We believe that excellence in education starts early. Our goal is to spark in children an enthusiasm and active interest in learning and we know this passion can only flourish in an environment where the children feel respected and learn respect for everyone’s individual abilities.

Our program was developed in response to a need identified by parents. Families were looking for a structured kindergarten program that had a low Educator-to-child ratio and an environment that was nurturing and promoted the unique skills and interests of each child. In response, we created our innovative and enriched Full Time Alternative Kinder Program, which was designed from day one as an enhanced alternative to traditional kindergarten.
The core values underlying our Alternative Kinder Program are:

• Our teacher to child ratio is 1:10 as we believe small class sizes allow the teachers to explore each child’s unique abilities;
• Positive and guided social interactions with the teachers and the other children at an early age prepare children for life’s future challenges;
• Children must learn to work both independently and in groups in order to build social skills, problem solving skills and emotional self-regulation;
• Play-based and ELECT-based learning is dynamic and allows children to stretch themselves and push their individual learning boundaries;
• Our curriculum is designed to encourage inquiry and for each child to experiment, observe and do guided research to find answers;
• Physical activity and sound nutrition are essential parts of a healthy learning environment.

Our Team

Our kinder teaching team members all have professional backgrounds as either registered Early Childhood Educators and/or certified primary teachers. The three kinder teachers work with your children throughout the core curriculum day as well as during the before and after school care and they are dedicated to providing the best learning environment for children to grow intellectually and socially.

Our Alternative Kinder Program is based on current and well researched methodology and all teachers participate in ongoing professional development courses to stay current and innovative in the classroom.

Curriculum

The program’s curriculum is guided by Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT): A Framework for Ontario’s Early Childhood Settings and How Does Learning Happen: Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years. These documents can be found on the Ministry of Education’s website (link).

Programming is determined by and builds upon the interests of the children. Using the emergent curriculum philosophy, we provide a responsive engaging program. An emergent curriculum is one where the Educators and children work together; our experienced teachers combine meeting the Ministry requirements with a curriculum based on the interests of the children.  We strive to make this spontaneous and responsive programming the basis for our day to day activities, which include developing skills in the areas of literacy, numeracy, French, language, arts, computer technology, science, creative arts and physical activity.

The skills your children will acquire in our Alternative Kinder Program will build their confidence, social skills and prepare them for the transition to a full primary school experience. When your child leaves our kinder program they are hands on and creative in their work and in their problem solving. They are ready to make friends, face new challenges and are excited about learning.

Learning Experiences

Here is an outline of some of the learning experiences your child will have this year as they explore the curriculum:

Physical Activity

Kinder Program Goals

• To stimulate multicultural awareness through games, arts, books, posters, photographs and discussion;
• To construct a curriculum that fosters cognitive growth and is based on the children’s own interests and ideas;
• To support individuality through the respect of one’s self and the development of a sense of respect for other people;
• To foster creative freedom through the use of the arts, cognitive thinking and social/emotional development;
• To encourage socialization via play, which in turn will promote creative problem solving skills, compassion and patience for others;
• To provide a program that encourages children to be self-sufficient in all respects, while at the same time allowing the children to feel comfortable about asking for assistance if needed (either from a teacher or peers);
• To introduce basic computer skills in a fun and comfortable environment;
• To prepare the children, through discussion and literature, for the transition into a grade one program. This will assist in making the transition a natural and comfortable experience;
• To develop reading and writing skills through both phonics and the whole language approach;
• To increase children’s attention spans by providing exciting and new activities that challenge both their cognitive and physical abilities (in individual and group settings);
• To expand language development by encouraging the children to verbally express personal experiences, ideas and emotions.

Kinder Program Schedule

What Our Families Are Saying

Fee

The Kinder Program daily fee is $51.51 (2016)

Full Time Child Care Program Parent Handbook

Add attached full time parent handbook

For Parents

The parents’ participation in the learning process is important.  The following suggestions are some practical ideas for you to use to encourage your child to read at home.

• Set up a shelf with his/her favourite books;
• Make regular trips to the library;
• Ask the librarian to recommend good books;
• Give books as gifts;
• Let your child see you read, as children learn by imitating;
• Regularly read and share books and stories with your child in the language you are most comfortable with;
• Establish a regular daily reading time (e.g. after supper or before bedtime);

Relate reading to everyday life situations (i.e. billboard, traffic signs, menus, TV guides, catalogues, labels, maps, etc.).