Hello and welcome to the Countryside Preschool Website. Countryside offers mixed ages classes of 3 and 4-year-olds. I am enthusiastic about the advantages this “family” model offers children, as opposed to a “school” model where children are divided by age.

In a mixed setting the more mature students are role models for the younger children and the older children learn patience and nurturing. Parents who have seen the benefits for their children are equally enthusiastic.

I was drawn to Early Childhood Education initially through my love of children’s music. I have been teaching children’s music to Early Childhood Education Students at Camosun College since 1995.

In a co-operative setting I enjoy sharing with parents developmentally appropriate practices in the field of early childhood education. Parents learn the rationale and value of “learning through play” and how play is essential to a child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. I wish all parents could be exposed to this valuable information.

At a co-operative preschool, children and their parents have the opportunity to be part of a community where we can all gain new skills and enjoy new friendships that may last a lifetime. I feel very fortunate to be a part of this co-operative school and I hope you will too.