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History
Friendly Forest Preschool all started with a group of "Moms and Tots" who met informally in the Anmore Elementary School gym for 15 years. Then, when the need for a playground arose they formed "The Belcarra Regional Park Adventure Playground Committee". They raised $14,000 and the playground was built.
With this successful project under their belts, they began to organize a parent co-operative preschool in February of 1985.
After overcoming many hurdles such as funding, land use, acquiring a portable, and hiring staff, the preschool was opened in September 1985. Parent volunteers completed the entire project.
In 1994 we were very fortunate to have been granted over $120,000 from the Ministry of Education for our new, innovative building. This project was probably the largest one undertaken by members of our preschool. Once again, our parents and teachers demonstrated sincere devotion and commitment to our preschool and today we are enjoying a wonderful new facility. As many families enjoy the preschool now, we’re hoping more families will benefit from our preschool’s experience in the years to come.
In Spring of 1999 parents and teachers came to the preschool over a weekend to landscape our new nature playground. Trees were planted to make a "secret garden", a large sandpit with an amazing roof was built, new sod was laid, and a "boat deck" was built over the concrete tunnel. Presently, we are widening our play space to continue the natural play space theme and have renovated the porch and patio.
Our Philosophy
- We provide warm responsive care to children.
- We believe that children learn through play, and that hands on active involvement in a rich sensory environment stimulates brain development.
- We allow creative expression through art, music, and literacy, to express ideas and personality.
- To promote awareness of self and others, support friendships, and deal positively with confrontations and social situations
- To ensure that children with special needs are included and given the support needed to enable them to participate to the best of their ability.
- To promote multicultural attitudes knowledge and skills which will ultimately serve to combat intolerance, prejudice and racism.
- To help children develop awareness and respect, awe and wonder for all plants and animals in their natural environment.
Because relationships with caregivers are an integral part of your child’s healthy development, it is of utmost importance to us that your child feels secure and loved, during their time with us at preschool. We will show your child respect and understanding, listen to them, and tailor the program to meet their individual social, emotional, intellectual and physical needs. We promise to provide them with a program that will stimulate their senses, awaken curiosity, create solutions to problem solving, and move them forward to a deeper and more complex understanding of their world.
We consider you a partner in your child’s preschool education and we look forward to collaborating with you as we share the joy watching your child learn and grow.
Teachers
Glenda Treffry–Goatley (ECE Diploma / Special Needs) has been at Friendly Forest Preschool since 1986.
Lindsay Dureau (ECE Diploma/Special Needs) has been at Friendly Forest since 1999.
Ruth Graham (ECE Diploma) has been at Friendly Forest since 2008.
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