Welcome to University Hill Preschool
At University Hill Preschool, we are dedicated to providing a nurturing and enriching environment where young children can flourish. Our play-based approach emphasizes holistic development, fostering growth through social interaction, exploration, and meaningful hands-on experiences.
We recognize that every child is unique, and our carefully designed curriculum caters to diverse learning styles and developmental needs. By blending structure with creativity, we ensure that each child feels supported in their journey of discovery and learning.
Why Choose Us?
• Experienced Staff: Our dedicated educators create a safe, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere where children can thrive.
• Relationship Building: We value strong connections among peers, educators, and families, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
• Play-Based Learning: Through exploration and guided activities, we inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love for lifelong learning.
Our Goals for Your Child
• Critical Thinking: Developing problem-solving skills and intellectual curiosity.
• Self-Regulation: Building emotional resilience and adaptability.
• Confidence: Nurturing self-esteem and independence in every child.
At University Hill Preschool, we understand the profound impact of early education. Our mission is to equip children with the tools they need for future success, ensuring they grow into confident, curious, and capable learners.
We invite you to learn more about our programs and see how we can support your child’s growth and development. Contact us today!
We are conveniently located near the UBC campus at 5210 University Boulevard, within St. Anselm’s Church, directly across from the University Golf Club. Our preschool is nestled in a scenic, natural setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Our ground-level classroom features full walls of windows on both the south and north sides, filling the space with natural light year-round, even during the fall and winter months. Outside, we have a secure, fenced-in play area, a sandbox, and community garden beds, providing children with opportunities to play, explore, and connect with nature.
Meet Our Faculty
At University Hill Preschool (U-Hill), we are proud to have a team of professional, caring, and exceptional teachers. Each of our educators is a Canadian Certified Early Childhood Educator with years of teaching experience and a long-standing relationship with U-Hill. Together, they bring unique perspectives from their diverse educational backgrounds to create a well-rounded and enriching program for every child.
Maria Rodrigues
Head Teacher
“Every child is unique, strong, and beautiful, with their own ambitions, desires, and needs. As an educator, my role is to nurture these ambitions, build self-esteem, and help children feel valued and heard.”
Maria has been a vital part of University Hill Preschool since 1996 and has served as Head Teacher since 2005. Over the years, her exceptional contributions to early childhood education have been recognized with prestigious awards, including:
• 2022 National Certificate of Excellence from the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education (PMA)
• PMA Awards for Excellence in Early Childhood Education in 2014 and 2021
• 2012 Child Care Award of Excellence in Early Childhood Education (Coast Fraser Region)
Maria holds a B.A. in Philosophy from the University of Karachi, Pakistan, and earned her Montessori Certificate from the Association Montessori International. Her teaching philosophy is child-centered and flexible, allowing children to shape their own learning through curiosity, imagination, and exploration. By fostering a safe, inclusive environment where children feel a sense of belonging, Maria encourages self-expression and confidence while helping children master tasks at their own pace.
Maria is also a proponent of inquiry-based learning, using open-ended questions to provoke curiosity and deeper thinking. She values collaboration and partners with the Infant Development Lab at the University of British Columbia, helping advance research in child development while enriching classroom activities.
Fluent in English, Urdu, and Hindi, Maria champions diversity and inclusion in her classroom, celebrating the unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds of every child. She creates a welcoming space for children to grow at their own pace, ensuring they feel supported, confident, and valued.
Atoussa Kashani
Early Childhood Educator & Local Artist
“Children have potential, curiosity, and a desire to learn. The teacher’s role is to provide children with a range of possibilities and experiences that help them grow. The more opportunities children have, the richer their learning becomes.”
Atoussa has been inspiring young minds since 1988 and joined University Hill Preschool (U-Hill) in 1991. She served as Supervisor from 1997 to 2003 and holds a B.A. in French Literature and Early Childhood Education (ECE) from Simon Fraser University, where she cultivated her passion for early learning.
A passionate advocate of the Reggio Emilia approach, Atoussa emphasizes creativity, exploration, and curiosity in her teaching. She participated in a North American study tour to Reggio Emilia, Italy, in 2009, bringing back innovative practices that continue to enrich U-Hill’s curriculum. Fluent in English, French, and Farsi, she adds a valuable multicultural perspective to the classroom, fostering a sense of belonging for every child.
As a local artist, Atoussa integrates her love for art into her teaching, encouraging children to express their imaginations through creative projects. Her artistic approach helps children explore ideas in meaningful, hands-on ways that inspire curiosity and self-expression.
Beyond teaching, Atoussa is an avid hiker and holds a record for her numerous Grouse Mountain climbs. Her adventurous and energetic personality motivates children to embrace challenges, try new things, and find joy in exploration and learning.
Atoussa’s blend of experience, creativity, and enthusiasm makes her an invaluable member of the U-Hill team. Parents can feel confident that their children are nurtured and encouraged in a vibrant and inclusive learning environment.
Feifei Gao
Early Childhood Educator
“I believe learning is happening all the time, between teachers, children, and families. Let’s play together, connect together, gain knowledge, and share what we have learned with others.”
Feifei received her Bachelor’s Degree from Shanghai Normal University and has completed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program at Langara College. She joined University Hill Preschool as an Early Childhood Educator, bringing a passion for enriching young minds through play and mindful experiences.
In the classroom, Feifei shares her creativity with children through crafting and clay, encouraging active participation in various school activities. Outside of school, she enjoys hands-on projects and spending time with her family, including her two young boys.
Fluent in English and Mandarin, Feifei lives by the philosophy: “Fall in love with the process, and the results will come.”
Remembering Aya Ruttan
Aya Ruttan, a beloved teacher at University Hill Preschool from 1999 to 2020, brought warmth, creativity, and passion to the classroom. She shared her love of play, nature, music, and food, creating a nurturing environment where children thrived. Aya’s vibrant presence left a lasting impact on the UHill community and is deeply missed. We invite you to watch this video in remembrance of the joy she brought to our lives.
Board of Directors and Volunteers
Since 1966, University Hill Preschool (U-Hill) has been a licensed, non-profit society managed by an elected Board of Directors, composed of parents of current students. These volunteer roles, elected at the beginning of each school year, are essential to the success and sustainability of our school.
We encourage all parents to actively participate in our community. Volunteer opportunities include joining the board, assisting in the classroom, driving for field trips, helping with fundraising, and supporting school activities. This collective effort not only creates a strong and supportive environment for our children but also enables us to operate as a non-profit and keep costs affordable for families.