At OMFS, we believe that risk is an essential part of childhood development, and our Forest Kindergarten program embraces risky play as a powerful learning tool. Risky play refers to activities that involve challenge, uncertainty, and potential for physical risk, yet are balanced with opportunities for growth, exploration, and self-regulation.

In the forest, children engage in age-appropriate activities like climbing trees, balancing on logs, making fires, navigating uneven terrain, and experimenting with natural elements. These experiences, while sometimes perceived as risky, help children develop critical skills such as resilience, confidence, problem-solving, and decision-making. When children are encouraged to assess their own safety, take calculated risks, and learn from their experiences, they become more self-aware and capable of managing future challenges.

Risky play fosters independence and a sense of accomplishment, as children overcome fears and push boundaries in a supportive, supervised environment. It also encourages collaboration, as children often work together to problem-solve or navigate challenges in the natural world.

Through risky play, our Forest Kindergarten program not only nurtures physical and emotional development but also promotes a deeper connection to nature, allowing children to build a sense of agency and confidence.

We are committed to providing a safe space where children can experience the joys and lessons of taking risks, while ensuring they develop the skills to handle both successes and setbacks.

We recognize the importance of fostering strong communication between families and our educators. We believe that open, transparent dialogue helps build trust and ensures that families are well-informed about their child's progress and experiences at Forest Kindergarten.

We prioritize regular in-person conversations between families and educators. Whether it’s during drop-off or pick-up times, our educators are always available to discuss your child’s development, share insights about their experiences, or address any questions you may have. These informal chats are a great way for parents and teachers to stay connected and build a collaborative relationship.

We share weekly updates with families through the Seesaw app, including photos and highlights from our time in the forest. These snapshots offer a window into your child’s experiences, learning, and friendships, helping you stay connected to their growth and adventures throughout the week.

Following the SCDSB calendar, the program runs from September 8th through June 25th.

- Starting Week - Sept 8-11

- Thanksgiving - Oct 12 (closed)

- PD Day - November 9 (closed)

- PD Day - December 11 (closed)

- Christmas Break - Dec 21 - Jan 1 (closed)

- PD Day - January 25 (closed)

- Family Day - Feb 15 (closed)

- PD Day - March 2 (closed)

- March Break - March 15 - 19 (closed)

- Good Friday - March 26 (closed)

- Easter Monday March 29 (closed)

- PD Day - May 11 (closed)

- Victoria Day - May 24 closed

- Last Week - June 21 - 25

Forest Kindergarten follows the SCDSB calendar and is open September through June.

Starting Week - Sept 1-5

Thanksgiving - Oct 13 closed

Christmas Break Dec 22-Jan 2 closed

March Break - March 9-13 closed

Good Friday - April 3 closed

Easter Monday - April 6 closed

Victoria Day - May 18 closed

Last Week - June 22-26

We offer enrollment options between 1 and 5 days per week.

Annual tuition is calculated based on 186 instructional days and divided into 10 equal monthly payments (September–June).

The 2026–2027 monthly tuition rates are:

1 day/week: $316 per month

2 days/week: $632 per month

3 days/week: $949 per month

4 days/week: $1,265 per month

5 days/week: $1,581 per month

A deposit equal to the first month’s tuition is required to secure your child’s enrolment. This deposit is applied to September tuition.

A one-time administrative and materials fee of $150 per school year is due upon registration.

Siblings receive a 15% tuition discount.

Enrolment is a September–June commitment. Tuition reserves your child’s place in the program and is not adjusted for holidays, absences, or weather-related closures.

If you wish to withdraw your child during the year, we require 60 days notice. Withdrawals are only accepted at the end of the month. OMFS can terminate program arrangements immediately (at any time during the year) for any of the following reasons (but not solely limited to):

- Failure to comply with policies

- Persistent destructive or hurtful behavior, bullying from the child after multiple attempts to support and collaborate with the family

- Non-Payment of fees or late and/or recurring late payment of fees

A non-refundable deposit of one month's tuition is required to hold your child’s spot in the program and will be due upon registration. This amount will be applied as September's tuition.

Monthly tuition fees are due on the 1st of the month through the school year, from September 2026 to June 2027.