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Whistler Forest School Society to launch preschool program

This fall, parents will have a new option for their preschool-aged children. The Whistler Forest School Society (WFS) will offer a nature-based preschool program beginning September 2015.
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forest fun The Whistler Forest School will be offering a preschool program this fall. photo by jo hawkins/courtesy of the whistler forest school

This fall, parents will have a new option for their preschool-aged children.

The Whistler Forest School Society (WFS) will offer a nature-based preschool program beginning September 2015.

"The WFS is part of an expanding network of schools and programs that value time in nature as central to healthy childhood development," the WFS' Jenn Scharf said in an email.

"Children will have regular and repeated access to the same natural space. In this educational approach nature acts as a key teacher as young bodies grow to develop a deep connection with themselves, others and the natural world."

At WFS, children learn through play, exploration and self-discovery.

"Forest school educators are trained in a variety of learning methods including emergent, experiential, inquiry-based, play-based, and place-based learning," Scharf said.

"The Forest School philosophy is based on the belief that nature has a key purpose in learning, development and in building a sense of place in the world. At Forest School feeling at home in nature is just as important as learning the alphabet."

The Whistler Forest School will build off of the success of the informal Whistler Forest Playgroup, which Scharf founded.

Scharf envisions the program growing to eventually provide year-round programs.

Enrolment for children aged three to six will start in August.

For more information visit www.whistlerforestschool.com.

A launch party will also be held at Creekbread on Tuesday, July 21 from 5 to 9 p.m.

- Pique staff