Welcome to Stepping Stone Daycare & Out of School Program
Our programs are designed for infants to school-aged children.
We provide a safe, play based, nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional cognitive and creative development of children. We believe that development can be accomplished through play.
Play, child initiated, child directed and staff supported is an essential component of our program. Play, independent, social and co-operative becomes a very powerful process of development.
Our staff is facilitators for such play. They prepare the environment that provides stimulating, challenging materials, experiences and equipment for children. Children have the opportunity to direct their own activities. Then our staff listens, observe, support and interact to extend and enhance play.
Our Out-of-School Programs are designed to extend the school learning experience. As well, we give the opportunity for children to relax and unwind after a full day at school.
Although we have planned activities, it is the child’s choice to join them. Field trips, films etc. are included in the program whenever possible. At all times, children will be suitably guided, protected and supervised.
Your baby will get the best care and attention with a 1:4 ratio. Infants are provided a calm, quiet, and comforting environment as they open their eyes to the world. Staff will help your baby explore and grow!
We maintain a quality care ratio of 1:6 as your baby explores and becomes a toddler. Staff will support your child as they learn to walk, expand their vocabulary, and start eating on their own.
We maintain a 1:8 ratio. Children spend lots of time exploring, reading, doing crafts, and playing games in. Your child develops friendships, confidence and independence.
Toys and equipment are provided for a chronological age range. Playrooms are arranged in different activity centres such as:
Dramatic Play
Library
Music Centre
Art Centre
Table Top Toys
Puzzles
Blocks & Floor Toys
Sand Play
Water Play
Science & Discovery
These activity centres are updated and maintained. We continually replace, rearrange and assess each centre for further learning possibilities. By understanding the development and cognitive capacities of each child, we match learning to abilities. Teachers guide children, allowing them to problem solve, thus increasing their sense of effectiveness and competence.
Daily Routines
Each day includes various activities.
FREE PLAY
Large blocks of time during the day consist of free play. Free play allows children to choose their own activities from well-defined activity centres. Teachers interact with children, providing guidance and encouraging them to problem solve, promoting learning.
GROUP TIME
This time consists of children-teacher or teacher directed activities. Crafts stories, songs, etc. It can be based on specific themes for special occasions. These activities enhance eye and hand co-ordination, fine motor skills, and creativity, pre-reading and pre-writing skills. Children are encouraged to participate.
GROSS MOTOR PLAY
This time consists of children-teacher or teacher directed activities promoting physical development. Conducted indoors and outdoors, depending on the weather.
HYGIENE TIME
This time provides an opportunity for children to acquire good personal habits (e.g. Hand Washing).
TRANSITION TIME
Consists of a short time period between two activities. This period is kept to a minimum and usually does not last more than five minutes. It is a very busy time for both teachers and children. Transition songs enhance this short time.
REST TIME
This period provides opportunity for younger children to sleep and for older children to rest. Alternate quiet activities are available for children who do not need to sleep. If a child spends a very long day at the centre, it is advisable to schedule sleep time so that the child can spend a quality evening with his/her parents.
