By Dominic Abassi

Unique Nanaimo preschool desperately searching for new home

Apr 4, 2018 | 5:16 PM

NANAIMO — The future of a Nanaimo preschool offering a one-of-a-kind learning environment for nearly 50 years is in peril.

The non-profit Nanaimo Parent Participation Preschool must leave the basement at Brechin United Church by the end of the month. The church will be torn down to make way for a substantial redevelopment on the property.

Parents, who run the school administration and participate in the classroom, have frantically searched for a suitable location to move into for months without success.

“It’s really sad to think of a future without the preschool because it has been such an amazing experience for us. I would hate that other families couldn’t experience this,” Crystal McGee, a member of the school’s executive board and parent of a student, said.

Non-profit preschool models are rare in Nanaimo and NPPP is the only parent participation location in the city. The organization’s budget is extremely tight, as the majority of their funding comes from student fees and fundraising. They currently pay $650 per month to use the church.

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Lynn Macaulay, the school’s early childhood educator for 24 years, said the non-profit model allows for lower-than-normal fees for parents. She said their philosophy is “learning through play.”

“It provides a wonderful setting for both the child and the parent because they’re learning new skills, meeting new families and taking their first steps together in a school setting,” Macaulay said.

She said if their 15 children are forced to move to new locations, it will put further stress onto Nanaimo’s already taxed preschool and daycare providers. Macaulay noted they’re also getting calls for enrollment for next September but they’re unable to commit to students at this point.

One potential deal to move into the Nanaimo Hornets Rugby clubhouse fell through last week due to complications with the venue’s liquor licence. Macaulay said “beggars can’t be choosers” and they’ll look at almost any viable location within their tight budget limitations. There are no spots available at other churches or within the school district, she said.

If a new building can’t be found, Macaulay said they will put all their supplies in storage, have field trips through May and June and hope for some progress by September when the school resumes after the summer break.

“There’s such an involvement and such a community with this school…It’s this unique little group of people who have come together and we’re all taking care of each other’s children. It’s really amazing to be able to experience that, especially in an age where not a lot of parents are able to be that present,” McGee said.

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi