Tobi Blue - Owner & Licensee

Tobi Blue has been working with young children for over 36 years, driven by a deep love of children, education, and a commitment to helping families thrive. She holds a Master’s degree in Learning Disabilities and Education, with a specialization in teaching primary-aged students. Tobi is a dedicated educator who thrives on staying active and involved. She serves as the Deputy Head and a teacher at a local independent school while also managing Seedlings Daycare. Tobi ensures that she remains present and available, demonstrating her commitment to creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children and families.

Tobi is also a proud and involved mom to four amazing children, giving her firsthand insight into the joys and challenges of parenting. She understands the demands of being a busy parent and the importance of balancing all aspects of life. This understanding fuels her passion for creating a nurturing, supportive environment where children can flourish.

For Tobi, the most important foundation for young learners is a caring and stimulating environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning. At Seedlings Daycare, her goal is to provide individualized care for every child in a space that feels like an “almost home.” With a play-centered approach, Seedlings is designed to open up learning opportunities, build confidence, and support the growth of social-emotional and early learning academic skills.

With her lifelong dedication to children and education, Tobi has cultivated Seedlings Daycare into a vibrant, multi-age learning environment where young learners grow into confident, happy, and capable little leaders. Her approach ensures children thrive while providing families with the support they need to flourish.

Josephine Pere - Manager and Head Teacher

Josephine Pere has been an integral part of the Blue family and the Seedlings community since she arrived in Canada over 11 years ago. From the moment she stepped onto Canadian soil, Josephine embraced her new life with enthusiasm, immersing herself in the vibrant culture of the West Coast and becoming a proud Canadian. She has taken on challenges like running half-marathons, learning to ski and skate, and exploring the great outdoors—all while maintaining her deep passion for nurturing and educating children.

Josephine's journey with the Blue family began 11.5 years ago when she dedicated herself to the care of their children. Over time, her love and commitment to child development inspired her to pursue certification as an Early Childhood Educator. This achievement has allowed Josephine to thrive in bringing educational components into her natural talent for caregiving and education.

In her role as Head Teacher and Manager of Seedlings Daycare, Josephine deeply values the individuality of every child. She works tirelessly to uncover and nurture each child's unique potential. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes learning through play, supporting literacy and numeracy development for all ages, and integrating hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and creativity.

Josephine has a particular passion for science and art, often blending these disciplines into engaging lessons that captivate her students and encourage them to explore the world around them. She also embraces adventure and outdoor learning with the children, regularly seen exploring local beaches, Uplands Park, and Oak Bay’s many vibrant playgrounds. These outings not only foster a love for nature but also create opportunities for experiential learning and joyful play.

Josephine has demonstrated unwavering dedication, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. While many programs faced closures, Seedlings remained open, providing a vital service to the community. Josephine welcomed our current Seedlings children and also those of essential workers into the program, ensuring they thrived in a safe, inviting environment. Her program continued to focus on building social-emotional skills and preparing each for kindergarten, showcasing her resilience and commitment to the well-being of every child.

A pillar of the Seedlings community, Josephine’s dedication, warmth, and expertise continue to leave a lasting impact on every child and family she supports.