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Our vision
We
are a secular preschool embracing all cultures and beliefs, dedicated to
providing families with high quality child-centred education and care for
children, allowing them to develop to their fullest potential in safe, fun
and nurturing surroundings. Learning through play and experience is encouraged.
We support families through our holistic approach to childcare and
education, welcoming parental involvement and the sharing of cultural
traditions and professional expertise with the children. We
value and foster respect for others, a sense of community, as well as
belonging and capability and offer a nurturing and rewarding first school
experience. The school meets
and exceeds all early childhood and ministry requirements preparing children
for the expectations and routines of the elementary school system.
The
teachers at Uptown Yonge Preschool are committed to helping each child
transition to a school environment and build life skills by gently guiding
social interactions, facilitating developmentally appropriate activities,
encouraging independence and fostering self-confidence.
Our goal is ultimately to produce socially & culturally
conscious, empathetic and inquisitive children, well prepared for their
foray into the primary school environment. The main focus is to support and encourage the child’s
emotional and social growth, accounting for the varied learning styles of
children.
As
perpetual scholars of ECE, we select what we perceive as the valid aspects
of a variety of theories to craft our own unique approach.
Some influence has been taken from; Adler, Waldorf; High Scope,
Gardner, many play theorists, and Piaget as well as the directors own
insights into the behavior, and learning of young children.
We enjoy sharing our unique philosophy with parents because it works
with kids. Please don’t
hesitate to approach the supervisor, or staff members to discuss our
approach in more detail.
All
children learn best through play and experience. By “doing” they internalize the process and maintain a
love of learning. Play-based
learning is a well-researched and widely accepted theory that is implemented
in our school. By observing the
children in their daily activities, teachers are able to plan appropriate
activities that challenge and develop their unique emerging skills by
enhancing their play...and often teacher join in.
The premise of play-based learning is that children must chose the
activity at will, must derive pleasure from it, must be intrinsically
motivated to participate, must be actively engaged, and the activity must
have an element of pretence. In
keeping with this philosophy and with the understanding that play is a the
work of children, staff guide the room set up, materials available, length
of time children participate, as well as the daily routine of the program.
We understand that children learn & develop at their own pace and
will reach milestones at different times and teachers program according to
these differences.
Learning
at Uptown Yonge Preschool
is “process-oriented” and not “product-oriented”.
The learning occurs in the process of “doing” the activity, the
result is less important. Thus children spontaneity and creativity are not stifled e.g.
during art, each child uses the medium and materials carefully selected by
teachers to create however and whatever they are inspired to.
Toddlers
and preschoolers frequently experience conflict in social situations.
Teachers encourage those involved to work it out together while a
teacher observes. Should this
approach not result in an acceptable solution, the teacher may model
appropriate behaviour, turn taking, and encourage children to consider
others point of view. Ultimately
our goal is to help children to interact effectively with others.
Classroom
set-up and staff approach is geared toward respect and recognition of
children. Staff gets down to
the child’s level when speaking, rather than talking over them.
Furniture is child sized, and wall art/displays are at their eye
level, not ours.
We
promote anti-biased behaviour throughout the program.
Children participate equally in all activities, regardless of gender.
We practice and teach respect regardless of gender, race, creed,
colour, religion, class, age, sexual orientation, marital status, physical
challenges, ethnic origin, ancestry or citizenship
Monthly
Date Night: We
recognize that parents need alone time to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
On one Friday evening each month, we will offer babysitting in the
school to allow parents some much needed time for a date, a visit to the
spa, a shopping trip or anything else they chose to do.
Behaviour
management
Behaviour
management techniques used by staff include redirection, role modeling,
praise, positive reinforcement & empathy discussions as well as removal of the
child from the situation if safety of child or others is a concern.
Behavior
management/modification strategies are based upon logical consequences,
allowing the child to understand and internalize the repercussions of
unacceptable and/or inappropriate behaviour.
In order to maintain self-confidence, children are always allowed the
opportunity for redemption (i.e. Helping tape together a picture they tore,
gluing a broken toy). The staff
set appropriate limits (holding the railing, sitting while eating, no
hitting), which are explained and reiterated, to children when necessary.
Our
Unique features…
·
Programming by director with extensive teaching background,
university education focusing on
child development, psychology, and family dynamics who is also ECE qualified.
This ensures a
well-rounded, well-researched program.
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Experienced, enthusiastic, educated & professional staff
·
Monthly Date Night
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Resources and parenting information available for loan
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Space can be rented on the weekend for parties
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We’re a secure facility. Doors to preschool spaces are locked by controlled
access systems to
which the staff and parents are provided with security codes..
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Full sized gym and kitchen & large fenced yard.
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Relevant & knowledgeable speakers chosen for Parent
Nights/Workshops
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