Programs
We have always understood that children learn best through play-based experiences, and that early learning environments rich in play set the foundation for lifelong learning. We believe that children and their families deserve programs that reflect high quality, inclusive learning experiences that are based on current research on children’s development and best practices in pedagogy.
At Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham, we support the belief that every child is capable, competent, curious, and rich in potential, and we are committed to collaborating with children, families, and educators to create environments that will enrich children’s learning.
In keeping with “How Does Learning Happen, Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years” we support children in achieving the following goals for programs as outlined below:
Goal:
Every child has a sense of belonging when they are connected to others and contributes to their world.
Program Expectation:
Cultivate respectful relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults and the world around them.
Goal:
Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with their senses, bodies and minds.
Program Expectation:
Provide environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative, and meaningful exploration and learning.
Goal:
Every child is developing a sense of self and health and well-being.
Program Expectation:
Nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self.
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Goal:
Every child is a capable communicator who is able to express themselves in many ways.
Program Expectation
Foster communication and expression in all forms.
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​Additionally, we have incorporated Ontario’s Early Learning for Every Child Today: A Framework for Ontario Early Childhood Settings (also referred to as ELECT). Evidence of children’s experiences, developmental gains and learning successes can be found in the program’s pedagogical documentation and learning stories which are displayed within the childcare centres.
Our childcare professionals are dedicated to the children and families we serve, and in keeping with the requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act, we are committed to creating environments that reflect best practices for quality early learning environments.
Why Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham?
We are enrolled in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program
Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham is enrolled in the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program. We believe all families should have access to high-quality, accessible, affordable and inclusive childcare.
We also know that when children have positive, responsive relationships with educators it supports all areas of their development. These critical relationships set the foundation of trust, so children will approach learning with confidence. This is why we advocate on behalf of our childcare professionals - the success of the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care program relies on this.
As a non-profit charitable organization, we consistently re-invest back into our programs to ensure the provision of high-quality childcare.
We are located in a school near you
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An important aspect of a high-quality child care experience for kindergarten and school age children is the ongoing connection between the child care and school professionals. This partnership relies on effective communication and is key to making a child's day as seamless as possible.
Being located within the school provides comfort and familiarity for children, creates the foundation for learning and supports positive outcomes. Even those children who have not yet entered the school system will benefit. Providing children and families with a familiar school environment will ease their transition into school, and provide an opportunity for families to build relationships with school administrators and access to important resources.
We support inclusive practices
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At Schoolhouse Playcare Centres of Durham, we support the belief that “all children benefit in inclusive environments where they are able to participate and collaborate in meaningful ways to form authentic caring relationships. When children with special needs have access to appropriate support from early years programs it can help them to have rich and fulfilling childhoods and prepare them for meaningful participation in society.”
(Ontario Ministry of Education, 2014)
We welcome all families into our programs and work to remove the barriers that prevent children from actively participating. When a child needs extra support, we partner with families to understand the unique needs so we can be responsive and supportive. We work collaboratively with several Special Needs Resourcing Agencies across Durham Region to support our commitment to inclusionary practices.