlers under 36 months in licensed group care. We help every new family understand and apply for the subsidy before their child’s start date.
A Typical Day in Our Coquitlam Toddler Programme
Structure matters for toddlers. Predictable routines reduce emotional dysregulation and help toddlers build the internal clock they need to feel safe in a group environment. Here is what a typical day looks like at Smiling Kids for children 18 months to 3 years:
| Time | Activity | Developmental Focus |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00–8:30am | Arrival, free play, caregiver greeting routines | Attachment, transition practice, independence |
| 8:30–9:00am | Morning circle — songs, movement, simple group activity | Language, rhythm, group awareness |
| 9:00–10:00am | Structured play — art, sensory, building, dramatic play | Fine motor, creativity, problem-solving |
| 10:00–10:30am | Outdoor play | Gross motor, spatial reasoning, risk assessment |
| 10:30–11:00am | Story time, language activities | Vocabulary, narrative comprehension, listening |
| 11:00–11:30am | Lunch — family-style eating | Self-feeding, social mealtime, independence |
| 11:30am–2:00pm | Rest and nap | Physical restoration, emotional regulation recovery |
| 2:00–3:00pm | Afternoon activity — music, movement, art, outdoor | Energy release, creativity, group cooperation |
| 3:00–6:00pm | Pickup window, quiet play, small group activities | Transition preparation, winding down |
Toddler Daycare Fees in Coquitlam — What Families Pay
Licensed toddler daycare in Coquitlam runs approximately $1,700 to $2,100 per month for full-time care. Smiling Kids’ current fee schedule is available by calling 604-600-4393. For families who qualify for the BC Affordable Child Care Benefit, monthly fees can be reduced significantly — up to $1,250/month for eligible families. Apply before your child’s start date at gov.bc.ca/childcare. Our team helps new families through the application process. Read our full guide to the BC Childcare Subsidy in Coquitlam here.
Toddler Daycare Locations — North Coquitlam
We operate two licensed toddler care locations in North Coquitlam. Our 1380 Coast Meridian Road location sits in the Burke Mountain corridor — convenient for families in Burke Mountain and Westwood Plateau who are commuting east or south in the mornings. Our 1467 Hockaday Street location is accessible from Citadel, Cape Horn, and the Hockaday neighbourhood, and is within a short drive of Port Coquitlam’s western boundary.
Frequently Asked Questions — Toddler Daycare in Coquitlam
When does a child move from the infant room to the toddler room at Smiling Kids?
The transition from our infant programme to our toddler programme typically happens around 18 months, though this is flexible based on the child’s development and available space. We coordinate this transition with parents and ensure the move happens gradually — not as an abrupt change of room and caregivers. If your child is enrolled in our infant programme, their transition to the toddler room is planned and communicated well in advance.
Is potty training required to join the toddler programme in Coquitlam?
No. Potty training is not a requirement for enrollment in our toddler programme. Children under 3 years are at highly variable stages of toilet readiness, and we work with each child at their own pace in coordination with parents. We support potty training progress when it’s underway at home — we do not initiate or rush it.
How long is the waitlist for toddler daycare in Coquitlam at Smiling Kids?
Waitlist length changes frequently as children age out of the programme and new spaces open. Call 604-600-4393 for a current, accurate answer — published estimates are outdated within days. If your child is currently in our infant programme, ask about the toddler transition timeline when your child approaches 15 months.
To enroll in our Coquitlam toddler programme or join the waitlist, call 604-600-4393 or visit our contact page. We serve toddlers 18 months to 3 years at 1380 Coast Meridian Road and 1467 Hockaday Street, Coquitlam, BC.
Areas We Serve Near Coquitlam
Our two North Coquitlam locations serve families from across the Tri-Cities. If you are looking for toddler daycare near your neighbourhood, we may already serve your area:
- Toddler daycare for Burke Mountain families
- Toddler childcare for Westwood Plateau families
- Toddler daycare serving Port Coquitlam families
If your baby (6–18 months) needs licensed infant care, see our Infant Daycare Coquitlam programme page. Ready to enrol? Contact us here or call 604-600-4393.