Our Curriculum

Kids Zone Childcare Centre, Mississauga, features a proven hybrid curriculum blending Emergent and Montessori learning methodologies for children of all ages’. We have learned that there is no one curriculum that works for all children and the combination of both methodologies gives them the best opportunity to benefit from.

Our educational curriculum for Kindergarten and all programs, follows the practice of ‘How Does Learning Happen’ which is balanced with structure and academics. The Kindergarten curriculum includes academic study in phonics, writing skills, math, science, and French. At Kids Zone, we want your child to learn beyond the required curriculum in the public school system and provide a comprehensive science and social science curriculum (Wings of Discovery), as well as French, yoga and a music program (taught by a qualified music teacher). Your child will be exposed to reading and writing activities in a structured setting and have fun with social activities such as baking and gardening. We focus on your child’s understanding of letters and sounds early - which leads to early literacy skills. We find that most children are able to begin reading in our JK program and progress quickly in the SK program, sometimes into Grade 1 level reading. Literacy is the key to learning in the early grades.

Our programs enable your child to improve their self-confidence as they are given consistent opportunity to interact with their peers and adults in a supervised setting. Each child is assessed to give him/her the appropriate work for their abilities in their subjects, especially reading and math. The educational curriculum enhances independence and will help your child to focus on tasks (Montessori Philosophy of Learning). The academic work challenges their cognitive domain through learning rhymes and songs; while outdoor playtime supports the physical development (physical literacy). Your child will learn to share and co-operate with others and understand how they can manage their emotions.

Children are greeted individually upon their arrival and given some free time to engage in their favourite activities. Morning breakfast is offered from 7-8:30am, hot lunch is served at 12pm - buffet style, to encourage confidence and independence by serving themselves. Problem solving and self-confidence will strengthen as he/she contributes to their classroom’s environment by cleaning after meals, proper use of materials and tidying up. Children sometimes participate in preparation of afternoon snack or special occasions like celebrating birthdays.  

Morning Circle Time consists of greetings, calendar activity, group discussion, games and music. During free play, children have the opportunity to choose activities from their classroom materials and curriculum areas: Dramatic, Language, Science, Art and Block. Educators will follow your child’s interests by assessing their abilities, observations and setting their goals - introducing materials individually or in small groups.

Overview

Our curriculum is organized around the four foundational conditions that are important for children to grow and flourish: Belonging, Well–Being, Engagement and Expression. Our programs are designed using Emergent curriculum, a well-researched method for teaching that has proven to better engage children and help them develop. In addition, we integrate and promote the Montessori approach to encourage independence.

Our programs are planned to promote and nurture trusting relationships between staff, children, and their families - to build curious and confident learners. Children from infancy learn by using all five senses when observing, listening, exploring, experimenting and asking questions. Being interested, motivated and engaged in learning is important for your child’s first months and years in life.

The Children’s Daily activities to learn will include:

– Self-care: dressing, washing, toileting, and eating - according to each child’s individual ability.

– Care of the environment: cleaning, baking and planting/gardening.

– Large-motor activities (indoors and out): walking, climbing, running, jumping, balancing, climbing steps and more.

– Fine-motor skills: reaching, grasping, picking up objects, transferring objects (schema in toddlers), using tools/utensils and doing artwork.

– Language: naming objects, describing actions and intentions, discussing pictures, conversation, music and singing.

– Social skills: developing manners through interactions with peers, teachers and adult-led small group games.

Our educators are qualified, dedicated, nurturing and passionate about delivering quality early-life experiences to help shape our successful learners of tomorrow – today!

In addition to our academic curriculum, we put an emphasis on yoga, music and the arts - encouraging creative development through artistic exploration.

We provide and engage in self-directed activities, hands-on learning and collaborative play to foster independence and confidence. Working with each child’s routine ensures that they are engaging in the program and recognizes food preferences that work best for them and their families. Our rooms are designed with optimal health and safety in mind to make it an inviting and welcoming environment. 

Kids Zone’s continuous communication through the HiMama app provides daily reports that includes your child’s routine, daily activities and progress. Our programming adjusts daily to meet the needs of each child. Schedules include breakfast, self-directed and collaborative play, circle time, outdoor exploration, lunch, nap time, snack, academic programming and enrichment activities - all designed to meet the needs of your growing child.

Our curriculum provides balance and support to all areas of child development - including areas of interest, abilities and the needs of each child. To support children’s social and emotional development, you must encourage them to feel good about themselves, be independent and work with other children. To enhance children’s cognitive development, you must challenge them to experiment, think critically, communicate, self-regulate and solve problems.

Playtime provides unlimited possibilities for learning and development

Free playtime throughout the day is essential for children to become fully engaged in meaningful experiences.
Playtime encourages children:
– Learn about sinking and floating while experimenting at the water table
– Develop an understanding of balance while building with blocks
– Enhance strength and co-ordination while running or kicking a ball
– Develop social skills such as sharing and taking turns.

Play in the Dramatic Centre gives children opportunities to choose and direct their play experiences and empowers children to take the lead in their own learning. Children want to participate in self-directed play - they have control of their experience and create their own knowledge. This means that children should be able to decide where, when and how to play. Children should be in charge of their play. Other skills and concepts children learn through unstructured, open-ended play of their own design include:
– Social skills and relationship building
– Negotiation, conflict resolution and problem-solving
– Empathy and self-regulation
– Independence and safe risk-taking
– Leadership
– Communication skills
– Organizational skills
– Imagination and creativity