Maple Leaf Daycare, Preschool & Education Centre recognizes the importance of daily opportunities for children to be active in a safe play space. We also recognize that children who are active tend to have fewer behavioral and disciplinary problems, do better in school, and have longer attention spans in class. Children attending Maple Leaf Daycare, Preschool & Education Centre will be provided with 60 minutes or more of active play time every day, involving both indoor and outdoor environments. Active play times will include a combination of educator directed activities and free play.

Positive relationships between children and adults and children and their peers are among the key elements of overall program quality. Maple Leaf Daycare, Preschool & Education Centre’s educators will be instrumental in fostering the development and maintenance of positive social interactions and a pro-social environment by providing opportunities for children to work and play together.

During the preschool years, amazing changes happen in children’s “thinking skills.” Their memories are becoming stronger-they often remember surprising details. They can share their ideas in new and interesting ways. Their imaginations are becoming a primary vehicle for play and learning. They begin to compare, contrast, organize, analyze, and come up with more and more complex ways to solve problems.

Based on our knowledge of child development and observing children throughout the day our educators can plan activities that are challenging and achievable for individual children. Curriculum planning will focus on supporting children’s interests, needs and abilities. Children will participate within open, engaging, and responsive environments where exploration and play are encouraged and purposefully planned.

Our educators encourage children to express their imagination and creativity within their play and interactions and provide experiences which encourage children to explore a variety of methods of self-expression. We will make available appropriate resources, material and equipment for children to initiate their own creative activities. Children will be equipped and challenged to solve real world problems using their imagination and existing skills in a developmentally appropriate manner.

Maple Leaf Daycare, Preschool & Education Centre views the child’s self-image as an integral part of the learning process; children need to perceive themselves as worthwhile, capable and significant. We are committed to fostering each child’s self-esteem as they develop their natural talents and interests in a nurturing and emotionally supportive environment that is both encouraging and reinforcing.