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ABC’s co-operative preschool program is unique and special in that staff, parents and children work, learn and grow together. We are a family based program administered by the parents in our community. We believe that the foundation of life begins in the preschool years.

At ABC, we offer a program committed to the physical, emotional, social and cognitive development of children through a quality play based program that encompasses the 4 basic foundations of the “How Does Learning Happen” document which are belonging, engagement, well-being and expression.

• Belonging:  Every child has a sense of belonging when they relate to others and contribute to the world.
• Well-Being:  Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being.
• Engagement:  Every child is an engaged learner who explores the world with mind, body, and senses.
• Expression:  Every child is a capable communicator who expresses themselves in many ways.

In recognizing that children are competent, capable and curious learners, we offer a “learn through play” atmosphere.  We balance free choice and structured teacher activities where children can grow and learn at their own pace in a safe, caring and nurturing environment.

The school year is structured with a series of different activities which are complemented by crafts, songs, stories, field trips and community visitors.  All of these components are designed to heighten the child’s awareness of themselves, the family and the community.

CREATIVE AND SENSORY EXPLORATION

By painting, cutting and pasting, playing with puzzles, and games – the children explore their artistic creativity while supporting the development of their fine motor skills. Sensory bins and play dough that help to stimulate a child’s senses, also support their fine motor skills, as well as language development, cognitive growth, and fosters social interaction and peer engagement.

IMAGINATIVE EXPLORATION

Through role play and dress up in the dramatic play centre, children learn new ways to express themselves. In addition to supporting creativity – imaginative exploration helps to promote problem-solving skills, self-expression and social skills.

GROUP SHARING TIME

Stories and discussions, singing and dancing are geared to current themes. Children learn to express themselves and formulate ideas with their classmates.

ACTIVE PLAY

Outdoor play, riding bikes, dancing to music, balancing on beams, and crawling through tunnels – all enhance the development of gross motor skills and co-operation.

JK READINESS

Through songs and activities children learn the days of the week, the months, alphabet and numbers and other skills to help their transition to kindergarten go smoothly. Daily activities include:

• phonics
• letter recognition (upper and lower case)
• printing (children learn to recognize, spell and write their own name)
• sorting (colour, size, patterns)
• shapes
• basic math skills
• working as a group, children learn how to co-operate and take turns, improve social skills, reasoning and manners