our journey

In 1994, a group of like-minded parents collaborated to create an early learning centre that would meet their vision of quality child care. It would have the feeling of family and would inspire children to explore their natural curiosity, make meaningful bonds with educators and peers, learn about themselves and their place in their world, explore the community, and develop a deep passion for learning.

The North Okanagan Child Care and Montessori Preschool Society (NOCCS) started service provision in the basement of Beairsto Elementary School. It was here that NOCCS began its reputation for providing outstanding child care and early learning. In no time at all the preschool and after school programs expanded in size, with the introduction of infant programs soon after. The purchase of The Blue Door facility expanded services, but our waitlist just kept growing. It became obvious that our continual growth necessitated finding a new facility that would support us for future years. In 2013, the Ministry of Education deemed us an essential service, providing the opportunity to purchase an empty elementary school building. As a parent-led organization, with the dedicated help of our board of directors, this growth is a remarkable achievement by the volunteers and employees of the Society.

With a permanent home newly secured, it was time to ensure our services provision was reflected in our facilities and with our local and on-line communities. In collaboration with all the stakeholders, Maven Lane was born. We felt that Maven represented the trilogy of experts in child care; the children, who are inherently qualified to lead their own learning journeys;  their parents, who are the child’s first and foremost teachers; the educators who use their training and experience to provide inspiring experiences to safely support the children while they are going about the hard work of childhood – PLAY!

In 2019, Maven Lane dipped its feet into the waters of transportation. By purchasing our own vehicles, we were independently able to ensure that any child needing Maven Lane after school services would have access to transportation. This offered great relief to many families as the link between school bussing and after school services becomes more and more disconnected. In addition, these vehicles allow us to extend our reach on field trips and the opportunities for experiential learning for many more children.

By 2020, our Vernon services expanded to its maximum size in our long history, also adding care, education and recreational programs for children in Armstrong, Coldstream and Lavington. With over 550 children attending our programs, over 80 highly skilled and qualified educators permanently employed, and a fleet of vehicles for transporting children, we feel our feet are placed firmly on the ground while we look forward to a bright and successful future.