Tiny Hearts Daycare Center provides an authentic, play-centered learning environment for young children. Aligned with Ontario's Ministry of Education standards, our program prioritizes high-quality childcare and early years' education to nurture the holistic development of children. We draw upon resources such as "How Does Learning Happen?" and other frameworks to shape our pedagogical approach. We also reference The Ontario Early Years Framework, The Think Feel Act: Lessons from research about young children and ELECT: Early Learning for Every Child Today. We strongly believe in that the Early child development sets the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health of the children.
At Tiny Hearts Daycare Center, we're dedicated to providing an inclusive, child-centered environment that nurtures the potential of every child. Our philosophy revolves around seeing children as capable and curious individuals, actively participating in their surroundings, families, and communities. We prioritize building strong relationships among our team members, children, and families, fostering respect and positive interactions. At Tiny Hearts, we believe that every child deserves to feel a sense of belonging, engagement, well-being, and freedom of expression.
Our curriculum is all about nurturing children's well-being, learning, and growth through experiences they lead themselves. Our team of Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) is dedicated to organizing activities based on the principles of belonging, wellbeing, engagement, and expression, aligning with the six guiding principles of "Early Learning for Every Child Today":
- Building Strong relationships
- Learning through exploration and Play
- Collaborative learning between educators and children
- Creating an environment that inspires learning
- Documenting the learning process
- Reflecting on practice and learning together
Research has shown us in the past that children learn the best when they are fully involved in experience that are meaningful and interest to them, with the guidance of an adult with whom they have developed a bond of trust, Therefore We, at Tiny Hearts Daycare, embrace a play-based approach to learning, allowing each child to explore and learn in ways that suit them best. Children have the freedom to choose activities that pique their interest, fostering their creativity and independence. Our environment is filled with clean, safe, and accessible toys and materials that are regularly rotated to keep things fresh and exciting. At Tiny Hearts, we're committed to providing a vibrant learning environment where every child can thrive and flourish.
Goals and Approaches:
Each goal outlined in our Program Statement is accompanied by specific approaches to ensure its successful implementation. These approaches include creating supportive learning environments, fostering positive interactions among children and staff, ensuring the health and safety of all children, supporting social-emotional development, providing diverse play experiences, promoting professional development among staff, encouraging exploration and inquiry, and facilitating ongoing communication with parents.
Creating Positive Learning Environments:
Our approach emphasizes the creation of enriching learning environments designed to stimulate creativity and cultivate independence. Through a rich array of materials (toys that are clean, safe, and accessible), activities, and experiences, we aim to foster holistic growth encompassing physical, intellectual, creative, social, and personal dimensions. Materials in the room are rotated regularly to allow for children changing areas of Interest.
Fostering Positive Interactions:
Central to our philosophy is the promotion of positive and responsive interactions among all – children, parents, guardians, childcare providers, educators, and staff. We prioritize comprehensive and respectful communication to nurture strong relationships within our Center. We prioritize warm welcomes for children and parents upon arrival and departure, fostering positive exchanges. Staff exemplify respectful behavior and promote the use of manners among children. Our interactions with families are consistently supportive and encouraging
Additionally
- Staff maintain a composed and approachable demeanor, utilizing positive body language and tone.
- They engage in appropriate physical contact and inject humor when appropriate.
- Staff respond empathetically to the emotions of children, parents, and colleagues.
- They remain readily available to assist children and collaborate effectively within the team.
- Positive social behavior and language are consistently exemplified.
- Open-ended questions are utilized to nurture problem-solving skills in children
Encouraging the children to interact and communicate in a positive way and fostering self-regulation:
At Tiny Hearts we believe in fostering an environment where children are encouraged to explore their surroundings, discover their abilities, and navigate social interactions. We understand that this journey may involve testing limits and sometimes engaging in behaviors that are considered inappropriate or risky. When such negative behaviors arise, we view them as valuable learning opportunities.
Additionally
- Our educators are committed to supporting children in identifying and expressing their emotions and issues in a constructive manner.
- Building strong, individualized relationships with the children enables the staff to understand their needs and preferences better.
- In addressing challenging behaviors, our staff's role is to guide children in recognizing acceptable behavior boundaries. For infants and toddlers, who are still developing self-regulation skills, we employ redirection techniques. By gently redirecting their focus to different play areas or materials, we minimize the likelihood of repeated unwanted behaviors. Understanding that verbal directions may not be fully comprehended at this stage, our staff reframes stressful situations and provides positive alternatives to support their emotional development.
- Older kids and Preschoolers are encouraged to problem-solve, communicate their needs, and resolve conflicts with others.
- Our educators facilitate this process by guiding children through identifying issues, brainstorming alternatives, predicting consequences, and making decisions. Thus, problem solving approach is nurtured from an early age.
- Our philosophy revolves around nurturing self-regulation skills in children through purposeful activities that foster important social competencies. We prioritize cultivating behaviors such as waiting their turn, sharing, active listening, demonstrating empathy, and engaging in constructive communication
- Central to our approach is empowering children to navigate social interactions with confidence and integrity. Instead of simply managing behaviors reactively we adopt proactive strategies aimed at consistently promoting positive behaviors.
- We encourage children to adopt positive responses to challenging situations, such as returning a toy taken from a peer, assisting in rebuilding a broken creation, or expressing their emotions calmly and respectfully rather than resorting to physical actions like hitting. Through their own experiences and by observing positive role models among adult’s children learn to recognize and demonstrate empathy towards others.
- In instances of challenging behaviors, where a child may pose a risk to themselves or others, our educators may temporarily remove other children from the play space to provide privacy and support for the child in need.
- Physical restraint is used only as a last resort and is documented and communicated to parents to develop a supportive plan.
Promoting Health, Safety, Well-being and Nutrition:
Ensuring the utmost health, safety, well-being and nutrition of each child is a cornerstone of our approach. Our dedicated childcare providers strictly implement policies and procedures, surpassing regulatory standards, to safeguard every child's welfare.
We provide morning snacks, lunch, and afternoon snacks, with allergy/restriction lists prominently displayed in all rooms, the office, and kitchen. Our staff strictly adhere to these lists, which are regularly reviewed with families and updated as needed. For children with anaphylactic allergies, our staff are trained in the proper use of Epi-Pens specific to each child.
Our Menus are carefully planned to ensure all meals, snacks, and beverages served in childcare settings meet healthy eating recommendations for children one year of age or older. Parents and guardians are consulted on feeding directions for children under one year of age. Our resources are based on the guidance of Canada’s food guide and aligns with requirements set out by the Childcare and Early Years Act, 2014 (Section 42 of Ontario Regulation 137/15).
Additionally
- Staff model and emphasize proper handwashing during mealtimes.
- Meal schedules are planned to minimize wait times
- Meals are structured to promote socialization and open communication
- Children are encouraged to try new foods, with staff modeling, when necessary, but never forced.
- Desserts, if served, are integrated into the meal plan.
- Cooking experiences are incorporated for the children monthly
Balancing Indoor and Outdoor Activities:
Our precisely crafted program schedule is thoughtfully balanced to provide ample opportunities for indoor and outdoor play, active engagement, rest, and quiet time. This ensures that each child's individual needs are met while fostering their development. We are dedicated to promoting active outdoor play and nurturing connections with the natural world. Indoors, we prioritize fresh air, natural lighting, and reduce the presence of harmful substances, loud noises, and clutter to cultivate environments that foster physical and emotional well-being. Staff introduce activities to spark children's interests throughout the day.
These individual plans are incorporated into the weekly program, with rooms set up in advance to encourage immediate exploration upon arrival. Staff actively support the children's learning processes, praising their efforts and achievements. Weekly program plans encompass a range of activities, including creative, linguistic, sensory, scientific, and dramatic play, along with outdoor and gross motor play, weather permitting. Staff meet monthly to review individual and group progress and to plan and implement developmentenhancing experience Workshops are attended to continually improve the environment and program quality. Transition visuals and daily schedules are consistently used, ensuring inclusivity for all children.
Throughout the day, children engage in various indoor and outdoor activities that cater to their developmental needs.
Indoor:
- Diverse activities are offered daily, covering all areas of development.
- The Circle’s Times and equipment setups are prepared in advance.
- Staff facilitate individual and group reading sessions daily.
- Dramatic play areas are rotated regularly, and multicultural accessories are available.
- Music and movement activities are incorporated daily, with instruments provided.
- Teachers utilize materials to teach essential skills, with prop boxes for rotation.
Outdoor:
- Supervision ensures safety and encourages exploration.
- Planned activities are available daily, with transitions facilitated positively.
- Attendance is tracked diligently, and first aid supplies are regularly replenished.
- Outdoor activities are tailored to meet individual needs, with careful consideration given to inclement weather.
Supporting Professional Learning:
Recognizing the pivotal role of continuous professional development, we provide ongoing training and education opportunities for our dedicated staff. By investing in their growth and learning, we ensure the delivery of high-quality care and education that meets the evolving needs of children and families.
Fostering Exploration, Play, and Inquiry:
We firmly believe in the transformative power of play-based learning. Our educators facilitate children's exploration, play, and inquiry, nurturing their natural curiosity and problem-solving abilities. Through scaffolded support and intentional experiences, children are empowered to become active participants in their own learning journey.
Maintaining Open Communication with Parents:
We view parents as valued partners in our program and prioritize transparent and open communication. From daily interactions during drop-offs and pick-ups to scheduled meetings and digital platforms, we ensure that parents are actively engaged and informed about their child's progress, development, and well-being. We ensure that:
- Staff provide colleagues with both positive reinforcement and constructive feedback.
- Messages are relayed as necessary, ensuring efficient communication.
- Concerns are discussed with the supervisor first and then with the responsible.
- The center's communication book is reviewed daily, with staff signing in each day
- Communication with parents is conducted with respect and friendliness.
- Infant and toddler staff complete daily logs for children, sharing them with parents at day's end.
- Staff meetings with parents are carried out to discuss children’s progress.
- Children Work is posted throughout the center, highlighting skills children are working on.
Child-Initiated and Adult-Supported Experiences:
Our emergent curriculum approach honors children's agency and interests while providing a supportive framework for their learning and exploration. Weekly program plans are carefully crafted based on ongoing observations and documentation, ensuring that each child receives personalized and meaningful learning experiences.
Involving local community partners and allowing those partners to support the children, their families and staff
At Tiny Hearts Daycare Center, we recognize the immense value of engaging with our local community to expand the horizons of knowledge for children, families, and staff alike. Facilitating connections with community members is a responsibility shared between the Supervisor and Director/Owner, who work collaboratively to strengthen these bonds.
Our supervisor takes the lead in organizing workshops and events that invite members of the community to interact with our daycare This may include visits from firefighters, police officers, dentists, librarians, and other professionals who can offer unique insights and experiences to the children. Additionally, we warmly welcome parents with diverse professions to arrange workshops where they can share interesting aspects of their jobs with the children, adding a personal touch to their learning journey.
To ensure transparency and involvement, we will regularly inform parents about upcoming visits to neighboring communities, such as senior homes, allowing families to participate and contribute to these meaningful interactions. By actively involving the community in our daycare activities, we aim to create a nurturing environment that nurtures curiosity, empathy, and a sense of belonging in our children.
Monitoring and Evaluation:
We are committed to regularly monitoring and evaluating the impact of our strategies as outlined in the Program Statement. This process involves documentation, collaborative reviews with parents, guardians, childcare providers, educators, and Owner/Operator for continuous improvement efforts. Every new member of our team, be it staff, students, or volunteers, undergoes a comprehensive orientation session. This ensures that from day one, everyone is aligned with our mission and approach. Annual reviews and updates keep us all on the same page.
Regular observations and evaluations help us ensure that our practices are in line with our principles. Through collaborative documentation and regular reviews involving parents, guardians, childcare providers, educators, and management, we strive for continuous improvement and excellence in our program delivery.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Each member of our team has a distinct role to play in upholding our Program Statement. Educators are tasked with promoting reflection and collaboration, while also maintaining a vigilant eye for any issues that may arise. The Director and Supervisor oversees the implementation of our guidelines and ensures that everyone is aligned with our mission. Any concerns or breaches of prohibited practices are promptly reported to the Director or relevant authorities, including instances of suspected child abuse.