Program Focus
What makes our program so special and unique is our four main focuses! We consider these components in all of our programming and everything we do: outdoor education, nutritional education, language development and early social independence. We want to contribute to and influence every child's development in each of these areas. Our goal is to teach them to be able to express themselves appropriately, respect and enjoy natural spaces, establish healthy eating habits for life and contribute within a group of their peers. We believe this approach sends children off to kindergarten with confidence!
Outdoor Education
We all live in a very special place here in the North! At Downtown Days we strive to spend as much time as possible outside enjoying this place! We take our learning out on the land through exploration, adventure and natural curiosity! We climb trees, build forts, forage for berries, and explore the many parks and playgrounds in our area. We often pack our lunches and spend the entire day out exploring!
Nutritional Education
One special aspect of our centre is our focus on healthy eating habits starting at a very young age. We have strict food policies in place for parents to adhere to when packing lunches and snacks for the day. These policies have been designed by a certified nutritionist and are frequently being updated to reflect the most current research. We provide resources upon request and tons of support when families are facing challenging food behaviours with their children.
We do weekly “special lunches” that parents may choose to participate in. These consist of simple and hearty meals prepared in-house using the best ingredients available. There is a monthly menu that is sent home and parents can select which days to sign up for!
In addition to special lunches, we often incorporate cooking and healthy eating into our daily routine. We strongly believe that the more we cook with and around our children, the more they will show interest in eating and preparing healthy foods for life. Sometimes all it takes to cheer someone up is the smell of fresh bread baking! This also makes our centre feel more like a comfy home than a centre, a small but vital difference to a young child.
Language Development
Communication is key in every part of our lives from birth on up! Although language is only one component of communication, it is the one that is most needed for social situations.
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All of our educators are trained to engage children of all ages in reflective dialogue. We are constantly researching and putting into practice the most up-to-date science behind early language.
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When we, as adults, speak to children or around children, we are modelling communication in a higher form. This can sometimes be daunting for a young child. When we mix ages of children together we see a gap being filled. A two-year-old will understand the words and concepts of a four-year-old's language much easier then the abstract words we often use as adults. Both are important and when used together we see a leap in early language development.
Social Development
Relationships are the single most important part of any human existence. Relationships with our families come first, then peers, then outward into the community and the world.
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We believe that supporting children while they develop those relationships is a key factor in their future success. As educators we do not promote one-on-one attachments between children and ourselves but rather we spend our days ensuring that all children have the opportunity to create meaningful connections within their social groups. We certainly enjoy our one-on-one conversations and when needed we will always be emotionally available for a young child but the goal is always to encourage child-to-child conversations and social situations. We believe this will give them the very best start when they move on! Their school teachers will develop their academics as long they can share and communicate! The foundations of a strong school career!