Ours is mostly an "Inquiry based learning" approach. We want out children love learning and discovering new things. Children are presented with a scenario and with loving guidance, they will find their own way of figuring out how to comple an exercise, at their own pace and with help and encouragement from their teachers, caregivers and friends. Children know their environment is safe for them to explore, grow and thrive. We also teach cooperation, team work and encourage problem solving through words and communication, hygiene, potty training and good manners, such as seating during academic explorations and meals, eating with utensils and practicing good manners.
Learning
Theories of learning state that children learn in different ways (Piaget, Vygotsky, Broefenbrener, Montessori) When children feel safe they learn better and our main goal is to provide a space where children feel supported and ready to explore and learn new fun things. Teaching is done via monthly themes and each new theme is tied to the preceding one, building upon previous knowledge and vocabulary. The themes have a theoretical and a practical component where words, numbers and letters are introduced through songs and games. Practice sessions include a variety of activities such as gardening, cooking, art,games and field trips. During activities, we split up our kids based on their age group: babies, toddlers, and kids. This way it is easier for our children to strengthen their skill doing more age specific work.
Safety
Is one of our highest priorities. We are CPR and Health and Safety certified. We have gone through all mandated reporter and food safety trainings. During daily activities, children are never left unsupervised and only leave with their designated guardians. All toys are age appropriate, big sized and made from non-toxic components. Our art supplies and hygiene products are also organic or as natural and chemical free as we can find.
Discipline
We believe in children's ability to make good choices when presented with good examples in a loving and nurturing environment. We talk through situations with our teachers and our friends and almost always reach a consensus, if the child needs more time, they can absolutely have it and they can ask questions and get very clear answers so they don't get confused. We work on sharing and taking turns, minimizing disagreements. It is important for us to follow a structure, so there are no surprises! Kids know what to expect and a safer for it.
Nutrition
All food served is organic and fresh. We believe children should not eat any foods that have been exposed to chemicals, hormones or fertilizers. We serve balanced meals with plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Meals are cooked fresh here from scratch, and we accommodate diversity in our kids diets and cook our meals for vegetarian or allergic kids.
Fun
How else can a child learn we say? We have tons of games, songs, outings and adventures. The kids go out on an adventure everyday where they can explore new sightings, such as Mountain Lake Park, The Library and Rochambeau playground, and we also go on hikes and field trips to amazing places such as the Academy of Sciences or the Zoo.