My Vision and Purpose

Firstly, let me define Pedagogy: A pedagogy is simply the function or work of a teacher.

Lexie's Little Bears, and Puddles & Paints have been my passion for the past 19 years... and when I use the word passion, I truly mean ... passion!
There are simply not enough hours in the day to allow me to "Create" everything I want for my centres... but I feel I'm off to a good start. These centres have been hand built by Derek and I  with love and real, genuine pride. There truly are no other daycares... like ours.
Five years ago, I set a goal. I told my husband that we would build an Infant/Toddler centre on our property. He laughed... "Not gonna happen!" he replied.
Well, I set the goal, I had to prove to myself that this was possible. I started planning, and saving every penny.... I was able to purchase a used portable building, and had it delivered to our property... "This is the beginning", I thought.... well, it sat for a long while... empty. Because nothing I do is ever easy, I had to get zoning approval and by-law approval, and have the land assessed for stability, and trees needed to be cut down. To make a long story much , much shorter... I did it! We finished the brand new, hand built, custom, Infant/Toddler nature facility in April 2014. And the trees that were removed to put up the building were hand made into the tables, shelves, and chairs inside the centre! The centre has 2 sides, connecting by a door in the middle. each side has space for 8 children and has 2 educators working at one time.
They also got a new outdoor play space purposely built for Infants/Toddlers.

The custom round window was inserted into both sides. The chairs, and tables were hand cut, sanded, polished and finished by Derek and I. The windows are low, so the little ones can see out easily into the forest. The shelves are also low to encourage the toddlers to help themselves. Most of the toys are handmade blocks and felted gnomes also made by me.  We have avoided purchasing any plastic toys or furniture for this centre. The custom toilet is a third of the height of a regular toilet, and encourages children to help- themselves during toilet- learning.
​Looking at the 2 photos below, it's hard to imagine that this is even the same building!
​more to come.........

Our History

I've been an early childhood educator since 1997, starting up my first centre in Saanich, Puddles & Paints Playschool. In 2008 I opened the doors of Lexie's Little Bears Child Care Inc. There are 3 programs at the Lexie's Little Bears location. Our Bear House is for children ages 2.5 years until Kindergarten. Currently it is for 21 children, but soon will be renovated to 25 spaces.Our Bear Den has 8 spaces for children 2 to 5 years. Our Cub House, has 16 spaces for Infants and Toddlers ages up to three years of age. Puddles & Paints is a Licensed group facility for 8 children.