McTavish Academy Program
We are proud and pleased to be meeting the ever growing need for quality child care. Located at McTavish Academy of Art, this innovative preschoool program is rooted in yoga, nature, forest education, mindfulness, and art.
A licensed full-day preschool program for children 30 months – 5 years, our learning environment is custom made and state of the art. This full-day program operates 12 months of the year with a one week closure in December and August. We are also closed for three professional development days per year and are closed all statuatory holidays.
The fees below are reflective of the September 2024 – August 2025 year and do not include the fee reduction initaitive. Our hours of operation are 7:30 – 5 pm with flexible drop-off and pick-up times.
Tues I Thurs:
$646 / month
Mon I Wed I Fri:
$969 / month
Mon – Fri:
$1,615 / month
2024/2025 Closure Dates:
October 15, 2024 (Pro-D Day)
December 23 – 27, 2024
March 14, 2025 (Pro-D Day)
June 27, 2025 (Pro-D Day)
August 25 – 29, 2025
Daily Rhythm (subject to change)
“The best classroom and the richest cupboard are roofed only by the sky.” – Margaret McMillan
With an increase in time spent outside we are looking to our outdoor spaces as outdoor classrooms that are set intentially with love, intention, thought, and care. Activities that are set include but are not limited to: peaceful painting, watering and tending to the garden beds, harvesting herbs and fresh grown food, nature weaving, fairy gardens, sand and water play, blocks and building, as well as story corners and imaginative play.
- 7:30 – 10 am: Arrival & outdoor classroom time. Morning nourishment provided (organic oatmeal and seasonal fruit).
- 10 – 10:15 am: Transition inside, bathrooms, and hand washing
- 10:15 – 10:45 am: Morning gathering (inclusive of songs, stories, mindfulness and movement)
- 10:45 – 11 am: Handwashing & morning snack (parents provide)
- 11 – 11:15 am: Transition outside
- 11:15 – 12:15 pm: Outdoor classroom time
- 12:15 – 12:45 pm: Transition inside, bathrooms, handwashing, lunch (parents provide)
- 12:45 – 2:30 pm: Nap or rest and quiet afternoon activities (yoga, music, baking, or art)
- 2:30 – 3 pm: Bathrooms, handwashing, transition for outside
- 3 – 3:15 pm: Afternoon nourishment (provided)
- 3:15 – 5 pm: Outdoor classroom time & pick-up
- 5 pm: Storyoga closes
Testimonials
What Kids are saying
- “Once upon a time there was a little girl named Mattea and she always liked to go to Storyoga. The little girl had so much fun at Storyoga that she even didn’t want to leave.” ~ Mattea, 4
- “She reads us stories and we colour. I love drawing inside the shapes – and about Vanessa, I love her!” ~ Darien, 4
- I like doing the downward dog and the pom – pom blessing. I like yoga because it is good for your body and we learn about nature.” ~ Lucas, 6
- “I like the stories Vanessa read to us, and I liked doing Namaste Mountain.” ~ Renee, 6
What Parents are saying
- “I heard about your classes and camps from several of the Sidney Preschool moms. I’ve talked to quite a few people about your classes at Strongstart, Preschool, and in Logan’s Kindergarten and I have never heard a bad thing. You should be really proud of the strong reputation you have built in your small community.” ~ Joscelyn, Sidney BC
- “Kaylee absolutely loves the class and you also. We have tried a few after-school things before and she has never been enthusiastic about them. With this yoga she comes home and can’t wait to show us what she is learning. Thanks for all the energy you put into it.” ~ Sarah Paulson, Sidney BC
What Teachers are saying
- “Hi Vanessa. Thanks so much for having me. I felt so comfortable… a sense of coming home or at least inspiration for the type of environment I want to be involved with. Out of all the centres I visited, yours was the most beautiful in so many ways, especially the vibration of peace.” ~ Yvonne MacKenzie, Pender Island BC
- “Vanessa’s interactive storytelling, wide use of colorful, playful props and the brilliant way in which she engages children in yoga poses was a hit with the children in our program! Thank you Vanessa for exposing our children to yoga in such a fun, positive way.” ~ Lori, Victoria BC