Lions Bay Preschool
Saplings Preschool at Lions Bay offers children aged 2.5–5 the opportunity to explore the natural world through hands-on, outdoor learning. Our nature-based approach fosters creativity, coordination, critical thinking, and emotional awareness, all within a supportive, multi-age environment that encourages cooperation and connection. Our unique After School Care program extends learning beyond the classroom, engaging children in math, science, art, and movement through nature-based inquiry and play.
Program Details
Location
250 Bayview Rd, Lions Bay, BC V0N 2E0
Ages
2.5-5 years
Days Available
Monday - Friday
Schedules
7:30am - 5:30pm
OR
8:30am - 2:30pm
Please Note
Extended daily care is available until 6pm. Families who choose this option will have $5 added to their monthly tuition invoice.
Monthly Tuition Fees (2.5-3 years old)
7:30am-5:30pm
Five days a week - $715
Four days a week - $572
Three days a week - $429
Two days a week - $286
One day a week - $143
8:30am - 2:30pm
Five days a week - $549
Four days a week - $439
Three days a week - $339
Two days a week - $219
One day a week - $109
Monthly Tuition Fees (3-5 years old)
7:30am - 5:30pm
Five days a week - $928
Four days a week - $742
Three days a week - $556
Two days a week - $371
One day a week - $185
8:30am-2:30pm
Five days a week - $693
Four days a week - $554
Three days a week - $415
Two days a week - $277
One day a week - $138
Register
Please click on the link below to register for the Lions Bay Preschool program.
Please write the name of the program that you are interested in applying for in the ‘additional notes’ box when completing the registration form.
Please also indicate the schedule you are interested in (7:30am - 5:30pm OR 8:30am - 2:30pm)
Meet the Lions Bay Preschool Team
Jacqueline Kerr
ECE/ Lead Forest Educator
Jacqueline is a certified Early Childhood Educator and Forest School Practitioner with a rich background in outdoor education, ecology, and the arts. She holds a diploma in Parks and Outdoor Recreation from Sault College and has worked as a Forest School Educator for several years, drawing on her experience in field botany, land stewardship, and children’s wellness. Passionate about fostering early connections to nature, Jacqueline brings creativity, curiosity, and a deep respect for the natural world to her work at Saplings.
David Han
ECE/Forest Educator
David is an Early Childhood Educator with a background in Social Sciences from the University of Toronto and a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors. His early experiences exploring the forests of Stanley Park sparked a lifelong love for nature, which continues to shape his educational philosophy today. With experience tutoring students in multiple subjects and working with infants and preschoolers, David is committed to learning alongside young children and inspiring a strong connection to the natural world during their formative years.
Sepideh Ansari
ECE/Forest Educator
Sepideh is passionate about supporting young children’s growth and development through care, patience, and play. Drawn to Saplings’ outdoor-based approach, she believes nature fosters confidence, creativity, and curiosity through rich, hands-on learning experiences in the early years.
_JPG.jpg)
Kelly Lu
ECE / After School Forest Educator
Chia-Chi, also known as Kelly, was born and raised in Hualien, Taiwan, surrounded by the mountains and forests of the East Coast—landscapes that remind her of British Columbia’s Sea to Sky Corridor, where she has lived since 2012. Her journey into early childhood education was inspired by her own daughter and the joy she observed in children’s natural curiosity and learning. After enrolling her daughter in Saplings Preschool, Kelly was deeply moved by the school’s nature-based philosophy and knew she wanted to be part of it. Now an Early Childhood Educator, she brings a strong appreciation for both nature and cultural diversity, often sharing her Taiwanese heritage with the children and learning from theirs in return.
FAQs
Is this program eligible for Supported Child Development funding?
Yes.
Is this program eligible for Affordable Child Care Benefit?
Yes.
What is the minimum age requirement?
We typically start at age 3, however, we have limited spots available for ages 2.5 up to 3. If your child is under 3, please email to inquire about spaces availability.
Is there an inside facility?
Yes, we have an inside classroom inside Lions Bay Elementary School. But remember, we are a forest school; so you won’t see us inside too much!
Do my children have to be potty trained?
Yes, children must be fully potty trained and out of diapers or pull-ups to attend our program. As we are outdoors for the majority of the day, we are not equipped to support frequent diaper changes or potty training. Children should be comfortable using the toilet independently—including doing nature pees when needed. We understand that accidents happen and we will always support children with care and respect, but we ask that families wait to enroll until their child is confidently managing their toileting needs.
Can I add or change dates once I’ve registered?
Yes, we are able to accommodate date changes; however, please note that these changes can take up to two weeks to process. Mid-month registrations also require up to two weeks to finalize. To request a change, please contact our Enrollment Administrator, Steph, who will be happy to assist you. saplingsreg@gmail.com
For more information regarding our programming, please visit the General FAQs page.