About Us
Providing child care to North Shore families since 1995.
Our Philosophy
We work in partnership with parents to provide the care, attention and learning opportunities to best meet their child’s developmental needs.
British Columbia Early Learning Framework
We use the revised B.C. Early Learning Framework (ELF) as a guide to promote understandings of childhood, knowledge, education and learning. We are guided by the Early Childhood Educators of B.C. Code of Ethics.
The ELF guiding principles are:
Children are strong, capable in their uniqueness, and full of potential.
Families have the most important role in contributing to children’s well-being and learning.
Educators are researchers and collaborators.
Early years spaces are inclusive.
People build connection and reconnection to land, culture, community and place.
Environments are integral to well-being and learning.
Relationships are the context for well-being and learning.
Learning is holistic.
Acorn Early Education Centre is informed and inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Melinda attended a conference in Reggio Emilia, Italy, to better understand how to incorporate some of the principles at home in a Canadian childcare facility.
Our Staff
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Melinda Shard - Owner/Operator
BA in ECCE. ECE / IT / SN. TESOL
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Melinda has owned and operated Acorn Early Education Centre since 1995, in addition to previously working at Acorn for 10 years. Melinda holds a Bachelor’s Degree in ECCE from Capilano University as well as certification in ECE, Infant/ Toddler and Special Needs Education. She also has a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) certificate. Melinda has many years of experience as an educator and administrator in preschools, daycares and programs for children requiring extra support. She has taught in International schools in Mexico and Malaysia and speaks English and Spanish.
Melinda grew up in West Vancouver and lives in North Vancouver with her husband and daughter, and their dog and cat. She is active in the community and sings in a choir. She enjoys swimming in the ocean and exploring the beautiful North Shore trails with the dog, as well as traveling and learning about other cultures.
Melinda is passionate about the field of ECCE and keeps up on current research. She most enjoys building relationships with children and their families, and discovering children’s individual characters and interests to facilitate collaborative and inquiry-based learning.
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Alejandra L.B.
ECE
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Alejandra has many years of experience teaching young children in Mexico, the USA and Canada. She studied ECE at Pacific Rim College and she also has an MBA and a Law degree from Mexico. She also has many years of experience as a Spanish tutor to children and youth and speaks Spanish and English. She moved to Canada with her husband and four children in 2010 and has worked at Acorn Early Education Centre since 2021. In her free time Alejandra enjoys swimming in the ocean, paddle boarding, yoga, walking her dog, and spending time with her family and little granddaughter Sofia. She most enjoys getting to know the children as individuals and learning about their interests and strengths while engaging with them as they discover the world around them.
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Anna (Sunuo) A.
ECE/IT
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Anna moved to Canada with her husband and daughter in 2016. She holds a BA in Design and has 10 years of experience studying and teaching fine arts and operating an art studio in China. As a director of a design company she cultivated a strong sense of creativity, vision and leadership. Anna is deeply passionate about music, art, and the natural world. She enjoys playing the piano, painting, hiking and paddle boarding- all experiences that continually inspire her creativity and enrich the way she connects with children and their learning.
Anna has 15 years experience working with children of different ages and she obtained her diploma in ECE and Infant/ Toddler education in Canada. She believes every child is full of potential and learns through the environment and meaningful relationships. She strives to create a nurturing and inspiring environment where children feel valued and encouraged to express themselves with confidence and joy. Anna cherishes working alongside children and their families. Being part of each child’s journey is a privilege and fills her with a deep sense of purpose and hope. Anna started at Acorn in 2021 and also completed her Infant/Toddler practicum with us in 2022.
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Zahra E.
ECE / IT
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Zahra is originally from Iran and moved to Vancouver with her husband and daughter in 2018. Zahra holds a Medical Degree in General Practice from Mashad University of Medical Sciences in Iran. She worked as a university manager where ECE programs were offered and she taught several courses. Upon moving to Canada, Zahra further pursued an education in Early Childhood Education and she completed her Infant/ Toddler ECE Diploma at Capilano University in 2022. The program at Capilano differs significantly from those in Iran as it is inspired and informed by the Reggio Emilia approach. Through this approach Zahra has developed a strong belief that children are unique, capable individuals. As educators, we learn alongside them as co-researchers, provide them with meaningful opportunities for exploration, and support them in understanding their rights. Zahra truly enjoys engaging with children and supporting their learning and development. She has been with us at Acorn since 2022.
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Vila A.
ECE
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Vila has many years of experience teaching young children in Canada and Australia. Vila first came to Canada with her husband and daughter in 2008 and later moved to Australia. She studied childcare in Montreal and then completed ECE at Tafe College in Australia. After moving to Vancouver she obtained ECE in B.C. from VCC in 2020. Vila also holds a B.Sc. Degree in Persian Literature from Azad University in Iran and she speaks Farsi, Turkish and English. Vila enjoys traveling with her family and exploring the many lovely Vancouver parks and beaches with her dog. Vila truly enjoys working with young children and is so happy to be doing a job that she loves. She values respect, patience, positive energy and kindness and believes that when children feel loved and supported they are more confident to explore, have fun, and become their best selves. Vila feels that building meaningful relationships with each child and their family is very important. She has been with us at Acorn since 2019.
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Ghazal A. K.
ECE
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Ghazal came to Canada with her husband, daughter and son in 2021. She previously worked in Iran supporting children with special needs. She completed her ECE at VCC in Vancouver in 2025. Ghazal began working at Acorn in 2024 as an ECE classroom support with Supported Child Development. She is also a substitute ECE teacher with us when needed.
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Angel (Yu Ting) H.
ECE
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Angel attended high school and university in Vancouver and went on to complete her ECE in 2018. Angel is active in the Taiwanese community and volunteers with various associations. She has worked with children for more than 15 years and in high school knew that she wanted to be a teacher. She loves looking at the world through children’s eyes as she works alongside them. She enjoys snowboarding in the winter and paddle boarding in the summer. Angel has been a substitute teacher at Acorn since 2015.
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Fiona (Zhengqian) Z.
ECE
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Fiona moved to Vancouver from Shanghai in 2022 with her husband and two daughters. She has a MSc in Financial Economics and previously worked in China as a research analyst. Fiona obtained her ECE from Sprott Shaw College in 2023. She is continuing her studies in Infant/Toddler Education and Education for Children with Exceptionalities. She began working as a substitute teacher at Acorn in 2023 and has completed her IT and SN practicums with us.
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Shadi K. S.
ECE/IT/SN
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Shadi moved to Canada in 2008 and lives in North Vancouver with her two sons. She received her ECE from MTI college and went on to continue her studies to obtain her Infant Toddler and Special Needs education from VCC. Shadi has experience in various childcare settings and has been a substitute teacher at Acorn since 2024.
Health & Well-Being Policies
Nutrition
As part of our curriculum we strive to teach the children about good nutrition and healthy eating habits. We serve a healthy morning and afternoon snack each day, and filtered water is always available. Parents are welcome to send a small treat to celebrate their child’s birthday that is in accordance with our allergy aware policy.
Allergy Aware Policy
Our allergy aware policy requires that parents inform the centre of any existing allergies or food sensitivities that their children may have. Parents are asked to avoid sending any foods or products containing peanuts. Any child with a life-threatening allergy that requires an Epipen, must keep one at the centre, and specific protocol forms must be filled out.
Health & Hygiene
Children and adults must wash hands upon entering the daycare. Children are required to stay at home should they exhibit any signs or symptoms of illness or infection, or if they are not well enough to participate in program activities. Should a child become ill while at the centre, parents will be notified to pick up their child. Should immediate medical attention be required 911 will be called.
Rest Time
We provide a daily rest time to prevent over-stimulation and over-fatigue. All children are asked to rest quietly on their beds for a period of time, and those who do not sleep will be given quiet activities. Children who do fall asleep will not be awakened until the rest period is over. Bedding must be taken home weekly to be laundered.
Active Play
In accordance with CCFL licensing regulations, we will ensure that children participate in at least 120 minutes of active play and physical movement per day, with a minimum of 60 minutes of outdoor active play. Active play takes place in the gym or classroom, and outdoors in our play area or nearby parks. Outdoor play takes place rain or shine and children must wear appropriate clothing that allows them to freely participate. Clothing must be suitable for the seasons and weather conditions. During the summer months, parents must apply sunscreen to their child before arriving and it will be reapplied as needed.