Program ​​Philosophy

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Treetop's programming is based on the Emergent Curriculum philosophy and follows the 'How Does Learning Happen' framework, Ontario's Pedagogy for the Early Years. This comprehensive program involves play-based activities that are responsive to the child’s interests and development. It encompasses hands-on experiences, indoor and outdoor play, excursions, special events and visitors from the community. Our RECE’s create programming based off of the interests and abilities of the children in the classroom. There are no pre-planned workbooks or planning binders for our curriculum: it emerges from the children and RECE’s collaborating together. Often ideas emerge through conversations and open-ended questions. This child-centred approach allows RECE’s to look carefully at the children and create a flexible program that meets their needs. The topics and activities are paced in response to the children’s level of interest and not according to a calendar or schedule. The educators are responsible for planning and facilitating experiences and activities that expand the learning within the chosen topics. The emergent curriculum can be spontaneous and educators are responsive to the ‘teachable moments’ that occur for all children.

 

We offer a culturally diverse environment and believe that learning should be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. An emphasis is placed on independence, responsibility, exploration, and discovery through play. The activities offered at Treetop promote the development of the child in the following areas: social, emotional, language and reasoning, cognitive, fine and gross motor. We believe that childcare is an extension of the family environment, so parent involvement is important and encouraged.

 

In 2015, all of our staff were trained in the Early Learning Framework (ELF) and we began to incorporate the Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT) document. This provincial framework complements our Emergent Curriculum in our preschool, kindergarten and school-age classrooms. The ELECT document provides a guide to how young children learn and develop and creates a vision in achieving the social, intellectual, physical and emotional potential in all children.



The ELECT framework has a statement of six (6) key principles that are based on beliefs, values, experience and current research findings:

1. Early child development sets the foundation for lifelong learning, behaviour, and health.
2. Partnerships with families and communities strengthen the ability of early childhood settings to meet the needs of young children.
3. Respect for diversity, equity and inclusion are prerequisites for honouring children’s rights, optimal development, and learning.
4. A planned curriculum supports early learning.
5. Play is a means to early learning that capitalizes on children’s natural curiosity and exuberance.
6. Knowledgeable, responsive early childhood professionals are essential.