Early Learning Program

Our distinctive Early Learning program (kindergarten) for ages 3-6 is inspired by elements of Reggio Emilia’s early years philosophy and the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) curriculum framework with a blend of the Ontario Curriculum that strengthens the roots for learning in our children.

Why Choose the Early Learning program?

Every child is unique and highly competent. Children require a strong environment of nurture, care and attention to develop each child’s full potential.

J. Addison School offers a learning environment that enables children to prosper by balancing the development of their social and emotional attributes in combination with formal education that consistently excites and encourages children to ask questions. We believe that the learning experiences of the early years are formative in developing the attitudes, character and skills that students need to be successful throughout their academic journey.

This program is Designed for Early Childhood Learning:

• Warm and inviting environment.
• Inquiry and play-based child-centered approaches.
• Rich activities to engage children through wondering, exploring, creating and connecting.
• Friendly, caring teachers guiding child-led learning.
• High quality resources supporting multi-faceted aspects of learning.

Join us at J. Addison and give your child a wonderful start in their educational journey.

What is the Early Learning Program?

The Programme

The Early Learning program is for children ages 3.8 - 6 years of age, and designed to provide a rich and nurturing learning environment. We aim to develop responsible, active learners for the future who are empowered, challenged, and supported in each and every step of the way.

Our formal program is like no other. While the curriculum is structured following the IB Primary Years Programme, it also integrates the following areas of learning – Languages, Mathematics, Culture, Sensory and Practical Life, STEAM and Physical Education. In addition, students work on long-term projects sparked by their interest and world issue awareness as an
integral part of becoming global citizens.

The learning is inquiry- and play-based with a strong focus on the child. Programming is transdisciplinary with a flexible, child-led approach. Teachers scaffold around children’s connections and moments of reflection allow them to connect to the global community with a sense of responsibility.

With this attitude in mind, we foster a love of learning, develop confidence and independence while instilling important character values. We aim to nurture the innate desire in children of wanting to learn authentically, and most importantly, to help them grow while developing a joy and passion for learning. This early learning program is intended to develop students’ intellectual, emotional, personal, and social skills. Ultimately, it fosters lifelong learners. We are focused on helping students develop holistically so that they can grow into responsible, active, and caring members of society.

| Our Children

We carefully tailor a harmonious, balanced, and non-competitive environment where children are free to explore, to interact, and to apply themselves in a wide range of tasks and activities. They are empowered to follow their unique abilities and talents, so they can build confidence and competence as they pave their path of self-discovery, growth, and development.

| Our Educators

The role of teachers, parents and the environment are integral to this program. Teachers and parents both strive to be enquirers, thinkers, communicators and reflective. Teachers are also co-learners. The curriculum planning involves teacher planning in interdisciplinary teams. They work with children to build a solid academic foundation which aims to help them with the development of their personalities, intellectual potential and in acquiring positive attitudes towards their learning habits.

| Learning Outcomes

1. Students are engaged in their own learning through inquiry, communication and self-management.
2. Students carefully reflect on growth and demonstration of learning attributes.
3. Students foster relationships through shared responsibility and collaboration.
4. Students exercise confidence through application of learning.
5. Students develop learning goals throughout learning.

Program Highlights

LEADING THE WAY TO STEAM
Our kids are makers, engineers and designers. Children’s investigations and projects seamlessly incorporate Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics in meaningful and exciting ways, making learning meaningful and
taking it deeper.

LANGUAGE AND LITERACY IS ALIVE
Children learn and use language naturally through meaningful hands on activities where communication and discussion are fostered.

LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITY
It’s never too early to develop an understanding of the issues around us and the need to take action and serve our community. Children are encouraged to think about ways that they can help solve them.

FUTURE READY SKILLS
Young children are born thinkers, full of ideas and creativity. Research shows that this is typically diminished to 10% by the age of 18. The Early Learning programme focuses on nurturing these skills and qualities in everything that
we do for the future.

QUALITY TEACHERS
Our highly qualified teachers are experienced and all share a caring, enthusiastic approach to children’s learning.

FUTURE FOCUSED LEARNING
Our programme uses technology in Early Years education to provide enriched learning experiences that truly excites children’s learning.

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
“Environment is the third teacher” - Our open plan classroom welcomes children with constantly changing displays and learning centers that focus on children’s interests and provokes exploration and discovery.