The Full Day programs operating hours are 8:00am-4:30pm Monday – Friday.
The Partial Day runs 9am-2pm Monday- Friday.
Owls Nest Early Learning
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The Owls Nest Early Learning Programs
Panorama Recreation is excited to offer two Owls Nest Early Learning programs at Greenglade Community Centre.
This licensed program focuses on creating, nurturing and learning environments to empower children's curiosity, exploration and creativity. Children have access to the vast amenities at Greenglade including the natural outdoors, gymnasium, community garden, pottery studio and special activities such as dance, yoga, language, arts, and sports.
Full Day Program
- Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
- For children ages 3 - 5 years
- This program is currently at currently at capacity. If you are interested in joining, please visit the waitlist page for more information.
Partial Day Program
- Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 2:00pm.
- For children ages 4 - 5 years (for children turning 4 by December 31, 2026)
- Registration is now open for September 2026! Join our interest list today, and we’ll reach out with details.
Owls Nest Learning Program Space
Owls Nest Parent Handbook
Our Early Childhood Educators
"Children are curious and capable learners that are best supported through a strong and connected partnership between families and educators. We will provide a gentle, calm, nurturing space rich with possibilities. Children are welcome to direct their own learning, to create, and to explore their theories about the world through visual art, dramatic play, or whatever strikes their fancy. We value the ideas of children; as educators we will offer materials through observations of the group and respond to emerging curiosities. Ample opportunity to play and learn outdoors is provided in our play yard and natural environment to support physical, social, and cognitive development. We see children as both community members and individuals with their own unique gifts to be celebrated. We create, we explore, and we belong."
– our Educators
Anita Dzus-Spady, ECE
Anita was born and raised in Edmonton, AB where she attended the University of Alberta to study Anthropology and Political Science and met her husband Ryan while attending an Archaeology Field School in Jasper.
She and her husband Ryan moved to BC in 2005, and settled in Sidney in 2006, where their three children William, Oliver, and Zara were born. After working part time evenings and weekends and as an Early Childhood Education Assistant while her children were young, Anita returned to school in 2019 as she entered the Early Learning and Care Diploma program at Camosun College and received her ECE and Infant Toddler certification.
She has always believed in the power of community and taking care of each other and has been a longtime volunteer at all her children’s schools as well as with Girl Guides. Anita feels that children and families deserve a strong voice to advocate for them and help them through the early years of childhood. She enjoys building relationships with the children and their families and has worked for several years with many of the same families. She loves spending time outside with the children and tries to include this within the program.
Anita is proud to have been one of the founding members of Owl’s Nest and is excited to see what the future will bring as childcare continues to expand at Panorama Recreation.
Jasmine Burgess, ECE
Jazzy has grown up on the island, just recently moving back out to the Peninsula. She fosters a deep appreciation for the natural world and holds great respect for the
WSANAC territory in which she grew up on. Whether exploring the outdoors, planting in her
garden, or playing soccer, she embraces the gifts of where we
live come rain or shine.
Some of the values Jazzy holds as an early childhood educator include having a connection to the land we live upon, respectful mindfulness in our interactions, and creating joy through laughter. These values transcend into kindness and a positive outlook, which she believes is an amazing foundation for any child to build upon.
Jazzy looks forward to meeting and learning all about your child and what makes them who they are.
Robyn Cherrie, ECE
Robyn moved to Victoria from Ontario in 2008. She has been both a working and stay at home mom with two children and appreciates the challenges of both. When her children when older, Robyn started working at Before and Safter School programs and Summer Camps. In 2020, she moved to working in Early Childcare and received her ECE-A in 2021. Robyn has been working with Owls Nest since April of 2024 and is finishing up her ECE education through VIU!
Makena Dumont, ECE
Makena has grown up on the island near Prospect Lake her whole life. Coming from a large family and being a competitive dancer has left her always being surrounded by children and able to connect with them. After watching her mom run her own daycare, Makena knew my passion was within early education.
Makena completed the Early Childhood Education program through Camosun College and is looking forward to growing as an educator and building strong relationships. Making sure every voice is heard, feels accepted, and feels cared for is something she will strive for every day. A respectful, nurturing, kind, and safe space is just the start of what I will advocate for as an educator.
Being in nature with the children, learning through exploration and play, and developing their ideas is what Makena enjoys most. Children’s observations, questions, and thoughts constantly amaze her.
Makena is excited for the new mentors she will gain and the relationships she will build with the children, parents, and colleagues.
Jaden Hay, ECE
Jaden grew up in Sidney and has called the Peninsula her home her whole life. She loves staying active and spending time outdoors, whether she’s hiking, swimming, or exploring somewhere new.
From a young age, Jaden has always known she wanted to work with children. She has had a passion for supporting children in their own unique ways and soon turned that passion into a career. She completed her Early Childhood Education at Camosun College and is so excited to continue growing as an educator.
Jaden enjoys creating a welcoming and supportive environment where children feel free to explore their interests through play and develop at their own pace. She loves joining them in their adventurers and little discoveries every day.
Jaden is so excited to get to know everyone and all the memories we’ll make together.
Janet Johnson, ECE
Janet is excited to be part of the Owls Nest Early Learning program.
