Tots Town Children’s Centre is a multi-age licensed care facility for children 30 months to 8 years of age with a capacity of 20 children and a 1:8 staff/ child ratio. Tots Town Children’s Centre offers Full-time and Part-Time Daycare, Pre-school (8:30 am – 2:00 pm), and Before and After School care for the McGirr Elementary School catchment.
Tots Town Children’s Centre staff are fully qualified, licensed Early Childhood Educators who bring a vast amount of experience, knowledge, and expertise to our programs. Our team strives to provide high-quality education and care in a fun, safe, inclusive environment where children can develop social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills through developmentally appropriate activities. Our qualified staff focuses on building confidence, self-esteem, problem-solving, and self-regulation skills for all children in our care while recognizing and celebrating individual needs.
Tots Town Children’s Centre values play-based, inquiry-based learning. Our programs provide enriching opportunities throughout the school year for literacy, math, science, social, cooking, music, and art. We believe that a balanced program of ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ teaching provides a successful, solid foundation for early learning.
“Providing Quality Education and Care Since 1981”
History
Tots Town Children’s Centre was founded in 1981 by two sisters, Gail Meier and Nancy Andersen, both passionate Early Childhood Educators. Together, they nurtured and grew Tots Town for four years before Nancy branched out to open her own centre in Parksville, where she dedicated 35 years to serving families in the community.
Meanwhile, Gail continued to lead Tots Town with care, dedication, and commitment. Along the way, she began mentoring her youngest daughter, Jenelle Meier Chappelle, who shared the same passion for Early Childhood Education. In 1999, Jenelle officially began her career in the field, with the dreams of one day carrying on the family business.
Gail and Jenelle worked side by side until 2006, when Jenelle and her family relocated to Waterloo, Ontario. Despite the distance, mother and daughter remained close, regularly exchanging stories and supporting each other through the ever-evolving world of Early Childhood Education.
In 2020, Jenelle and her family returned to Vancouver Island, where she took the reins of Tots Town, fulfilling her long-held dream of continuing the family legacy.
In 2021, Gail was recognized with the 40-year Government Legacy Award, a testament to her decades of dedication and excellence in childcare. By 2024, Gail transitioned into semi-retirement, a well-deserved milestone after more than four decades of leadership.
Today, under Jenelle’s Guidance, Tots Town Children’s Centre carries forward its tradition of high-quality, education and family-centered care. With deep roots and a heartfelt mission, we look forward to serving the community for many more years.
About Us: Our Philosphy, Beliefs, and Values
At Tots Town Children’s Centre, our goal is to create a safe, nurturing, and inclusive space where every child can thrive. We believe in the importance of play, curiosity, and strong community partnerships in shaping a lifelong love of learning.
Philosophy
Beliefs
Values
AWARDS
Gail M. MeierIt is an honour to be recognized with the “40 Year Government Legacy Award”. I am deeply grateful for this acknowledgement and proud to have dedicated so many decades to Early Childhood Education.
Director/ Owner
