Health and Safety

We are an all-weather, outdoor program and prioritize the safety of all children. Staff are certified in First Aid and CPR, and emergency procedures are in place for illness, injury, or severe weather. Families are expected to keep children home when unwell to help maintain a healthy environment.

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Food and Allergy Policy

To prevent allergic reactions, food sharing is not allowed. Families are asked to pack nutritious, nut-free meals and snacks and follow the allergy information provided at the start of the program. Each child must also bring a full water bottle daily.

 

Attendance and Late Pick-Up

Regular attendance supports consistency and helps children thrive. Families must notify staff of any absences or delays.
Late pick-ups are subject to a fee:

• First late pick-up: $1 per minute (up to $60)

• Second and further late pick-ups within a 30-day period: $3 per minute (up to $180)
  Late fees must be paid within 48 hours to avoid an added processing fee.

 

Clothing and Gear

Children must come dressed for the weather every day. Our all-weather approach means rain gear, sun protection, or insulated winter clothing may be needed depending on the season. Extra clothing and labeled items are strongly encouraged.

 

Behavior and Conflict Resolution

We use a positive guidance approach that supports social-emotional development and helps children build independence and empathy. If concerning behaviors arise, families will be engaged in developing a collaborative care plan. Safety-related incidents may result in suspension or withdrawal, as outlined in our full policies.

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Saplings welcomes all children and families. Our programs include culturally responsive materials and Indigenous teachings, and we actively work to remove barriers to participation for neurodiverse and ESL learners.

 

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Children are encouraged to care for the natural world through hands-on environmental learning. Our practices include waste reduction, responsible harvesting, and community clean-up initiatives, all rooted in a respect for the land.

 

Photo Permissions

Families provide consent for photo sharing during enrollment. Internal photos (e.g., in Lilio) are only visible to enrolled families, while public photos (e.g., on social media) are shared only with explicit permission.

 

Licensing and Legal Compliance

Saplings follows BC childcare licensing regulations and upholds strict safeguarding and privacy standards. All staff are background-checked and receive regular training to support safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate care.

 

Withdrawal, Schedule Changes & Refund Policy

School-Year Programs (September–June)

(Also applies to programs operating September–August, including Pemberton Preschool and Gleneagles Preschool.)

Families must provide a minimum of 30 days’ written notice to withdraw from any program. 

New School Year Enrolment (September Start)
Withdrawal notices for September enrolment must be submitted by July 1st. Failure to provide notice by this date will result in tuition charges for at least the month of September.

Mid-Year Withdrawals
We do not permit withdrawals after March 31st of each year. Families who have not provided written notice of withdrawal by March 1st (30 days prior) will be responsible for tuition payments through the end of June.

Schedule Changes
We do not allow mid-month schedule changes. All changes require 30 days’ written notice, submitted by the 1st of the month prior to the change.

Mid-Year Admissions
Requests for mid-year enrolment are reviewed case by case, depending on available space and program entry points. Please contact the Enrolment Manager for more information.

Waitlists
Due to high demand, some programs may have waitlists. Families will be notified of their child’s position and may be advised to apply to another location if space allows. Returning children are given priority for placement. We will make every effort to provide a suitable space for your family.

 

Summer Camps and Pro D Day Camps

Summer camps operate in weekly sessions from July to August. We also run Winter camps in December and Spring camps in March. Pro D Day Camps happen periodically throughout the school year in line with the local school board calendars.

• Withdrawals: Families must provide at least one week’s written notice to withdraw from a booked camp session. Failure to provide timely notice will result in full tuition charges for the registered week(s).

• Schedule Changes: Requests for schedule changes must be submitted at least one week in advance and in writing. Due to high enrolment volumes, changes cannot always be accommodated.
   

Refunds

Refunds are only issued when the required withdrawal or schedule change notice has been provided in accordance with the timelines above.

• Refunds are not issued for absences, illnesses, or missed days once a program session has started.

• Refunds are processed within 30 days of the approved withdrawal date.

• An administrative processing fee may be applied to any refund.

 

Contact

For enrolment in our preschool, toddler and out of school care programs, please contact saplingsreg@gmail.com OR 604-358-0191.

For enrolment in our Nature School, please contact Nature_school@saplingsoutdoorprogram.ca OR 778-838-0335.