Our Philosophy

Respectful Care

Each child will have a Key Person responsible for the children’s care routines. They will also have a familiar person to take over the care without the Key Person. The Key Person will build strong relationships with the child and their family to meet their individual needs and work in partnership with Parents. Children will be given the same respect that we, as adults, demand. A rich and respectful dialogue will occur between the child and the key person throughout the personal care time.

Freedom to Explore – Child Led

Play is an essential strategy for learning and teaching. Children learn critical skills and develop as they play. When children choose to play, they are not thinking, “Now I am going to learn something from this activity.” Yet, their play creates powerful learning opportunities across all areas of development. Development and learning are complex and holistic, yet skills across all developmental domains, including motor, cognitive, social, and emotional skills, can be encouraged through play. Children must have time to themselves, free from adult “interference”. During this time, children learn about movement and how to learn. They learn to do things alone by experimenting with what interests them. This exploration and experimentation show them they can overcome difficulties and know the joy and satisfaction of success due to their patience and perseverance.

Teaching Time – Adult Led

Children learn through play, which is the best vehicle to teach them new skills. Every interaction is a learning opportunity. This is a social time where children learn from their peers and the adults around them. The adult becomes the primary resource, providing dialogue, challenging children to take the next step and demonstrating respectful communication. A range of age-appropriate play opportunities will be provided to extend their thinking and help them challenge what they already know, building on what they have learned. Our teaching occurs where children feel most comfortable and are interested in ensuring their learning is meaningful and contextual.

The World of Story and Rhymes

Stories are read in small key groups and individually throughout the day. It is a time for children to hear new vocabulary and experience the wonder of the spoken word. Storytime is exciting and interactive. There are times when listening to a story is important, but there are also times to get involved. Exposure to various sounds is essential to learning to speak and read. Books are shared and respected at all ages. Learning to read is an essential life skill, and the books we provide for parents in our lending library allow you to dive into the world of stories with your child.