Playschool OUTside is a nature-based early-learning program for children ages three to five operating out of the beautiful outdoor spaces around Hyde Creek Recreation Centre.
The program runs Monday through Friday from 9:30 to 11:30am during our fall, winter, and spring season.
Located in the beautiful outdoor spaces around the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre, Playschool OUTside is a play-based outdoor early-learning program for children ages three to five. Our focus is on learning in and through nature, creating joyful memories with friends, and supporting children in their overall development.
Our play-based program offers children the opportunity to connect with nature and use a variety of “loose parts” that can be found in our forest classroom to expand their creativity and imagination. Experiences include make-believe play, art, and science activities each day.
Emphasizing kindness, compassion, and respect, our experienced program leaders support children’s social-emotional development by offering positive and thoughtful guidance as they explore the forest together.
We offer active play experiences to support physical literacy and motor-skills development. In our forest classrooms, children can balance on logs, climb tree stumps, and practice fundamental movement skills. By assessing the challenges in the outdoor environment, children learn to better understand what they are capable of, while developing self-confidence, awareness, competence, and problem-solving skills.
If your financial circumstances make it difficult for you to pay the full program fees, you may qualify for support from through the Financial Assistance Program.
Children arrive by 9:30am dressed for the weather and ready for outdoor play. We start our day with welcome games and activities on the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre playground before heading to our beautiful forest learning spaces. The class comes together for snack and to socialize before it is time for activities and free play. Our Program Leaders combine child-initiated and educator-supported activities and experiences daily. Playschool OUTside supports positive peer interactions and helps children grow their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical skills. A story time concludes the class before we return back to the Hyde Creek Recreation Centre playground for goodbyes and pick-up time at 11:30am. In case of unsafe weather conditions, we will bring nature inside and use our indoor classroom.
Daily Supply List
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Small backpack to carry, preferably with a chest strap
- Refillable easy flip-top lid water bottle, half-filled for easier carrying.
- Snack: nut-free, preferably packed in a reusable snack bag
- Whistle
- A complete change of clothes, including socks and underwear (in a large labelled Ziploc)
- Small cloth for hand drying
Please dress your child for the weather and outdoor activities:
During colder weather, please wear:
- Waterproof boots, coat, pants or muddy buddy
- Warm layers such as fleece
- Waterproof gloves/mittens (pack a spare pair) and toque
For warmer weather, please wear:
- Sun hat
- Rainboots or runners
- Rain pants, jacket or muddy buddy
- Light layers