Preschool Programs
Preschool “Seeds” Program
Ages 18 months to 2.5 years
Our toddler outdoor learning program provides children from ages 18 months up to 2.5 years with opportunities to engage with nature on a regular basis. Our full-day child-led, inquiry-based program will focus on developing social, physical, cognitive, creative, and emotional well-being while fostering a connection with the world around them. We offer small class sizes (1:5 ratio) which provides educators with the opportunity to connect with and build upon children’s learning in our unstructured-play environment.
Preschool “Roots” Program
Ages 2.5 to 4 years
Our Preschool outdoor learning program will prepare our students for Kindergarten, with references to the Ontario Kindergarten curriculum as well as the Forest School Curriculum while introducing other learning theories to reinforce learning. We offer small class sizes (1:8 ratio) which provides educators with the opportunity to connect children with nature and build upon children’s interests while providing teacher-directed opportunities and offering an unstructured-play based environment. Our days vary throughout the week with two mornings (Tues/Thur) immersed in Nature offsite. Free play is an important aspect of our program and children are given time each day to explore and engage freely (in the Forest and at our home base).
We are a Licensed Childcare Centre under the CCEYA in accordance with the Ministry of Education. Please register for a spot on our waiting list https://niagara.onehsn.com and we will email if/when there is a spot available.
Sample Daily Schedule
| 8:30 am | Arrival and free play |
| 9:00 am | Morning meeting |
| 9:30 am | Morning Snack/ transition to outdoors |
| 10:00 am | Go to the forest: or outdoor time in the yard (dependant on day of the week). Hike, explore, and investigate- Reference books, tools, loose parts, music, drama, and art supplies available. |
| 11:40 am | Mid-day meeting & sharing circle |
| 12:00 pm | Lunch |
| 12:30 pm | Nap/ rest period (2 hours) |
| 2:30 pm | Snack and transition to outdoors |
| 3:00 pm | Outdoor or indoor classroom exploration: Reference books, tools, loose parts, music, drama, and art supplies available. |
| 4:00 pm | Clean up and transition time |
| 4:30 pm | Home time |
Extended Care
Our Full-day program runs from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Although there are no additional fees for drop off between 7:30 am and 8:30 am or pickup between 4:15 pm and 5:30 pm, we ask all families to let us know if your child will be accessing our before or aftercare program in order for us to staff accordingly. Thank you!
Sample Weekly Menu:
New Catering Company – Healthy Roots Catering. Note that vegan/vegetarian/halal options are available.
Sample Weekly Menu:
New Catering Company – Healthy Roots Catering.
Homemade meals and snacks designed to be nutritious, developmentally appropriate, and allergy-conscious, following Canada’s Food Guide, Ministry of Education, and Ontario Dietitians in Public Health guidelines.
Using few ingredients, no added sugar or salt, and plenty of hidden vegetables, the four-week rotating menu features seasonal, local produce whenever possible to support healthy eating habits and children’s overall growth.
Note that vegan/vegetarian/halal options are available.
