North Vancouver Recreation and Culture Commission

Philosophy

Our holistic approach and play-based program fosters children’s physical, emotional, social, creative and intellectual growth. It helps build a sense of wellbeing, belonging, and social responsibility. Based on children’s interests and curiosity for learning, activities encourage exploration and experimentation with a variety of materials. These experiences are designed to foster a deeper understanding of the world we live in. Come play with us in our welcoming and nurturing environment.

Want to learn more about what to expect from the preschool experience? Read an interview with one of our teachers!

Handbook and enrollment forms

We’re currently updating the preschool handbook and enrollment forms in preparation for the 2025/2026 school year. Please check back soon for the refreshed version.

Registration

Registration for the 2025/2026 school year is on now. Children registering in the 3 year old program must be toilet trained and be 3 years old by December 31, 2025. Classes run from September until June with the exception of winter and spring breaks, and all statutory holidays.

View the schedules below then register online or call 604-987-7529.

Location: Memorial Community Recreation Centre

Schedule & fees

Classes will follow the school calendar with closures for winter and spring break. Gradual entry schedules will be sent to participants in August.

Register now

Lonsdale Preschool Schedule

Program	Days	Time	Duration	Fee Total	Monthly Fee	Course ID
3 years	Tu, Th	9-11:30am	2.5hrs	$1,174.10	$117.41	00346754
3-4 years	M, W	12:30-3pm	2.5hrs	$1,439.44	$143.94	00346755
3-4 years	Tu, Th	12:30-3:30pm	3hrs	$1,479.97	$148	00346756
4 years	M, W, F	8:30-11:30am	3hrs	$2,189.62	$218.96	00346597

The prices listed above reflect a reduced cost for parents and caregivers for the 2025/2026 school year, made possible through funding from the province’s Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative (CCFRI). The CCFRI helps make child care more affordable for families by offering funding to eligible, licensed child care providers. This support helps to reduce and stabilize monthly child care fees for families. To learn more about how the CCFRI works, read our news story.

Once the children arrive, we start the day with open play time together in the classroom. We have an open snack concept where children can snack at any time. Afterwards we will either head outdoors for some active play or access the gym we are able to use that has bicycles, cars and slides available for us to enjoy. Before dismissal for the day, we join together for story time, where we share stories, songs and then dismiss for the day.
Shiraz D'Mello

Image

Bollywood and jazz dancer Shiraz D'Mello grew up in Mumbai, India and immigrated to Vancouver in 2003. She was a star in the Shiamak Dance Company's team where she performed live shows, touring all over India and the world. Her passion for fitness and dance motivated her to be an instructor, which she did for over 15 years. NVRC was fortunate to have Shiraz join their team in 2009, with her talents and optimistic approach to teaching. She led early years programs such as Toddler & Me, Lonsdale Little Ones and now holds her current job as one of the Lonsdale Preschool teachers. Due to her background in dance and fitness, her hobbies consist of similar activities. However, she does enjoy spending time making art, participating in clay making classes, and yoga. Her job as a Lonsdale preschool teacher has allowed her to learn and understand from children. Shiraz's own children are her priority and being a preschool teacher has helped her to be a better parent. Shiraz says her job is so fantastic because of her coworker Helen, who makes her job really pleasant. She also mentioned that the work hours suit her lifestyle as a mother. The idea of giving back to the community where she and her family live is something very special to Shiraz. "NVRC is a friendly, organized and community based organization that makes me feel welcome."
From Hilary, parent of a Lonsdale preschool student:

"My son was very shy because he was a pandemic baby and hadn't been in daycare, but he's really found his voice in preschool! He talks about his friends, talks about the activities. He's in his second year now, and he just looks forward to going every day!

The care, attention and thoughtfulness that the instructors give to students who are experiencing a preschool program for the first time is really lovely, and the structure of the program has been wonderful to help my son to know what to expect. We love Helen and Miss Shiraz! They are so responsive, and they share photos of what he is up to in class each week.

I really do appreciate the cultural awareness they build into the lessons as well. For example, the kids learn about different celebrations like Lunar New Year (they even brought in a snake to celebrate the Year of the Snake!) and sing a welcome song to say hello in different languages. It’s such a safe and welcoming environment for the kids to learn in—they can be who they are and play how they want to play. And the art my son comes home with is incredible. I don't know how they do those projects with 20 kids! They're so creative and cool."
We require written notice before the first of the month, one month prior to withdrawal from the program. Failure to give the appropriate amount of notice will result in being charged for an additional month. Withdrawals are not permitted for the months of December, March, May and June. A one time non-refundable admin fee of $30 is applied at the time of registration.

Should you withdraw and then re-register your child for preschool, you will be charged an additional admin fee at the time of re-registration. There is no penalty or additional admin fee for transferring your child to a different class at the same preschool. NVRC licensed preschool refund and withdrawal policy applies to students leaving one NVRC preschool and registering at another NVRC preschool location.