Children playing and learning in a bright, colorful classroom with artwork and decorations, including paper hearts and a rainbow, and a large window with curtains.
The Hornby Island Daycare Logo, with the tagline "Growing together, rain or shine." A colourful illustration of a rainbow arching over a mountain and water body, with white clouds above.

We believe our collective well-being depends on children being supported to grow into their full potential.

Under the Oak Programs

Programs for every stage of growth.
$10 a day.

Child playing with wooden toy vehicles and blocks on a colorful play mat with nature and animal designs, surrounded by scattered toys at the Hornby Island Daycare.

12-36 months

Monday - Thursday
8:45 am - 3:15 pm

Catkin Program

Building connections and strong relationships. Daily neighbourhood adventures.

Two young girls are playing with colorful building blocks in a playroom. One girl with blonde hair tied back is sitting on the floor, and the other girl with curly brown hair is standing, dressed in a pink jacket and a navy skirt. Books are displayed on a shelf behind them, and there are windows with curtains in the background.

Acorn Program

30 months - school aged

Monday - Thursday
8:45 am - 3:15 pm

Fostering learning through child-lead play. Outdoor time, rain or shine.

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Children sitting on logs in the woods, listening to a person holding a book with animal illustrations.

Adventure School

4-6 years

Fridays, September - June
9:30 am - 2:30 pm

Weekly explorations of Hornby Island. Providing confidence, curiosity and connection to place.

Raven Summer School

Children walking on a trail through a forest, surrounded by tall trees.

A fun, dynamic Summer Program to support working families.

Like the Raven, children are natural explorers and problem-solvers.

Raven School nurtures imagination, creativity, and critical thinking through connection to story and place.

For children who have completed grades 1-3

Monday - Thursday
8:45 am - 3:15 pm
July 6 - August 20

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A cartoon illustration of a woman with blue skin, dark blue hair, and a yellow circular face, surrounded by blue flower petals on a black background.

Our History

Hornby Island Daycare Society was established in 1973 by Shelagh Johnston and Diane Smith, who shared a deep commitment to children’s learning through play and exploration.

They found that this value of creativity and self-expression was shared by many families across the island, and set out to build a place to support and inspire the next generation.

Group of children and adults waving on the back of an old truck decorated with handmade signs and artwork, with trees in the background, celebrating a preschool event.

Archival Photo by Bob Cain.

Learn More

Quality care for $10 a day.

Hornby Island Daycare is proud to be part of BC’s $10 a Day ChildCareBC program, offering high-quality, childcare at an accessible rate. Licensed by Island Health for families on Hornby Island.

As a non-profit society, our focus remains on creating a nurturing, play-based environment where children can grow, connect, and thrive.

Colorful drawing of two red dinosaurs smiling and looking at each other, with a blue sky and yellow curtains in the background.

Illustration by Rae Mate.

Logo for Comox Valley Child Development Association with a black cliff silhouette over a blue sky and the agency's name in blue text.
Logo of Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with text 'Center for Disease Control and Prevention' in blue, green, and black colors.
Logo of British Columbia, featuring a sunrise over mountains and forest, with text 'British Columbia' in blue.
Logo with blue stylized mountains and water waves above the words 'Island Health' in blue text.
Official logo of COMOX Valley Schools featuring a stylized mountain and water design in green, blue, and black above the bold text 'COMOX Valley Schools' in red with a slogan 'A Community of Learners' in green.
First Credit Union logo with a stylized green and gray swirl design, the words "First Credit Union" in bold green text, and a tagline "Part of Vancity as of December 2025" in gray.

Mission Statement

To be a place of connection, belonging, and growth for families and children in our diverse island community. To provide a high level of licensed care and progressive opportunities for early learners.

Guiding Principles

Children dancing with a cat and two dinosaurs under a moonlit sky.

Illustration by Rae Mate.

  • Every child has the right to feel welcome, valued, and included. We create space for each child’s unique experiences, identities, and ways of being.

  • We honour our island home through daily outdoor play, exploration, and learning that reflects the rhythms of the natural world. We recognize Indigenous peoples as original knowledge keepers and continue to learn from and with the land.

  • Children are at the centre of the learning journey. Through play, curiosity, and exploration, we support the development of language, relationships, and independence.

  • Families and educators work together to support each child. We value open communication and strong partnerships within our community, and with partner organizations.

  • We support children in building respectful relationships, understanding their emotions, and caring for each other and the world around them.

  • We support ongoing professional growth, work to be exemplary employers, and grow to meet the ongoing needs of our community.

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