3/4 year old Program
Our program for three and four year-olds provides learning opportunities through play-based exploration.
For the morning classes the day typically begins with outside play at the playground at Dunbar Memorial Park. Upon return to the school, children have a snack time and then free play with provocations that have been carefully created by the teachers. For children a ‘Reggio Inspired’ provocation is an open ended activity that doesn’t have a prescribed outcome, instead it is designed to stimulate ideas, initiative and imagination for and amongst children, whether they choose to explore their ideas alone or in groups. Children may explore the art table, imaginative play, dress-up, puppets, water and sand table, light table, the reading corner, puzzles, blocks, trains and much more. The afternoon classes on Mondays and Thursdays have their outside play time at the end of class on Tuesdays and Wednesdays the children start their day outside. Although the schedule is similar to the morning classes the 4 year old children are engaged in higher level provocations, activities and free play to better prepare them for kindergarten.
The large classroom space allows for many activities to encourage large motor growth such as yoga, gymnastics, dance, tricycle riding, basketball and other ball games, parachute games and hockey.
From time to time, children get the opportunity to explore the world outside of our classroom through field trips to such diverse places as the airport, the Maritime Museum, a fire station, and a bus wash.
Our 3 year old program operates 4 mornings each week, Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am – 12:00pm. With flexible drop off from 9:00 to 9:15 and flexible pick up from 11;45 to 12:00. The 4 year old program operates Tuesday to Thursday afternoons from 12:45 aot 3:45. Both the 3 and 4 year old program is available with 2, 3 or 4 day options.
There is a pick up schedule for the 4s program from 3:15 to 3:45. When registering, you can indicate which days you would like your child to attend. Children can attend 2, 3 or 4 days.
Our preschool remains committed to excellence in a play-based Reggio inspired education model. We are a Parent Involvement Preschool and encourage parents to volunteer in and out of the classroom to support the Preschool. There will be no mandatory duty days and a small participation requirement. However, there will be many other opportunities to be involved in the school and your child’s early education.