Our Philosophy

We are a play-based centre where the Early Childhood Educators (ECEs) facilitate learning through a variety of play experiences. Although there are structured learning times throughout the day, we believe play will provide the foundation for learning and understanding in all areas of development. We respond to children’s play by giving them the freedom, support and encouragement needed to pursue their interests and goals.

We strongly believe all children need responsive, respectful and reciprocal care in order to thrive. Children are capable and fully equipped with all they need within themselves to learn and succeed at their own pace and in their own unique ways. We recognize that no two children are alike. Therefore, each child is viewed and respected as an individual in his/her process for learning. We approach each child’s needs and exploration with respect, understanding, patience and enthusiasm.

We provide a stimulating environment that is safe, positive, inclusive and free of bias. This supports growing and learning in all areas of development (social, emotional, physical and cognitive) as a process full of practice, repetition, discovery and success. Children are treated as active participants in all situations of learning and are given the time and space to discover their abilities on their own.

We believe children are an integral part of a healthy community. It is our mission to create a cohesive bond with parents and the community. We work in partnership to achieve an atmosphere where children are valued and able to reach their optimal development.

Areas of Practice

ENVIRONMENT

We believe that children with varying needs, interests, and abilities, should be given the opportunity and freedom to play, explore, and learn independently and at their own pace. Children are provided a place that is stimulating, safe, positive, inclusive, and free of discrimination. We have large blocks of indoor and outdoor free play times to help minimize interruptions and transitions. The rooms offer toys, materials, and tools that:

• can be used in a variety of ways

• are accessible

• can be used independently

• present opportunities for creative problem solving.

INTERACTIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

We value and respect each child as a unique and dynamic individual. We approach each child’s needs and exploration with consideration, understanding, patience, and enthusiasm. We position ourselves at their level, constantly observing their play and interactions, listening to their views and questions, letting them take the lead in their own learning and investigation, offering support and encouragement whenever they need it, and presenting challenges to promote problem solving.

We hope to create and sustain an open and cooperative partnership with each family that would support them in meeting their responsibilities for their child.

We work to maintain an open line of communication with parents and caregivers.

planned and SPONTANEOUS experiences

For us, there is more to learning and development than knowing the letters and numbers. We provide the children with experiences that are designed to promote development in their:

• abilities to manipulate, order and assess quantity and quality;

• verbal, reading, and writing skills

• ability to think in pictures;

• mathematical skills;

• knowledge of people, culture, and diversity;

• ability to get along with other people; and

• ability to identify and deal with their own emotions.

We work to achieve balance in our programming—e.g. quiet/active, indoors/outdoors, large/small group activities, etc.

We celebrate and support similarities and differences by:

• providing activities that show, respect, and celebrate each child’s individual ethnic and cultural heritage

• noting, accepting, and respecting each child’s expression of feelings, whether positive or negative, and helping them deal with their emotions appropriately

• enabling the children to openly express their positive and negative emotions through verbal, non-verbal, and culturally-based ways

• acknowledging and respecting each other’s differences and celebrating our similarities.

Hebrew Programming

We are an early childhood education program that operates as a beneficiary of the Jewish Federation of Winnipeg. We offer daily activities on Judaic literature, songs, traditions, holidays, dances, and a variety of concepts and practices. Through these activities and experiences, we hope to develop a strong Jewish identity in children and families of Judaic descent. We celebrate Shabbat weekly and many other Jewish holidays throughout the year. We have a resource room that holds books, pictures, songs, activities, and other materials on Judaic culture, heritage, and instruction.