Our Childcare Philosophy
We believe that each child is special and unique. We believe development is interrelated and therefore our program philosophy espouses that children have a natural curiosity that is nurtured through an integrated, authentic, play - based approach. We recognize that a universally designed curriculum framework promotes optimal development of children when teachers respect and respond to the child’s learning opportunities in conjunction with their families and communities.
Guiding Principles of Development and Learning*
Early childhood development sets the foundation for life long learning, behavior and health.
- Partnerships with families and communities strengthen the ability to meet the needs of young children
- Mutual respect among staff and families for diversity, equity and inclusion are essential for optimal development and learning.
- Learning is most meaningful when it occurs in the context of the child’s everyday life experiences at home and at the centre. Cognitive, language, physical and emotional development as well as independence is fostered in an environment that is set up for children and supported by responsive, knowledgeable staff. The environment should be set up to include a rich variety of developmentally appropriate, accessible materials that encourage and promote learning through play.
- Play is an important vehicle for children’s development in all areas. Play capitalizes on children’s natural curiosity and exuberance.
- Development advances when children have opportunities to practice new skills as well as when they experience a challenge just beyond their present level of mastery.
- Children learn in different ways and express their knowledge in different ways.
- Children learn best in an environment where they feel safe and valued, their physical needs are met, and they feel psychologically secure.
Based on this philosophy and what current research tells us about how children learn and develop our staff collaborate to prepare an enriching environment with materials that offer opportunities for exploration and discovery. Our knowledgeable staff work together to prepare and implement a responsive curriculum that follows a developmental continuum. This curriculum includes exploration of science, mathematics, social students, literacy, drama, music, creative movement and visual art. Our experienced staff are able to identify strengths, needs and interests of each child and within the context of family and group culture, skillfully imbed the teaching of language, math and science concepts in our planned or spontaneous play experiences. Our Learning through Play documentation panels, displayed in our hallway will further explain the goals and objectives in each of our classroom learning centres.
We believe our approach to early learning prepares children to later overall success in school and in life.
*Resource: Early Learning for Every Child Today, A framework for Ontario early childhood settings, Dec, 2006National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2008, NAEYC position statement on developmentally appropriate practice
