FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Symbiosis KIDS Centre is an inclusive preschool in Surrey, BC for children ages 3–5. We welcome both neurotypical and neurodivergent children, including children with autism and developmental differences, within a nurturing and play-based learning environment.
The preschool is created by the founders of Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy Inc., who are Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analysts and have supported children and families for more than 30 years.
We welcome all children( neurotypical as well as neurodivergent children). We welcome any child who may simply benefit from a smaller, supportive preschool environment.
We currently support children between the ages of 3–5 years before their kindergarten entry.
Symbiosis KIDS Centre is an inclusive preschool for children ages 3–5 years. Our program focuses on play-based learning, social interaction, classroom routines, early literacy, creative exploration, and school readiness in a nurturing and welcoming environment.
What makes Symbiosis KIDS unique is our strong foundation in understanding diverse developmental needs through our relationship with Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy Inc. This insight helps us create an inclusive setting where children of all abilities are supported to learn, grow, and thrive together.
Our preschool is intentionally designed for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children. Many families choose Symbiosis KIDS Centre because we value small group settings, emotional support, inclusive learning, social-emotional development, and a nurturing preschool environment.
Inclusive classrooms benefit all children.
Neurotypical children develop empathy, emotional intelligence, patience, leadership skills, confidence interacting with diverse peers, and strong social communication abilities. Families often appreciate that their children grow up learning kindness, inclusion, and respect naturally from an early age.
Our educators use supportive strategies such as visual schedules, semi-structured routines, sensory-aware environments, emotional regulation support, social coaching, and relationship-based learning approaches. Because Symbiosis KIDS Centre was created by the founders of Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy Inc., our environment is deeply informed by years of experience supporting children with developmental differences.
Symbiosis KIDS Centre does not provide one-to-one therapy sessions to children attending preschool. However, our educators are experienced in supporting varying developmental and emotional needs within the classroom environment.
Some families may also coordinate additional support through Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy Inc. depending on their child’s needs.
Families often choose Symbiosis KIDS center because of our inclusive philosophy, developmentally appropriate understanding of all children, emotionally supportive environment, small group settings, sensory-aware classrooms, and compassionate approach toward all children and their families.
Yes. Our program supports independence, classroom participation, communication skills, emotional regulation, social interaction, fine motor development, listening skills, and confidence in group learning environments. These are all important foundations for kindergarten success.
At Symbiosis KIDS Centre, we believe behaviour is communication. We focus on understanding underlying needs, emotional regulation support, co-regulation, positive guidance, sensory accommodations, and collaborative problem-solving. Our goal is to help children feel emotionally safe while learning appropriate social and classroom skills over time.
Yes, when appropriate and with family consent, collaboration may occur between educators and professionals connected to Symbiosis Pediatric Therapy Inc.. This collaborative approach may help create greater consistency and support for children across environments.
Our philosophy is based on play-based learning, inclusion, relationship-centered education, social-emotional development, neurodiversity acceptance, and developmentally appropriate practice. We believe children learn best when they feel emotionally safe, connected, respected, and engaged.
Families provide snacks/lunches for their children. We also encourage healthy eating habits and allergy-aware practices in our preschool.
Yes. We encourage families to schedule a tour to explore our preschool, meet our team, learn about our philosophy, and determine whether Symbiosis KIDS Centre is the right fit for their child.
Families can contact our team directly, book a consultation, schedule a tour, or join our preschool waitlist through our website.
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WHY THE RIGHT PRESCHOOL ENVIRONMENT MATTERS
Understanding the Difference Support Can Make
For many children with autism, a traditional preschool environment can feel overwhelming — not because they are incapable, but because the environment may not yet understand how they learn, communicate, and experience the world.
At Symbiosis KIDS Centre, we believe children succeed best when they are supported with understanding, flexibility, compassion, and the right developmental approach.
The difference between a child struggling and a child thriving is often the environment around them.
A CHILD WITH AUTISM IN A TRADITIONAL PRESCHOOL WITHOUT ADEQUATE SUPPORT
Every child is different, but many families describe experiences like these in traditional preschool settings:
Difficulty With Transitions
Busy classrooms, sudden routine changes, and fast-paced group activities can feel overwhelming. A child may cry during drop-offs, struggle moving between activities, become anxious during transitions, or shut down emotionally.
Communication Challenges
Children who communicate differently may struggle to express needs, ask for help, join conversations, or participate comfortably in group activities. This can sometimes lead to frustration or isolation.
Sensory Overload
Loud noise, crowded classrooms, bright lights, and constant stimulation can overwhelm a child’s nervous system. What may appear as “behavioural challenges” may actually be signs of stress, sensory overload, or difficulty regulating emotions.
Social Exclusion
Without support and understanding, some children play alone, struggle joining peer activities, misunderstand social cues, or become unintentionally excluded by peers. Over time, this can impact confidence and self-esteem.
Constant Negative Feedback
Parents sometimes receive repeated concerns such as “He’s not sitting during circle time”; “She isn’t following directions”; “He’s having trouble participating”; “We may not be the right fit.” Families can begin feeling anxious, discouraged, or worried their child does not belong in preschool environments.
