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 NVRC preschool 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. View our new student registration information & tips.

Location: Lynn Valley Community Recreation Centre

Schedule & fees

For inquiries please contact the Recreation Programmer at 604-983-6553

Register now

Sandpiper Preschool Schedule

Program	Days	Time	Duration	Fee Total	Monthly Fee	Course ID
3 years	M, W	9-11:30am	2.5hrs	$1,141.95	$114.20	00346757
4 years	Tu, Th, F	9-11:30am	2.5hrs	$1,769.25	$176.93	00346759
3-4 years	M, W, F	12:30-3:30pm	3hrs	$2,189.62	$218.96	00346761
3-4 years	Tu, Th	12:30-3:30pm	3hrs	$1,479.97	$148	00346762

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.

- Students arrive, are welcomed into the room and put away their coats, boots and backpacks.
- Once in the room, students are encouraged to participate in the free play activities and art projects for the first hour. The 4 year old class has a short attendance and welcome circle time before free play.
- After free playtime, the students participate in the group clean up and transition to snack time. This includes circle time and a hand washing routine.
- After snack time, it’s time to head into the gym, outdoors or both! Students participate in a variety of sport and gross motor activities.
- Program finishes with a group circle time which includes music, reading, games, group discussions and so much more!
Daksha Raniga

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Daksha Raniga studied NNEB (ECE) in Nottingham, UK. She is a mother of three: an eighteen year old, fourteen year old, and an eight year old. She has been teaching with us for over 4 years. Daksha believes that the preschool must be fun, educational, and engaging. Daksha loves not only the way she can inspire and teach children, but also the way that they too can teach her. The Sandpiper program is based on play. Not to mention that basic life skills can be taught through activity, as learning is happening all the time. Therefore, her goal is to make the Sandpiper program safe, positive, and nurturing as each child is unique with different interests, backgrounds and development stages. Outside of her preschool she enjoys hiking, yoga, and cooking.

Laila Harden

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Laila has been an early childhood educator in the community for over 20 years. The majority of her time has been spent teaching at Sandpiper Preschool. One of the things she loves most about her job is having the opportunity to meet and connect with so many different families in the community. Laila believes a preschool teacher’s role is to instill a love for learning early on. Her goal is to provide a creative, caring, and stimulating environment where children can flourish in all areas of development. Laila lives in North Vancouver where she was born and raised with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Rio Coupal

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Rio Coupal has worked with North Vancouver Recreation and Culture since 2007 and was the first in North Vancouver to establish a Kid’s Yoga program. Rio is still an active yoga instructor with the city and now has classes for all age groups. Rio loves children and expanded her work with North Vancouver Recreation to include preschool and different needs teaching. She has a kind heart to little ones and is mindful of those who may need extra help communicating. Rio truly enjoys helping children channel their imagination and creative energies.
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, 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.