Curriculum
We implement a theme-based curriculum incorporating developmentally appropriate activities, stories, finger plays and toys. Our curriculum is designed and supervised by a certificated teacher with an education degree and 20 years of experience in Early Childhood Learning. Activities, toys and themes are changed every two weeks to keep things interesting for children AND adults.
“The Children are the Curriculum” – Lisa Murphy
Mixed Ages
We have a truly integrated preschool program. Children who are 3 and 4, whether typically developing or with specific learning needs, are together in each classroom. We have found this promotes family-like relationships and children can teach and learn from one another. Multi-age groups offer children opportunities to develop and practice social skills. Younger children learn from observing and interacting with the older children and the older children learn leadership skills and empathy.
Research shows that multi-age groupings benefit both younger and older students in the classroom. According to Dr. Lilian Katz, an international leader in early childhood education:
“Mixed-age grouping resembles family and neighborhood groupings, which throughout history have informally provided much of children’s socialization and education.”
– From The Case for Mixed-Age Groupings in Early Education, 1990
Diversity
We welcome and integrate children with special learning needs in all classes. We are continually amazed at the empathy that children have for one another. Our staff is open-minded, loving, and welcoming to ALL children!
Arts Center
We follow a philosophy of child-centered art rather than adult-directed crafts. We focus on the process rather than the finished product. Children are hard-wired to CREATE, so we allow and support that process! We endeavor to expose children to various artists throughout the year and provide opportunities for the children to explore various art techniques.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world.”
– Albert Einstein
Community Outings
We have multiple and unique community outings throughout the year, we believe new experiences expand children’s learning. Safety and appropriate behaviour in the community is the focus of the outings – AND fun, of course! Some of our outings have included grocery store, Library, Genesis Place, Dairy Queen, Fire Truck visit and local playgrounds and parks.
Music
The children LOVE THIS!!! We incorporate music, rhythm and singing throughout the day. EVERY child LOVES music and benefits from musical exposure throughout the day! We expose children to a variety to musical genres throughout the year and offer opportunities to enjoy music through exploration.
Adults in the Classroom
We have a high adult to child ratio. We have two classroom teachers and divide the children into two separate groups that vary daily. Generally, we have 1 adult for every 4 children per room.
Professional Team
We offer developmental screenings of children’s skills in September through Airdrie Foundation 4 Early Intervention . Should any child qualify for services, there are programming options for families at NO extra cost. Airdrie Foundation 4 has a consistent team of Speech-Language Pathologists (in the school daily), Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, and Behaviour Consultant who are in the school regularly.
Parent Volunteers
We have an OPEN door policy at Inspiration Station. However, volunteering is NOT mandatory!
As of February 1st, 2021 ALL Volunteers must have a criminal record check completed with vulnerable sector.
Centers
Our centers are varied and diverse (discovery/science center, art center, kitchen center, dramatic play center) and we rotate them every two weeks.
Literacy
Preschool children require exposure to various PRE-LITERACY activities, including; rhyming, alliteration, syllable awareness, sound/letter correspondence, and book knowledge. We expose the children to sounds and letters through play. Our teachers have had extra training in “Mother Goose” songs, stories and finger plays.
Science & Technology
Our teachers use the “ooey gooey lady” and share fun and interesting science experiments with the children. We make a conscious effort to plan and execute regular HIGH INTEREST science explorations!