Circle of Children provides a friendly and safe environment to stimulate the personal and social development of your child. More precisely, Circle of Children provides:
- caring and qualified staff trained in Early Childhood Education (ECE) and registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators
- staff: children ratios are maintained according to the requirements of the Day Nurseries Act (DNA)
- full- and part-time Programs
- balanced and nutritious lunches and snacks
- enriched art, drama, music
- off-site excursions and field trips
Philosophy
Circle of Children provides children with a friendly, non-competitive, environment, which enables them to learn and explore within a positive learning framework. The school recognizes the importance of respecting children, and of according them dignity and personal freedom, within boundaries.
If Circle of Children is a child’s first experience away from their parents, we know that it may be a stressful and uncomfortable situation for them. Our staff will strive to minimize the anxiety which may result by providing care and support, as required. We strive for a home away from home atmosphere, were the children feel comfortable to be with us. Family involvement is important to our Childcare, we encourage parents to participate in our daily schedule, bring in a favourite toys, favourite story or participating on field trips. The parent can assist the staff on supervising their child along with a friend.
Circle of Children believes that self-learning and self-motivation are key factors in the healthy development of all children. As a result, we have developed a structured, yet flexible curriculum to address the individual and collective needs of the children in our care. We believe that by providing a friendly and supportive environment, a child’s sense of accomplishment, confidence, and motivation will develop and flourish.
Circle of Children believes that allowing children to do things independently (i.e., putting on their shoes, cleaning their seating area after meals, etc.) will give them the confidence to do other things independently.
As a result, the teachers at Circle of Children are there to guide, to observe, and to assist, as required, but we believe that a child will benefit from being made to feel responsible for undertaking such tasks on their own. Consequently, the group activities in each class will foster a sense of belonging and camaraderie between the children in our care, and will reinforce the social development of each child.
The CCEYA stipulates that all children must participate in outdoor activity each day, and we at Circle of Children feel that this is an important part of our programs. Parents will be asked to provide clothing for their child to ensure that s/he is protected from the weather. In cold weather, we recommend mittens, hats, and at least one extra pair of socks. In warm weather, we request that parents provide light cotton clothing, sunhats, and sunscreen.
In addition, parents must provide a pair of comfortable shoes that will be used indoors by their child, and a complete change of clothing for their child for use in situations where the child’s clothing requires changing.
NOTE: If you feel that your child is unable to participate in outdoor activities on a particular day, then your child is too ill to attend the daycare, on that day. Please use your discretion.