North Vancouver Toddler Program

Saplings' Toddler Program offers young children hands-on opportunities to explore and connect with the natural world. Outdoor play supports physical development, creativity, and mental clarity, while our educators nurture emerging problem-solving and critical-thinking skills. The program fosters early social development by encouraging collaboration, emotional awareness, and a sense of connection among peers in the same age group.

Program Details

Location
Sowden Park, North Vancouver

Ages

2-3 years

Days Available
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays

Schedules
9am-12pm

Monthly Tuition Fees

Three days a week - $400

Two days a week - $340

One day a week - $170

Register

Please click on the link below to register for the North Vancouver Toddler 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.

Meet the Toddler Team

Kelly Chesko

ECE/ Forest Educator

Bio coming soon.

Ilo Feldman

Forest Educator

Ilo (pronounced ee-low) brings over six years of experience working with children and youth of all ages, including those who are neurodiverse and disabled. Passionate about the importance of free outdoor play, Ilo enjoys actively engaging with children in nature-based games and exploration. Outside of Saplings, Ilo enjoys biking, playing guitar, and discovering new corners of the Lower Mainland.

Candice Montgomery

ECE/ Forest Educator

A mother of three school-aged children, Candice transitioned from a career in banking to pursue her passion for early childhood education. She finds joy in supporting children as they explore and learn through nature, fostering their curiosity about the world around them. Since joining Saplings in spring 2024, she has worked in the Toddler Program and Gleneagles Preschool, and now splits her time between the Toddler Program and Pemberton Preschool on Fridays.

Mahboubeh (Mahi) Shafiei Alavijeh

ECEa/ Forest Educator

Mahi is an experienced educator with over a decade in the field and holds a Bachelor’s in English Language Teacher Training from Esfahan University. She is currently completing her Master’s in Leadership in Education at Trinity Western University and pursuing her ECEA certification, with additional training in autism, neurodiversity, and special education. Passionate about play-based and inclusive learning, Mahi brings creativity, compassion, and a strong commitment to supporting every child’s unique potential in the outdoor classroom.

Sarah Scripture

Forest Educator

Bio coming soon

FAQs

Is this program eligible for Supported Child Development funding?

Please contact Heather for further clarification at saplingsinfo@gmail.com.

Is this program eligible for Affordable Child Care Benefit?

Please contact Heather for further clarification at saplingsinfo@gmail.com.

Is there an inside facility?

Yes, however, the indoor space in only used incase of an emergency. We are an outdoor program!

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.

For more information regarding our programming, please visit the General FAQs page.