Mission
To provide high-quality early childhood education rooted in respectful relationships, evidence-based practice, and an environment that encourages the hundred languages of children.
To become a leading early childhood centre built on integrity, collaboration, and child-development expertise—where educators, pedagogistas, and atelieristas work closely with families to support each child’s holistic growth. As we scale, we are committed to making our services accessible, equitable, and lasting. We aim to build, and continue strengthening, the foundations of early childhood to promote a healthy and thriving future for every child.
Vison
Nadiya’s Story
Nadiya Clemance was born on May 31, 2022, at BC Children’s Hospital. She entered the world with a bright spirit and a gentle strength, carrying both the beauty and the challenges of trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) and a heart condition known as AVSD. Though her life was short (just 90 precious days) she filled every moment with light, determination, and joy.
Nadiya’s name means “hope.” And that is what she embodied: a hopeful, curious little soul who greeted life with open eyes and a forgiving heart. Her days were marked by quiet bravery, tender smiles, and a spirit that taught everyone around her how to love more deeply. She reminded us that the smallest among us can change the world in the simplest, most powerful ways.
On August 30, 2022, Nadiya passed away, leaving behind a legacy far greater than her time. Her life inspired us to dream of a space where all children are welcomed, cherished, and given the freedom to grow into who they are meant to be.
In honour of Nadiya, we founded the Nadiya Clemance Centre: a childcare space dedicated to inclusion, compassion, and belonging. This centre stands as a testament to her life, her love, and the hope she continues to give us.
Here, every child matters. Here, Nadiya’s story continues.
At Nadiya Clemance Centre, learning is guided by children’s interests and questions.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, educators observe, listen, and design environments that invite exploration and collaboration. Projects emerge from children’s ideas and develop through hands-on experiences, conversation, and reflection. Learning is co-constructed and rooted in relationships, making it meaningful and relevant to each child.
The Developmental Interaction Approach grounds our understanding of how children grow and learn. Rooted in developmental psychology and supported by decades of research, this approach helps us interpret children’s behavior, assess progress, and plan intentionally. It emphasizes the whole child—physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. We are guided by weighted, evidence-based studies that ensure our practice remains both responsive and developmentally sound.
About Our Founder
With a focus on contemporary early childhood research and practice, Teejay Fehr completed her masters degree at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia. Before moving to Canada, she worked as an Early Childhood Teacher in both the Philippines and in Australia.
Teejay brings significant training from the following teaching practices:
Developmental Interaction Approach
Reggio Emilia Approach
Inquiry-based Learning and Project Approach
Resources for Infant Educarers RIE®
