Our Teachings
Following a Reggio Emilia approach, children at Applejacks Preschool are invited to lead their own learning in a connected, engaging, and warm environment. All of us at Applejacks believe that every child should walk through our doors and be celebrated for the uniqueness that is them. As Reggio-inspired we believe children possess a hundred languages to express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Thus, communication is at the heart of what we do.
What is Reggio?
Our Reggio inspired program sees children as curious, competent and rich with potential. We follow an open, nonlinear curriculum that progresses based on the interests and inquiries of children. Teachers act as guides, thoughtfully listening and observing children and looking for ways to explore and extend learning. Through open-ended questions, reflections, and time to ponder, children’s wonderings are continuously brought to life.
Our Guiding Principals
Children as capable of constructing their own learning.
Children are full of potential and are naturally curious about the world around them. Children are celebrated for the mutildite of ways they express themselves. Through careful observation and reflection learning evolves, grows and changes.
Children as competent collaborators, learning through their interactions with self, others and the environment.
Children are encouraged to participate and share what they know and what they think. Whether that be carefully observing others around them, or actively engaging in projects.
Children as natural communicators eager to share and express themselves
Children are encouraged to express themselves and are valued for who they are. Children are asked to share themselves in a variety of ways that feel right to them: through their voice, movement, visually, and in quiet reflection. All aspects are celebrated.
Educators as guides
Educators follow the children’s leads, thoughtfully planning the learning based on the observations and interests of the children. Following the natural rhythm of the children, educators and the child travel through learning together. Educators ask thought-provoking and open-ended questions to fully draw out all of a child’s potential
Environment as the third teacher
Children thrive in an environment that is suited to their needs and interests. Our environment is set up to be inviting, warm, culturally inclusive, embracing nature, and filled with purposeful materials.
The Applejacks C's
Connection
Time and care
We believe connection is the foundation for learning. When a child feels understood, valued, and heard in all of the different ways they express themselves, that is when learning occurs. We at Applejacks reflect in our practice to ensure children and families are feeling united through all of the development stages and challenges life presents.
We employ qualified educators, engage in continuous development, and offer a higher educator to child ratio to ensure personal attention.
Communication
Self-Regulation Lens
We believe communication is the key to creating connections. When we are allowed to express and share, relationships are formed. When we feel safe, the world around us expands and learning flows. Children have multiple ways of seeing and being, and it is our role to capture its communication.
All of the educators at Applejacks undergo training in self-regulation to positively guide children to share and fully express themselves. Behaviours are vehicles of communication that are trying to alert us of something. Together as a group we unpack and discover ways to best support each child and their needs
Community
We believe that communities raise children. As a collective, we can uncover all that is needed to support development. We at Applejacks are committed to providing an inclusive environment where families, educators, and children can come together for support. We view ourselves as a safe landing space to unite families together and to gather information and resources to continuously aid one another.
Class Groups
Mini Jacks
We are curious learners ready to explore the world around us. We are on the move and want to touch, taste, and feel everything. We are developing our sense of self and growing independence. We like to sort, dump and throw.
Our Mini Jacks environment is warm and inviting for our younger children. Items are placed within reach and artwork is displayed at eye level. The space encourages exploration and feels like a home away from home.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Toddlers 15 months and up
Full-time only
Junior Jacks
Our nervous system is evolving and we are excited to inform everyone of who we are. We are capable collaborators learning through our interactions with ourselves, others, and our environment. The Junior Jacks program will patiently listen to the needs and interests of children and provide opportunities to grow and develop a strong sense of self. Following our open curriculum, children will guide the progress based on their interests and inquiries while being supported by thoughtful educators.
Our Junior Jacks environment is a large u-shaped design that allows children to engage in loud and big play, tuck themselves into a peaceful project with lights, or read a quiet book. The open environment creates flexibility and offers children the opportunity to explore their interests and for educators to meet their individual needs.
PROGRAM DETAILS
2.2 years and up
2, 3, or 5 full-day