Program Statement

Here at Child’s View:

Our program is designed using the guiding principles and four foundations of learning set forth in the Ontario Early Years Policy Framework document called How Does Learning Happen?. How Does Learning Happen? builds on what we already know about child development and early years learning and categorizes children’s development through the following four foundations: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement and Expression. How Does Learning Happen? states, “These foundations, or ways of being, are a vision for all children’s potential and a view of what they should experience each and every day.”

By developing goals and using these guiding principles to develop our program, “educators, administrators, families and communities can work together towards the goals for children’s learning.” (HDLH? Pg.13)

Our goal for our program is to ensure every child feels at home at our centre. We understand the important role parents, caregivers and families play in a child’s life and strive to work together to foster the development of the child from a holistic level. Our educators are rich in experience, knowledge and compassion. The program and experiences developed for the children in our care are built through observing, documenting and extending the learning based on the children’s interests and developmental levels. We understand that all children are unique individuals who are competent, capable and full of potential. By understanding them in an individual, cultural and socially diverse manner we are able to provide them with experiences that will help set them up for a lifetime full of success.

Belonging
GOAL FOR CHILDREN: Every child has a sense of belonging when he or she is connected to others and contributes to their world.

GOAL DEVELOPMENT:
We welcome children and their caregivers to the program each day, and work toward building trusting relationships with children by responding to them with positivity and engaging in meaningful interactions. The children are provided plenty of opportunities to build friendships with peers through small group experiences and social skills programs.
Understanding that each child is unique, we strive to provide an inclusive environment that welcomes community partners to develop child-specific plans. These plans offer support to the child, family and staff. Educators understand the importance of early intervention and using tools such as the Speech and Language Checklist and Developmental Preschool Screening are able to recommend early intervention to families when necessary.
Through collaboration with families, we gain understanding of their perception of how to best foster the development of their child(ren). Educators observe and guide children through social situations to help them build empathy and understand the perspective of others.

Well-Being
GOAL FOR CHILDREN: Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being

GOAL DEVELOPMENT:
Child’s View implements a program that promotes the health, safety, nutrition and well-being of the children. We provide meals and snacks that are nutritious and well balanced. Educators create a positive, engaging eating environment for all children and encourage children to participate in all meal times. Seesaw (gross motor play) and ample time outdoors allow for reasonable risk taking and provide many opportunities for children to explore nature, engage in active play and develop problem solving skills. Our program is developed around the children’s individual needs and provides many opportunities for whole group, small group and individual activities both indoor and outdoor. These activities support each child’s need to build relationships and self-regulate.

We understand that children’s individual needs change and evolve as they grow. Our program is designed to offer flexibility, following the children’s lead. We also know that children benefit by having opportunities to slow their mind and body throughout the day. This is why we provide the children with a rest period each day where the children are given the opportunity to sleep, rest quietly or engage in quiet time activities.

Educators are able to identify children’s individual struggles and challenges through observation of the child’s individual cues and help guide them through stressful moments using self-regulation techniques. Educators encourage children to develop self-help skills as they move through the transitions of their day.

Our staff are offered many opportunities for continuous learning through collaboration with the ECCDC and other community partners in addition to First Aid CPR C and QCCN training when necessary to keep educators up to date on current practices and licensing requirements.

Engagement
GOAL FOR CHILDREN: Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses.

GOAL DEVELOPMENT:
Here at Child’s View, we foster children’s exploration, play and inquiry through emergent curriculum that is built around their interests. Educator plan for a create positive learning environments and experiences in which each child’s learning and development are supported. The children learn through a play-based approach and are given ample time for engagement in materials to allow for them to fully immerse themselves in their learning. The educators understand how important it is for the children to initiate their learning, as these opportunities allow for children to guide their learning through curiosity and engagement.

Educators act as co-learners with the children, asking open-ended questions, drawing conclusions together and taking a natural curiosity in the world around them. They understand the importance of the learning environment, viewing it as a third teacher. Through this mindset, educators plan the environment in a “thoughtfully organized” way that allows for exploration, accessibility and inclusivity.

Using technology, we keep communication between families and educators open at all times and share aspects of their child’s day through pictures, observations and daily reports. We encourage families and caregivers to participate in the program by having an open-door policy and inviting them to spend time in the program with their child.

Expression
GOAL FOR CHILDREN: Every child is a capable communicator who expresses himself or herself in many ways

GOAL DEVELOPMENT:
Educators take the approach of a “listener” and understand that children have many different “languages” to communicate their needs. They understand that language goes far beyond verbal, interpreting body language and other visual cues to address children’s needs.

Educators extend on child-initiated conversation and ask children for their ideas to strengthen their sense of autonomy.

*Child’s View’s Program Statement is a living document that guides our program and is subject to change on a yearly or as needed basis. Through reflection, documentation and parent evaluations we will assess the effectiveness of our program to ensure it continues to best serve our families and reflect How Does Learning Happen?