We have developed our program statement based on – “How Does Learning Happen; Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years,” a professional resource guide for those working with young children and their families. Our program statement will be reviewed annually to ensure that it follows the Minister of Education’s guidelines.

At Temple Sinai we recognize that children are competent, capable of complex thinking, curious and rich in potential. Our program is based on promoting positive self-esteem, curiosity, creativity and love of learning. Our goal is to help develop the child’s social, emotional, intellectual and physical capabilities to the fullest.

We are committed to promoting the health, safety, nutrition and well-being of all the children attending our program:

• Educators will observe children as they enter our school for signs of ill health.
• Handwashing and toy cleaning are essential in preventing the spread of illnesses. All educators and volunteers will follow the Sanitary Practices Policy to ensure in helping prevent the spread of illness.
• Children are supervised at all times to ensure their safety.
• All snacks and lunches are based on recommendations from Canada’s Food Guide and menus are posted outside the classrooms.
• Educators will review all information in regards to allergies, exceptionalities, food restrictions, and medication requirements.
• Our water will be tested as required
• The playground and equipment is inspected as outlined in our Playground Policy.

Positive and responsive interactions will be supported among the children, parents and educators. We strive to promote a sense of belonging for children and their families by creating positive interactions, communications and partnerships and meeting the needs of the individual child.

We encourage the children to interact and communicate in a positive way and to teach them and support their ability to self-regulate. Through role modeling, appropriate play activities, self-regulating games, and positive reinforcement these skills will develop.

It is through play that children learn and discover the world around them and it is our goal to foster our children’s play, exploration and inquiry. Our educators create rich learning environments indoors and outdoors, in which our children flourish. Through constant observation of the children we can extend their exploration by providing additional materials, tools and guidance. By posing open-ended questions to the children, we are supporting and encouraging their inquiry.

Our educators will provide child-initiated and adult supported experiences. Through observations our educators will plan and create a positive learning environment that is based on the interests of the child. New ideas, interests, facts, concepts, skills and experiences will be introduced to widen the child’s knowledge and experiences.

Our educators respond to the expressed interests of the children and plan their curriculum accordingly. Our program offers interesting, engaging open-ended activities that are challenging and child-directed. These experiences allow children to learn using all of their senses and to experience the world around them. Through self-initiated active learning experiences, children learn concepts and form ideas. Educators ensure the presence of the materials, encourage choices and provide support.

Consideration will be taken when planning indoor, outdoor, active play, rest and quiet time to meet the individual needs of the children. Our outdoor learning environment provides extended opportunities for all elements of learning, including gross motor development, nature exploration, independent and cooperative games. When weather is inclement, gross motor play can continue in our fully equipped gym. Each classroom has an area devoted to quiet play. Rest time will be encouraged for children in our extended day program.

Parents are our children’s primary caregivers and their best teachers. Their participation in our program is greatly encouraged and appreciated. We acknowledge the value of parents sharing their expertise, hobbies, work skills or special talents. Communication about the program and their children is ongoing throughout the year. Temple Sinai Community Preschool has an open door policy and families are welcome at any time. Parents can connect with the teachers at drop-off and pick-up times. Parents are provided with information about their child’s day through portfolios, picture documentations, posted program plans and menus, weekly email newsletters and parent visits. Parent/teacher portfolio night is held in February. Parents are invited to participate in many special events that happen throughout the year.

We are committed to involving local community partners and to engaging those partners in supporting our children, families and staff. Community partners such as resource professionals, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and counsellors are an important part of our centre in support of the children and their families.

All early childhood educators are registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators and are encouraged to pursue continuous professional learning. Current theories are explored at two professional development days during the year. Staff members are kept current through ongoing information shared in the child care community at our weekly meetings. There are on-going opportunities for educators to engage in critical reflection and discussion about pedagogy and practice.

Our program statement will be reviewed annually, or at any time when the program statement is modified. Ongoing planning, documenting and evaluating each child’s learning enables us to review the impact of our strategies. At our year end staff meeting we reflect on the successes and challenges of the past year and set goals for the upcoming year.