Yes. Families can choose to participate in both programs, giving children opportunities to experience Bayview's play-based approach in two very different environments.

Bayview Community Preschool provides a licensed indoor preschool setting at Bayview Community Elementary School, while Bayview Nature Program takes learning outdoors at Jericho Beach Park.

The two programs share a common philosophy and connection to the Bayview community.

Explore Bayview Community Preschool

Bayview Nature Program is a play-based outdoor learning program for young children in Vancouver. Our outdoor classroom is located at Jericho Beach Park, where children spend their time exploring the forest, beach, wetlands and natural surroundings.

The program is affiliated with Bayview Community Preschool, giving families the opportunity to experience Bayview's play-based approach in an immersive outdoor setting.

Our outdoor classroom is Jericho Beach Park.

Rather than simply adding outdoor time to a preschool day, children spend their time immersed in nature, exploring forests, wetlands and the beach, building relationships with their educators and peers, and developing confidence through hands-on experiences.

Bayview Nature Program also has a long-standing connection with Bayview Community Preschool, allowing families to choose between or combine indoor and outdoor learning experiences.

Bayview Nature Program is based at Jericho Beach Park in Vancouver, near Kitsilano and West Point Grey. Children learn and explore in the forest, wetlands/ pond area, as well as the beach and tidal zones.

Our outdoor classroom gives children the opportunity to learn and play in a natural environment rather than spending time in a traditional indoor classroom.

Pick-up and drop off is near the Jericho Beach Parking lot.

Bayview Nature Program is designed for children ages 2.5–5. Children do not need previous outdoor-school experience to participate.

We also have an Advanced Outdoor program as well as Junior Stewardship for Elementary School aged Children.

Every day is a little different. Children might build a shelter, climb, investigate plants and insects, explore the beach, create art with natural materials, look for wildlife, collect and sort natural treasures, play imaginative games or simply follow their own curiosity.

Our educators use children's interests and the changing seasons as opportunities for learning and exploration.

Our outdoor learning Nature Program supports many of the same developmental goals as traditional preschool, including communication, problem-solving, creativity, social skills, independence and physical development.

Children also develop a deeper understanding of the natural world through hands-on experiences with the seasons, plants, animals, weather and their local environment.

Bayview Nature Program is a nature-based outdoor learning program where children learn through play and exploration in the natural environment.

While our program shares many characteristics with forest schools—including regular outdoor learning, child-led exploration and connection with nature—we use Bayview Nature Program to describe our approach.

We go outside!

Rain, wind, sunshine, puddles and changing seasons are all part of the outdoor experience. With appropriate clothing and footwear, children can enjoy being outside in a wide range of weather conditions.

Our educators help children learn how to be comfortable, capable and confident outdoors.

Safety and the children's wellbeing always come first. Our educators monitor weather and environmental conditions throughout the day and may delay the start, shorten the program or end early when conditions could affect the health, safety or comfort of the children.