TeddyBearWhitehorse

Our Approach

Developing skills and autonomy

Our curriculum is based on the principles of the developmental psychology. We see child development in toddler and preschooler ages as a development of two important virtues: will and purpose. Will helps the child to explore his or her developing skills and develop autonomy, while purpose gives initiative, a sense of confidence, and the ability to make decisions.

Our mission is to grow lifelong learners and confident, caring individuals. This is accomplished by providing each child with a wide range of developmentally-appropriate experiences that encourage them to grow socially, emotionally, physically, cognitively, and creatively. All children are loved, cared for, and nurtured to help them realize their full potential.

Our curriculum

Circle time and free play

Circle Time and Free Play create a perfect balance in our childcare program — combining structure with creativity. During Circle Time, children come together to sing, share, and learn as a group, building communication, social, and listening skills. Free Play that follows allows them to explore their own interests, make choices, and practice independence through imaginative play and hands-on experiences.

Individual activities and group projects

At our childcare centre, children enjoy a balanced mix of individual activities and group projects that nurture both independence and teamwork. Through individual tasks, children explore their own interests, build confidence, and develop focus at their own pace. Group projects, on the other hand, encourage cooperation, communication, and problem-solving as children share ideas and work together toward a common goal.

Birthday Parties

We love celebrating each child’s special day! Families are welcome to bring a simple treat or snack to share with the group, and we make sure the birthday child feels extra special with songs, decorations, and plenty of happy moments with their friends.

Seasonal Holidays

Each season at our childcare centre brings exciting celebrations and joyful moments! Throughout the year, children enjoy festive activities such as decorating pumpkins in autumn, building snowmen in winter, hosting spring picnics, and making colourful summer art. Each holiday becomes a chance to explore traditions, express creativity, and share meaningful moments together.

Graduation Parties

At our childcare centre, Graduation Parties are joyful celebrations of each child’s growth and achievements. Each year, our preschool graduates present a special theatrical performance, admired by families and friends. Preparing for this performance helps children develop many important life skills — such as confidence in public speaking, teamwork, emotional expression, creativity, memory, and focus. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children to showcase their talents and for parents to celebrate this meaningful milestone before their little ones take the next big step into kindergarten.

Winter Parties

Every winter, all our childcare locations come together to celebrate the season with a joyful Winter Party — a big family event full of laughter, music, and festive fun! Families, children, and friends enjoy an afternoon filled with activities, dancing, delicious treats, and special surprises. The celebration features a lively DJ, creative games, and even a visit from a very special winter guest (you might just recognize his red suit and snowy beard!). It’s one of our most cherished traditions, bringing our entire community together to share warmth, joy, and holiday spirit.

Parents Control Meal Approach

At our centre, we follow a Parent-Controlled Meal Approach, giving families full control over what their child eats. Parents provide their child’s meals based on personal preferences, cultural traditions, or specific dietary needs. Educators share daily feedback—how much the child ate, what they enjoyed, and what they left behind—so parents can adjust future meals accordingly. This collaborative approach helps children feel comfortable with familiar foods, ensures they eat enough throughout the day, and supports their happiness and healthy growth.

Parents-teacher Conference

Our Parent–Teacher Conferences are a valuable opportunity for families and educators to connect and work together to support each child’s growth and learning. During these meetings, parents are encouraged to share their questions, observations, and topics they’d like to discuss, while teachers provide feedback about the child’s progress, daily routines, and developmental milestones. This open and collaborative conversation helps build a strong partnership between home and the center.

Annual developmental screenings

We conduct annual developmental screenings using the scientifically standardized NDDS (Nipissing District Developmental Screen) questionnaire. This tool helps track developmental milestones and guides our program planning. Families receive a copy of the questionnaire to complete at home, allowing them to observe their child in a familiar environment. During parent–teacher conferences, we review both the family’s and the centre’s observations together, creating a collaborative picture of the child’s progress and setting meaningful goals for our activity plan.

Special Education Approach

We implement a Special Care and Education Approach that ensures every child is supported according to their individual needs. Our experienced educators work with children who require a specialized approach in both care and learning, including those with: autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), speech and language delays, developmental delays, global developmental delay (GDD), Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, mutism, emotional or behavioural regulation difficulties, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, and mobility challenges requiring special care.

We use adapted materials, visual supports, sensory tools, and structured routines to create an inclusive and nurturing environment. In partnership with the Yukon Child Development Centre and the Early Learning and Child Care Unit (ELCC) of the Yukon Government — and with their funding support — we are able to offer individualized and one-on-one support that helps each child participate fully in the life of our centre, build social connections, and succeed in group activities. Learn more