Abbotsford Early Years Centre

About

The Abbotsford Early Years Centre, located in the Sweeney Neighbourhood Centre adjacent to Abbotsford Senior Secondary, is a one-stop location for parents to find information about learning, health and family services - including child care, parenting, child development, referrals for social supports, special needs services, early intervention therapies, and public health services. The Abbotsford Early Years Centre's role is to be a welcoming and supportive physical or virtual place. We welcome diversity and offer various services and programs encompassing health, education and early childhood development. If you don't speak English you can request information in the following languages: French, Spanish, Russian Romanian, and Bulgarian. We offer a variety of programs, services and supports tailored to the Abbotsford community such as: * Strong Start, * PJ's & Storytime * Mother Goose, * Saturday Family Fun & Story Time, * and Emémel Spá:th (Little Bears).

Vision

We envision Abbotsford as a healthy thriving community where every family with children ages 0-6 has the support they need to raise their children to be healthy, resilient, and valued members of society.

Our Staff

Andrea Senft

Manager of Childcare and Early Learning

Andrea Senft's journey is a testament to her deep-rooted commitment to both her community and her family. Having made Abbotsford her home for over two decades, she has become an integral part of the city's fabric, contributing significantly to its educational and community development landscape.

Her professional trajectory, spanning nearly two decades within the Abbotsford School District, underscores her dedication to early learning and childcare. Starting as the Executive Director of the Abbotsford Early Childhood Committee and now serving as the Manager of Childcare and Early Learning, Andrea has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for supporting families with young children.

Beyond her role within the school district, Andrea's active involvement in various community boards highlights her broader commitment to community well-being. Organizations like the Abbotsford Community Foundation, the Fraser Valley Child Development Centre, and Vibrant Abbotsford benefit from her leadership and insight, further enriching Abbotsford's social fabric.

Her belief in nurturing the next generation reflects her understanding of the interconnectedness between early childhood development and community prosperity.

Despite her professional and community commitments, Andrea's priority remains her family. As a supportive spouse and proud parent of two young adults, she finds solace and joy in witnessing her children pursue their passions in sports and dance. Whether cheering from the sidelines of a baseball field or a dance studio, Andrea's unwavering support for her family exemplifies her dedication to both her professional endeavors and her personal relationships.

In essence, Andrea Senft embodies the essence of community leadership, advocating for the well-being of Abbotsford's residents while cherishing the moments spent with her loved ones. Her multifaceted contributions have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on Abbotsford, shaping it into a more vibrant and inclusive city for all.

Emmaline Holt

Administrative Assistant | Community Navigator

Emmaline, an alumna of Mouat Secondary School in Abbotsford, embarked on an academic journey that led her to the University of the Fraser Valley. There, she pursued her passion for language and history, earning a degree in French and History, complemented by a TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) Certification. During her university years, Emmaline dedicated herself to making a difference in the community. She volunteered at ACS, teaching English to adults, and concurrently worked at IGE Korean Academy, imparting language skills to elementary and secondary students. This dual commitment underscored her belief in the transformative power of education and language.

Emmaline’s connection to the world of young minds remains strong through her five nieces and nephews and this bond fuels her commitment to being a fully certified Mother Goose facilitator, where she finds joy in nurturing and teaching young parents the importance of early childhood development through interactive and engaging sessions. Embracing a holistic view of education, Emmaline strongly advocates for the integration of learning and play throughout our lives. She believes that these elements are vital for personal growth and fulfillment.

Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, Emmaline thrives in the great outdoors. Whether hiking, camping, or planning her next travel adventure, she finds inspiration in exploring the beauty of the world. With a heart that beats for both education and adventure, Emmaline is dedicated to creating a positive impact and enriching the lives of those she encounters on her journey.

Neda Alexandrova

Parent and Tot Outreach Facilitator | Community Navigator

Neda Alexandrova, originally from Bulgaria, embarked on a life-changing journey in 2006 when she decided to make Canada her home. She hold Bachelor degree in Textile Art from The National University of Art, Bucharest, Romania and a Management for Childcare Certificate from ICS Canada. Since 2019, Neda has been an integral part of the Abbotsford School District, contributing her passion and skills to the Early Years Department as a Parent and Tot Outreach Facilitator and Community Navigator at The Sweeney Neighbourhood Centre. In this role, she has dedicated herself to fostering connections within the community, supporting parents, and navigating the diverse landscape of early childhood development.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Neda finds joy in the finer things in life. Her love for art, and music, and the boundless curiosity instilled by her experiences as a mother make her a well-rounded and approachable individual. With a unique perspective gained from viewing the world through children's eyes, she continually discovers the beauty and wonders that life has to offer.

Neda's guiding philosophy is rooted in optimism and determination. She firmly believes that everything is possible, and a way can be found where there is a will. Her commitment to positively impacting the lives of those around her is evident in her professional endeavours and approach to life.

The Abbotsford Early Years Centre is open daily, to help connect parents and caregivers to early years resources.

Hours: Monday to Friday - 8:30 am to 3:30 pm

Phone: 778-880-8554

Cell: 604-217-0539 / 604-615-2648

Location: Sweeney Neighbourhood Centre (1st Floor)

33355 Bevan Way
Abbotsford, BC V2S 0E7

*Adjacent to Abbotsford Library and Abbotsford Senior Secondary