Saanich is pleased to offer two, 10-month programs for preschoolers. Learn more about the Kiddie Capers Forest Classroom below.
Kiddie Capers Forest Classroom
Kiddie Capers Forest Classroom is a 10-month outdoor, play-based program for children ages 3 to 5, located in the Friendly Forest at Saanich Commonwealth Place. Led by Tammy Williams, who brings 15 years of preschool experience and 5 years of specialization in nature preschool, your child will thrive in our intentionally designed outdoor classroom, where nature becomes both teacher and playground.
- Open house: Saturday, January 31, from 9 to 10am
- In-person registration: Saturday, February 7 at 8am
Program details
This program prioritizes child-led activities where educators provide gentle guidance to foster social skills and independence. Each day begins with circle time, which features stories, songs, counting and letter work. Teacher-led activities focus on art, science, and games to develop fine and gross motor skills, complemented by field trips and nature walks to instill an appreciation for our environment.
Schedule
The Kiddie Capers Forest Classroom runs from September 14, 2026 through June 18, 2027. Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9am to 1pm.
A reduced hour option is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 11:30am.
Location
Saanich Commonwealth Place, 4636 Elk Lake Dr.
The Kiddie Capers Forest Classroom takes place entirely outdoors in the friendly forest.
Open house
You're invited to join our Kiddie Capers open house on Saturday, January 31, from 9 to 10am at Saanich Commonwealth Place.
If you are unable to attend but still want to learn more, please contact Ruth Smith at ruth.smith@saanich.ca to arrange a time to visit the program.
Cost and registration
To enroll in this program, children must be three years old by October 31, 2026. Registration for Kiddie Capers is in-person only at Saanich Commonwealth Place on Saturday, February 7 at 8am.
Children must enroll for at least two days a week. 2026 Program fees are as follows:
- 2 days per week (9am to 1pm) - $252 per month
- 3 days per week (9am to 1pm) - $378 per month
- 4 days per week (9am to 1pm) - $504 per month
- 5 days per week (9am to 1pm) - $630 per month
- Reduced hour option: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9am to 11:30am - $188 per month
For more information and to register, please contact Ruth Smith, Preschool Programmer, at 250-475-7603 or at ruth.smith@saanich.ca.
Program philosophy
This unique preschool program will teach your child to enjoy and be comfortable in all types of weather, while being creative, adventurous, and inquisitive in this natural outdoor classroom environment. We know that every child is a unique individual. Our approach to children focuses on understanding and nurturing each child and helping them to grow physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. By providing a stimulating and respectful environment, children are encouraged to explore and discover the world around them. Through spontaneous play, children have the opportunity to extend and expand their skills, learn to trust themselves and others, experience positive feelings, and growth in self-esteem.
Our goals
- Foster independence by encouraging children to make choices and help themselves whenever possible.
- Promote cooperative social interaction by helping children to recognize, accept and deal with their feelings in a constructive way.
- Encourage creative expression through a child-oriented approach to programming.
- Help each child grow towards their potential by providing a well-rounded program that takes into consideration the individual needs of each child.
- Foster feelings of mutual respect and consideration by treating each child as we would like to be treated ourselves, and by helping children to recognize that everyone is unique and special.
- Share each child’s success in every accomplishment.
Location of the forest
This program meets at Saanich Commonwealth Place, outside, at the far end of the north parking lot. You will meet the instructors on the chip trail beside the parking lot in front of the entrance to the forest where they will greet and welcome you and your child.
Our forest classes will explore Saanich Commonwealth’s backyard grassy field, where children are often found exploring and observing insects, leaves, lizards, snakes, and flowers. Scavenger hunts and treasure hunts are always fun, along with a variety of active games! Around the corner, we occasionally adventure on walking trails to the cherished 27-acre green space formally known as Royal Oak Golf Course or to Normandy Park/playground. These locations are all within safe and easy reach during our class time.
Learning through play
Each class, we will have exciting activities planned around the weekly theme. Occasionally, we will adjust those plans as natural learning opportunities emerge and steer us in other directions. We take our cues from the season, weather and nature, as well as from the interests of each child.
Play centers encourage children to learn, share, use their imagination, be creative, explore and much more.
Science, painting, music, and games along with free play will be woven throughout each class, followed by structured learning activities such as calendar, weather, and counting.
Active play centers include:
- Mud kitchen - using nature, dirt, water, acorns, chestnuts, pinecones and more. A large variety of pots, dishes, utensils are used to measure, stir, mix, and pour. Then off to the stove/oven to cook and bake!
- Construction zone - includes trucks, cars, blocks, building, stacking, and creating!
- Sand/treasure center - buckets, shovels, colanders and more!
- Shelter building - working together to haul logs to create shelters into teepees or small shelter for dinos.
- Dramatic play center - changes from grocery store to post office, bakery, animal vet, etc.
- Puppet theatre/stage - a variety of spoon, cloth, and stick puppets and props as well as a stage to sing/dance.
Guidance policy
Guidance is a teaching and learning process by which children develop socially acceptable and appropriate behaviour as they mature. The intent of guidance is to help children become self-disciplined as they learn appropriate and acceptable behaviour. Guidance is a continuous process of guiding acceptable behaviour while it is occurring as well as before, during and after acceptable behaviour is displayed.
Our instructors encourage children to use words to express themselves. Redirection is used to diffuse conflict situations. Sometimes equipment may need to be limited for a time and other choices offered. Limits and expectations will be clearly voiced and repeated on a regular basis.
Occasionally, an instructor may need to step in to assist or remove a child when it is unsafe for themselves and others. For example, hitting other children, not listening, disrupting the class on a regular basis. The instructor will take them aside to a cool down spot, talk to the children involved and encourage them to talk to each other about their feelings, and about what the other child might be feeling. The parents will be informed at the end of the class if this occurred. If a child continues the behaviour and does not settle down and cooperate within the classroom, we will phone the child's guardians to inform them of the incident and ask that they pick up their child as soon as possible after the incident. Your child is welcome to return to their next scheduled class.
The purpose of the policy is to ensure the safety of all children. We encourage children to express their feelings and work together to help each other feel good.
What children will learn
Social skills
Able to interact with peers and teachers in a positive manner.
Oral/expressive language skills
Able to express their wants and needs, repeat rhymes, songs and stories, contribute ideas.
Physical skills
The child is able to play action games, do simple exercises, and participate in small and large motor activities.
Learning skills
The child is able to find solutions to problems, solve age-appropriate puzzles, and repeat age-appropriate sequences and patterns.
Emotional maturity independence, and self-motivation
Able to make choices, and be happily involved in the classroom.
Listening skills
Able to listen to stories, follow directions, and focus on activities
Self-help skills
Responsibility for their personal belongings and their personal needs. Cleans up after themself, dress themself.
Creative thinking skills
The child is able to think divergently (see more than one solution), share new ideas, and be inventive in their thinking process.
Positive self-esteem
The child is growing more confident in what they can do, developing friendships.
Creative music and movement experiences
The child is able to think of new ways to move, sing new words to songs, design and implement new ideas.
Instructors
Our instructors hold a valid First Aid certificate and have been trained to administer epi-pens in case of an emergency. Saanich has conducted Criminal Record Checks for all our staff. As part of their standard orientation, staff are trained in appropriate conduct with children, recognizing signs of abuse, and responding to disclosures.
Tammy Williams
Tammy has been teaching/instructing outdoor programs for the past 16 years with Saanich municipalities. Tammy loves being outdoors and is looking forward to fostering a sense of wonder, curiosity, and imagination with your children.
Jo Van Dyk
Jo bring enthusiasm, thoughtfulness, and energy to our Kiddie Capers program! She has taught at Saanich Commonwealth Place for 25 years. Jo truly loves her job both in the Friendly Forest and on Fridays, when she runs the Jumping Jellybeans adult and tot program indoors.
Tiffany Kidder
Tiffany is a mother of two school-age children and has been working with the Kiddie Capers program for three years. Tiffany also teaches the indoor preschool program Happy Hands as well as Kindergym. Tiffany loves getting to know all the children in her classes and brings great enthusiasm to her work.
Christine Lee
Christine is a mother of two school-age boys. She has her Early Childhood Education Assistant certification and has worked in both Korea and Canada. Christine has worked at Saanich Commonwealth Place for the past six years and this is her fifth year working with the Kiddie Capers program. She also teaches the indoor adult and tot and preschool programs, Stepping Up to Preschool and K-Tots.