When entering our infant program, it’s easy to recognize the warmth and comforts of home. Our educators create a kind and welcoming atmosphere that allows children and families to feel safe and secure. The early years are important for a child’s ability to learn, create, trust and develop a strong sense of self. Infant educators take a holistic approach to support early learning by creating a strong connection with each family, and also by providing engaging opportunities for each child to play and explore through stimulating activities which will aid in their overall development.

Samantha is now 15 months old and will be leaving our Infant program – where she took her first steps, learned to clap her hands, perfected her pincher grasp, made her first markings, spoke her first words, and made many new friends! She will be joining our Jr. Toddler program where she is ready for new adventures.

Our toddler program is an active, bright, friendly environment where children thrive in every area of development. At Wee College, a toddler’s day is packed full of sensory experiences to continuously challenge their curious minds. Our Junior Toddler educators connect with each child and family, forming a trusting relationship, which in turn helps each child achieve a strong self identity as well as a sense of those around them. The toddler program allows children to form many positive relationships, gain confidence, and strives to help each child to grow as an individual.

Almost 2 now, Connor’s gross and fine motor skills have significantly improved during the past year. He walks steadily, and is confident going up and down stairs. He can manipulate large puzzle pieces, eat unassisted with a spoon and is determined to put his shoes on by himself. Connor also speaks many new words which help him communicate his needs and wants. Connor shows his creativity through his play, talking on the phone with his mom, and using a spoon as a microphone.

Our Senior Toddler program provides an environment where the 2yr old child can find comfort in the familiar. Our educators help them experience delight in their newly found independence while providing structure and guidance so they are able to make safe choices. The Senior Toddlers also spend time practicing the art of conversation while learning to take turns and share in an effort to develop a sense of respect for others. The Senior Toddler program is enriched with gross and fine motor activities which encourage greater self-sufficiency and independence. At this age we also concentrate on toilet training, depending on the individual child’s readiness. Encouraging the connection to others is a key component for this age group, which is practiced daily to support the development of healthy, positive and happy relationships.

Joshua is a very curious boy about to turn 3. He has shown tremendous growth during the past year, with the highlight being saying goodbye to diapers! Joshua now uses many descriptive words in his speech, and is asking a lot of questions! His imagination is shared through his story telling. Joshua’s also started sharing toys, and also loves to put things back in their place. His fine motor skills can be seen when he puts on his coat unassisted, holds a paint-brush, or squeezes playdough.

Our preschool program encourages children to stretch their minds and explore their creativity. Themes and learning concepts are introduced to spark conversation, exploration and continued learning. Activities are designed to allow children self-expression and independence. This focus on self-expression and self-reliance allows our Junior Preschool children to gain self-confidence in their abilities and achievements. Early social skill development at this age is heightened through daily interactions with adults and other children. The pre-school educators teach and support positive social interactions through games where there is turn taking, sharing and a higher level of interaction with others such as during problem solving and compromise.

Anna is almost 4 and has gained a lot of confidence over the past year. Her independence has progressed to being able to dress for outside with very little assistance and can tackle self care routine with ease. Social interactions have become an important aspect to her day and her conversations more sophisticated. Anna and her friends invite each other to engage in activities, demonstrating turn taking, problem solving and compromise. However, her favorite activity is art, where she uses the materials with confidence and takes pleasure in showing her finished pieces to her parents.

Successful integration into school becomes a priority and concern for parents when their child reaches the age of four. Our senior preschool program is an amalgamation of a school readiness program and emergent curriculum. This union allows both children and teachers to contribute ideas and build appealing and worthwhile units of study while acquiring the tools for school success. Teachers cleverly incorporate math, literacy, self help, social skills, gross and fine motor skills into the children’s everyday play and activities. Learning of these skills is quick and effective because the children are invested in the planning of ideas, the environment and the learning taking place. This method allows the teachers to create an environment that is socially and intellectually engaging thus deepening the children’s interest and explorations.

Zoe is now 5 and ready for Kindergarten. Zoe has learned that what interests her is important to her teachers at Wee College. She has shown much interest in literacy; printing, drawing, identifying colours, shapes, and loves “reading” stories. Her teachers have provided her with time and activities to perfect these skills. She recognizes her name and also the names of her friends, as well as the entire alphabet. Zoe loves patterns and can organize by colour and size. She understands rules, respects the feelings, thoughts and possessions of others and expresses herself with ease!

Our After School program (The Wee College Connection) provides the school-age child with a program that’s energized, creative, and child focused. Program mentors create an active, social and recreational environment in which children take part in a variety of activities. The inspiration for this program comes from a belief that every child deserves relevant opportunities to learn and discover, while developing community-minded leadership qualities that will contribute to their success as young adults.

It’s 2:00 on a Friday afternoon and Sam & Matthew are meeting at the Wee College Youth Center. Although they don’t see each other during the day because they attend Grade 2 at different schools, they’re the best of friends after school. They chat and laugh about their day and discuss weekend plans. Their week has been full of sledding, skating and a special project where they made their very own snowshoes. Next week they are planning to create a volcano out of paper mache, baking soda & vinegar. Today they can both be found curled up in the cozy corner relaxing, reading a favorite book.