Our Learning Environment
Warm, Respectful, Inspiring
At Little Wild Early Learning, we’re proud to provide a caring and safe environment for your children to call their "home away from home". We spend our days learning within our cozy indoor environment as well as in the great outdoors: at our neighbouring detached green space. Throughout the month we will also visit local playgrounds, nearby beaches, forests and the beautiful Beacon Hill Park.
Our indoor space
The rooms of Little Wild Early Learning are filled with natural beauty; plants to care for and treasures from local forests and beaches to explore more deeply. Age appropriate play materials are readily available, much in loose parts form for open ended play and creativity. Our space offers an art room with a wide variety of artistic mediums to work with. We have a separate nap room; a comfortable sleep area where each child can feel secure and safe while they rest. Two main
rooms are available to the children to explore and play in, with interest areas set up to suit the curiosities and needs of each child.
A learning environment rich in wonder and curiosity
"The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences" - Loris Malaguzzi
Our program widely incorporates the teachings of Loris Malaguzzi, founder of the Reggio Emilia Approach as well as small aspects of Rudolf Steiner's Waldorf education. Our respectful and loving environment keeps the children’s best interests in mind while allowing for hands-on, experiential learning. As children are naturally driven to gain a deeper understanding of their own interests, it is of no surprise that they are fully capable of constructing their own path of learning. We provide our little scientists with the tools they need to explore and extend subjects of learning which have meaning to them, we then join them as enthusiastic collaborators and partners in learning. By allowing the children in our care the autonomy and respect they deserve, we create a nurturing, stimulating and welcoming learning environment for all. It is of the upmost importance for us to understand who each child is as an individual; including their beautifully unique cultural background and personal learning style. Knowing where the child is at in their own path of cognitive, social, emotional, language and physical development will allow us to provide developmentally appropriate experiences to suit their needs, allowing for a rich learning environment.
At Little Wild Early Learning, we offer the children we care for an environment rich in wonder and curiosity with an emergent curriculum and learning through play philosophy. As we follow the interests of the children, encouraging them to dive deeper into surface interests and document their learning process, we create a chance for deeper learning. Pedagogical experts urge us to create an environment that teaches the "Four C's": critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. Our program offers opportunities for learning through nature, the arts, music/movement and early S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and maths). Through self guided exploration and discovery alongside positive social interactions, the children of Little Wild Early Learning will be taking the most important first steps towards future happiness and academic success.
Hours
We offer care to children between 2.5-5 yrs old from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday.
Our doors open each morning at 7:50am for families to begin the drop off process
Cost
Full time spaces are $900.00 per month
We offer a part time "space share" agreement with another family.
Three days at $565.00 per month, two days at $400.00 per month
Schedule
Our daily schedule consists of free play learning, teacher led experiences, outdoor exploration, rest time, meal times and weekly extra's such as yoga, music, art and intergenerational community connections. During the month a professional yoga instructor and art teacher will host fun filled, age appropriate classes.
Family involvement
We encourage parents, grandparents and other family members to arrange to share their wisdom and culture through storytelling, dance, musical abilities and more.
Community connection
Community connection is something that Little Wild Early Learning strongly values, which is why we have partnered
up with the Beckley Farm Lodge of James Bay in an intergenerational friendship program. The young and the elderly, while at two very different stages of life, are often the most closely connected with spirit of “living”. It has been shown through countless studies, time and time again, how beautifully these two generations connect with one another. Intergenerational friendships have many benefits for children, including: life skill development, self-esteem and confidence, being exposed to new tradition and wisdom and developing respect and empathy. Elders involved in our program gain a sense of joy and purpose while visiting with the children, bringing happiness to those suffering from isolation. Expanded social networks, being physically and mentally active, and feeling purpose and belonging are just a few of the benefits our elders in the community gain from a program like this. According to Erik Erikson, one of the first psychologists to describe social development across the lifespan, the final stage of emotional development is experienced around the age of 60 and older. So while our young children are experiencing the first stages of emotional development and our elderly friends are experiencing the last stages, the two groups can gain so much knowledge, joy, and understanding from each other. Through these connections, we can achieve a better quality of life for all ages.
Four times monthly we will visit our friends at the Beckley Farms lodge, taking part in music and movement, literacy activities, gardening and more. All Beckley Farm Lodge staff are experienced and screened to work with children, The Little Wild staff will be with the children at all times to ensure happiness and safety. Parent volunteers are encouraged to join!
At little Wild Early Learning,
all children are respected and have a voice.
