Our Educational Program in Montreal: Welcoming Early Childhood
Our daycare centre follows the educational program of the Ministry of Family and Seniors: Welcoming early childhood. Its main objective is to provide children with quality child care services based on the 5 basic principles:
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Each child is unique.
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The child is the first agent of his or her development.
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Child development is a global and integrated process.
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Children learn through play.
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Collaboration between the educational staff and the parents is essential to the harmonious development of the child.
Healthy lifestyle habits
At Garderie Les Minibulles we value and promote healthy lifestyle habits such as healthy eating, active play and gross motor skills. We must accompany children in their physical activity so that it becomes an integrated action in the child's life. We must modify their environment to make it conducive to healthy lifestyles.
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Children's rest period
Throughout the day, the children spend a lot of energy, so a rest period is provided for them to recharge. Several studies have shown that a rest period is very beneficial for the retention of newly acquired knowledge. Napping and relaxation have a positive effect on a child's mood, reducing the frequency of seizures, anxiety and hyperactivity. Naptime is beneficial for the child's health. This is why a nap or relaxation period is offered to all children every day in the early afternoon. Some of them need to sleep, others simply relax on their mattress. Soft music accompanies this process. A relaxation period is started before the nap to get the child to calm down and relax. When they wake up, children wake up at their own pace in a calm and gentle manner. In our nursery, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, it is time for the children's nap.
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Physical activities for the children
It is important to teach children the pleasure of movement so that they can develop healthy lifestyle habits. Activity is part of the routine at the daycare every day and outside outings are planned so that children can play actively. Walks in the neighbourhood, playing in the park, going to the wading pool or simply being able to play in the yard allow children to let off steam. Here are 5 benefits of outdoor play for children:
- Development of motor skills
- Increased concentration and creativity
- Increased self-confidence
- Prevention of visual disorders
- Improved morale
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A sure way to stay active
We have a multifunctional room that offers many possibilities to move around while being safe. Every morning, from 8:30 am to 9:00 am, a routine is implemented in our multifunctional room: the children and educators dance and exercise to rhythmic music. Picnic days with olympic activities are planned for the summer at the park.
Planned outings are planned in the program such as: outings to the library, visits to the seniors' home, visit to the Jean-Talon market, the botanical garden and the apple orchard. -
The food consumption
Food consumption is at the heart of our concerns. We offer children a variety of quality foods. We are convinced that healthy eating includes a healthy relationship with food, discovering new foods, textures. During the meals, the educator prepares the children a pleasant meal time, while having a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Children are invited to taste by describing the foods they eat. The educator sits at the table with the children in order to encourage exchanges and create a pleasant environment. Culinary activities are also planned so that the child can discover different foods and taste them during the activity.
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Parental Awareness
Various means are being put in place to make parents aware of the importance of healthy eating habits. We email the menu and snacks, which are posted daily. When registering, a nutrition sheet is given to parents to indicate their child's tastes and food preferences.
Educators are also available to discuss with parents ways to help or stimulate children to eat well at home. We make sure that the educational program and healthy lifestyle habits are combined.
The structure of the premises
Site structuring includes the layout of the premises, common areas and courtyard, as well as children's access to varied and quality play equipment. The premises must be functional, safe and organized in order to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. All of this must promote the children's autonomy and the efficiency of the educators. The play equipment used must be safe and appropriate, varied, stimulating and versatile, and must support the children's interests.
In the premises, play corners are installed: symbolic games, construction games, plastic art, relaxation, manipulation games, etc. The children's free choice ensures their interest, encouraging their autonomy and naturally promoting exchanges between them.
Each child has an identified locker and a hook. This allows their autonomy and the development of their identity. The premises are clean and regularly disinfected.
The relationship with parents
Collaboration between educators and parents is part of one of the basic principles of early childhood education and care and is essential for a child's harmonious development. Trust and respect are important in building a good relationship between the parties. Parents are always welcome at the daycare centre, it creates a sense of belonging to their child's environment. Confidentiality and respect are assured at all times. We support parents in their role and encourage them to foster the development of their child's self-esteem. Various communication strategies are put in place: daily verbal communication with the educator, telephone communication, e-mail or written communication.
The big ones to kindergarten
The mission of Garderie Les Minibulles is to secure the child towards the process of their return to school and to facilitate their passage by offering the maximum of continuous service and act in prevention of adaptation and learning difficulties. Different actions are put in place to help the child towards his entry to school: working on his autonomy, activities allowing the child to discover his new environment, visits to the school and/or teachers. A document can be filled out by the educator if the school requests it.
In our daycare centre, we have the preschool program. All children from 4 to 5 years old will have a special learning time every day. They will learn numbers, letters, word examples, painting, cutting, etc. For children from 3 to 4 years old, we have the preschool program. They will have a minimum of twice a week to learn the pre-social material.
Every year we have an end of year show. The older children (4-5 years old) present us with a colourful show. Each child is entitled to his or her diploma and graduation photo.
