We don't have to go far to connect with nature...
we can find wild things and wonder in the heart of the city.
Webpage updated on Feb. 12, 2020
Our home daycare:
We emphasize play-based and experiential learning with a focus on the natural world. We offer children daily opportunities to explore, enjoy, and connect with the wildness that exists all around us
We emphasize play-based and experiential learning with a focus on the natural world. We offer children daily opportunities to explore, enjoy, and connect with the wildness that exists all around us
We create a daycare environment that is safe, warm and supportive, while encouraging the children in our care to challenge themselves, and learn greater independence. Emotional literacy, compassionate communication and creative conflict resolution are life skills that we work hard to teach by modelling. We offer firm (but not rigid) boundaries, and a respectful discipline style using redirection and positive discipline to help children learn self-regulation. By talking with parents and observing the children in our care, we design activities that are appropriate to each child's developmental stage, and that appeal to their individual interests.
We are...
The Walker-Wellmans: a husband and wife team
Sarah is a gardener and naturalist who loves the outdoors, visual arts, music, dance, science and a good laugh! With over 20 years of experience working with children, and Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies, Sarah is the organizing force at Forest Garden Friends.
Linsey worked for 4 years teaching Hello Piano and Rhythm and Movement to daycare children before joining Sarah at Forest Garden Friends. Linsey is a professional musician with a Bachelor of Music, and over 25 years of experience, who has toured, recorded and performed with a number of bands (including the Juno Award-winning group, Kobo Town and Polaris short-listed group Fet Nat).
Our school-aged child loves dinosaurs, flowers, dragons, butterflies, drawing, singing, & camping.
Sarah is a gardener and naturalist who loves the outdoors, visual arts, music, dance, science and a good laugh! With over 20 years of experience working with children, and Bachelor degree in Environmental Studies, Sarah is the organizing force at Forest Garden Friends.
Linsey worked for 4 years teaching Hello Piano and Rhythm and Movement to daycare children before joining Sarah at Forest Garden Friends. Linsey is a professional musician with a Bachelor of Music, and over 25 years of experience, who has toured, recorded and performed with a number of bands (including the Juno Award-winning group, Kobo Town and Polaris short-listed group Fet Nat).
Our school-aged child loves dinosaurs, flowers, dragons, butterflies, drawing, singing, & camping.
We bring nature exploration, gardening, cooking, art, music, dance, cultural diversity, science, imaginative play and humour to the children in our care. We are active, and eat healthy, home-made food. We provide an empathetic and safe environment from which children can reach out and explore the world, gain greater confidence and independence, and expand their horizons. We believe that caring for children is one of the most important jobs out there. We look forward to being a part of this wonderful time in your child's life!
We are a legal, independent home daycare, and a CCPRN (Child Care Providers Resource Network) member. Both Sarah and Linsey have up to date First Aid and CPR certification, police vulnerable sectors check, full liability insurance, and we offer receipts for all payments received. References are available upon request.
Our next opening will be for a child 1 year or older starting this October, 2020. Please see the "Available spots" page for details.
Located on Pleasant Park Rd. near Alta Vista Dr.
Our next opening will be for a child 1 year or older starting this October, 2020. Please see the "Available spots" page for details.
Located on Pleasant Park Rd. near Alta Vista Dr.
What parents are saying:
"Forest Garden Friends has given our daughter so much in terms of a social, emotionally supportive and creative space. She loves going to see Sarah and Linsey and always has wonderful stories to tell when she comes home. The nutritious meals, the focus on being outdoors, the crafts and stories are all exceptional. Sarah and Linsey's integrity and commitment to children's wellbeing makes them superb caregivers. They pay attention to the whole child as an individual and part of a community. We're lucky to know them."
- Marnie Jull
"We moved from a small co-op daycare where we were involved in our kiddo's care to be with Forest Garden Friends, where we still feel part of an incredible community and really connected to what's going on. I particularly love this home daycare's emphasis on things like social skills, emotional understanding, and perseverance. As a trained teacher myself, it's those kinds of skills that I feel are important to develop at this age to carry one through childhood and well beyond."
- Emily Addison
“I can’t think of a family that I’d rather have watch my kids. My 2 children love their time with Sarah and always come away with stronger collaborative skills and behaviours, positive ideas, and memorable experiences. Every time I’ve been with Linsey he has been incredibly gentle, patient and kind with all of the children around him. I’m sure that this parent duo will help all of the kids in their care feel loved and achieve their best.”
- Carolyn Webb
"We are really happy that...[our child] could get such a loving, kind and calm introduction to life outside of our home. Thank you for sharing with her your love of nature; I am sure she will take all this with her in life!"
- Ann-Christina Gamillscheg
"Whenever I see Linsey and Sarah engage with children, I am reminded of the parent that I want to be: compassionate, nurturing, and fun!"
- José López, father of three
"Sarah cared for our daughter from 2004 to 2007 with warmth, enthusiasm and endless outdoor creativity and we remain forever grateful for the role that she played in our child’s life. I have nothing but awe for the way that Sarah and Linsey bring so much commitment, care and creativity to their interactions with the young children in their care."
-Pierre
References are available upon request.
"Forest Garden Friends has given our daughter so much in terms of a social, emotionally supportive and creative space. She loves going to see Sarah and Linsey and always has wonderful stories to tell when she comes home. The nutritious meals, the focus on being outdoors, the crafts and stories are all exceptional. Sarah and Linsey's integrity and commitment to children's wellbeing makes them superb caregivers. They pay attention to the whole child as an individual and part of a community. We're lucky to know them."
- Marnie Jull
"We moved from a small co-op daycare where we were involved in our kiddo's care to be with Forest Garden Friends, where we still feel part of an incredible community and really connected to what's going on. I particularly love this home daycare's emphasis on things like social skills, emotional understanding, and perseverance. As a trained teacher myself, it's those kinds of skills that I feel are important to develop at this age to carry one through childhood and well beyond."
- Emily Addison
“I can’t think of a family that I’d rather have watch my kids. My 2 children love their time with Sarah and always come away with stronger collaborative skills and behaviours, positive ideas, and memorable experiences. Every time I’ve been with Linsey he has been incredibly gentle, patient and kind with all of the children around him. I’m sure that this parent duo will help all of the kids in their care feel loved and achieve their best.”
- Carolyn Webb
"We are really happy that...[our child] could get such a loving, kind and calm introduction to life outside of our home. Thank you for sharing with her your love of nature; I am sure she will take all this with her in life!"
- Ann-Christina Gamillscheg
"Whenever I see Linsey and Sarah engage with children, I am reminded of the parent that I want to be: compassionate, nurturing, and fun!"
- José López, father of three
"Sarah cared for our daughter from 2004 to 2007 with warmth, enthusiasm and endless outdoor creativity and we remain forever grateful for the role that she played in our child’s life. I have nothing but awe for the way that Sarah and Linsey bring so much commitment, care and creativity to their interactions with the young children in their care."
-Pierre
References are available upon request.
Photo Gallery
All photos are by Sarah M.L.Walker unless otherwise noted.
