Early Learning Centre
Programs
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world". Nelson Mandela
Infant Program
Infants learn a lot about the world around them through their senses, which is why exploration is critical to their development. The Infant rooms at ELC are safe environments that are full of toys that make sounds, have textures, can be mouthed and offer a whole range of sensory experiences. Nurturing caregivers support the child while they are exploring, encouraging them to experience all there is to offer, whether it’s through finger painting, playing with blocks, listening to songs or engaging in story-time.Before an infant even starts to speak, we’re teaching them to use sign-language to help them communicate.
Eat Together, Play Together: Children model their behaviour on their parents. Enjoy mealtimes together as often as you can and find some time for active play with your child each day.
Parents Provide, Kids DecideParents Provide a healthy range of foods. Kids Decide if to eat and how much to eat. Remember, the more you fuss about food, the more they will fuss. Likewise, Parents Provide a range of active play opportunities and Kids Decide which activities to engage in.
Snack on Fruit and VegEating a wide range of fruits and vegetables is one of the most important things we can do for our health. Snacks are really mini-meals to give your child an opportunity to eat a variety of foods from all the food groups!
Colour Every Meal With Fruit and VegAdding fruits and vegetables to every meal will give your child the right idea about healthy eating. Remember fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables are all great choices. The meals that you make don't have to be fancy, just healthy and simple.
Tap into WaterOffer water regularly and ensure that it's always readily available, particularly when out and about. Avoid fruit juice, cordial, soft drink and other sweetened drinks.
Off and RunningTelevision is not recommended at all for children under 2 years of age. When the television is OFF, your child has more opportunity to be OFF AND RUNNING! Encourage your child to be active every day. Parents are great role models for their child's active play.
Toddler Program
Toddlers are faster than they look, and eager to explore their environment. As they strive for independence, our teachers are there to help support their quest for individuality. As a result, self-directed play is one of the primary focuses of this program. Some of the most important learning outcomes of our toddler program are language development, socialization, self-help skills, and the development of fine motor and eye/hand coordination. Language development is promoted throughout the day in a variety of ways by labeling their environment and through repetition of their emerging vocabulary. All of this contributes to toddlers becoming confident learners.When talking about a "toddler" this generally refers to 1-3 year olds or children who are toddling! This stage is very important in a child's life as they are learning many new skills and are trying to master them.Toddlers are learning to be independent; hence they use the word "no" frequently and generally do not want to share with anyone. They are focused on their own needs and ideas, and often have difficulty expressing what they want, as language skills are not fully developed. Hence there are many challenges, as well as fun times at this stage regarding healthy eating and active play for you and your family.
Kindergarten Class
The Pre-school Program focuses on structure and developing autonomy, with an emphasis on cognitive learning such as number and letter recognition introduced through puzzles and games. These are rewarding experiences that help children develop greater independence and problem solving skills. The Pre-school Program provides a foundation for learning many new concepts and incorporates elements to promote sharing and mutual respect. Teachers help children understand routines as well as social norms, which simultaneously prepares them for school.Children are involved in music, art, drama, pretend play and creative movement exercises which all help them explore new things about themselves and their environment.