Preschool Program
- What do you offer in a Preschool Program?
- Who is eligible to enrol and what are the ratios?
- Who are the teachers and how are they qualified?
- What do you do in Circle Time?
- What is the same in the Preschool Program compared to the JK/SK Program?
- What age should my child start at Building Blocks?
- Do I choose 2, 3 or 5 half days a week?
- Further Comments
What do you offer in a Preschool Program?
Our program provides a wide variety of activities to develop the interests of 2 and 3 year olds in a loving and nurturing environment. We cover all areas of childhood development in our curriculum. Younger children learn through their senses, thus we have a wide variety of sensory activities like play dough, sand, water, rice and pasta. We encourage small motor development with varied simple first puzzles, lacing, cutting activities along with a daily "art" activity. In all areas of development we have progressive activities. With themes changing from week to week children are exposed to many different songs, finger plays and books, which enhances language. We have a block centre, discovery/science centre, dramatic/role playing centre, floor toys and gross motor equipment.
Who is eligible to enrol and what are the ratios?
Children must be 2.6 years when they start Building Blocks Nursery School. Our ratio in this class is 8 to 1.
A resource/assistant teacher must accompany children with special needs. We have children from Erin Oaks, Brampton Caledon Community Living and Peel/Infant Toddler Preschool.
Who are the teachers and how are they qualified?
Mrs. Joanne Freer ECE C (ECE- Early Childhood Education, Certified) and Mrs Karen Sanger ECE started the school in 1986 because there was nothing available in Brampton at the time. They wanted to offer a half-day quality programthat focused on families. They wanted to emphasize a program that offered both structure and valued free play. When we expanded our program in 2001 Mrs. Lorraine Quibell was hired. She had worked previously with special needs children in the Out Reach Programme for Erin Oak. She had been at Building Blocks one to one with a child with special needs. We felt she had the right fit for our school. Mrs. Jacquie Geddes ECE and Mrs. Gloria VanderBurgt ECE joined our team in 2004. Ms. Julie Kuehni was hired as an assistant teacher in 2007, previously working with children with special needs through an outside agency. Both Ms. Kuehni and Mrs. Geddes had their own children attend Building Blocks before working for us. Mrs. Melodie Papagianis ECA started in Sept. 2009 part time in our afternoon classes. Mrs. Papagianis worked for the school board previously. She loves how much we care about each and every student. We take workshops that interest us in the evenings, do much research in Child Development and are current in First Aid.
We all comment on how we love what we do for a living.
What do you do in Circle Time?
There are three circle times at Building Blocks.
At Opening Circle we sing the same introduction song everyday. Children love consistency and this helps them to adapt to our program. During this time they sit on a mat, learn their peers' names, and teachers' names. We then introduce them to the various activities in the room, and show them the "art activity" they will be doing that day. We then ask them to think about where they would like to play and count 1, 2, and 3, go play.
Children attending Building Blocks are taught how to learn and pay attention.In the midpoint in their day children go to small circle time. Each circle group consists of 8 children of similar age groupings. The children usually stay in the same grouping for the year. The dynamics of each group really determines what will be taught. For instance a group of 2 year olds will have much more active songs, shorter stories and concrete (hands on) activities. All groups will learn colours, counting, have a calendar time and turn taking. This is taught in a fun way. Circle times are mandatory and as the year progresses last longer and longer. It is a time enjoyed by all.
At the end of the program we have our third circle time, the closing circle. This is the time for games and action songs. We end with quiet songs and a goodbye song and then wait as the childrens names are called for dismissal.
What is the same in the Preschool Program compared to the JK/SK Program?
Both programs run separately, however we do follow the same weekly themes. Circle time is geared towards age as are the different art activities. Both groups go on field trips, celebrate Hallowe'en and Valentine's with their particular class. We also do our Mother's Day, Parent Interative Day and concerts at Christmas and Year End together.
What age should my child start at Building Blocks?
We find all children love their time with us. Some children initially have a hard time with separation from their parents. We find with patience and time that all the children do come to enjoy their day with us. We all have experience with young children and know that coming to a school like Building Blocks is so very positive for your child. Some children do require a parent to stay at school for a short period of time. Many families start their second child with us at a younger age because they like what we do.
Do I choose 2, 3 or 5 half days a week?
Children benefit and adapt to whatever program they are in. It is the parents decision as to what program they would like their child to attend.
Comments from Therapists, Resource Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Ministry, Parents and Former Students:
- The children are so happy.
- I can't believe how long they sit in circle and how they enjoy it.
- The children play so well.
- Do you have any more openings?
- I wish my other children had come here.
- Can my child sign up?
- I LOVE my school!
- Building Blocks was absolutely the most wonderful preschool experience.
We would invite you to consider child's education with us. If you have any further questions we would be happy to answer them for you.
