Scarborough Children's Academy

      At Scarborough Children’s Academy, we feel children learn best through play in the early years. They learn through all their senses by tasting, touching, seeing, hearing, and smelling. They watch and copy people close to them. Children need to be taught how to play in order to develop, especially socially and emotionally. 

      When children learn through play, they develop a lifelong love for learning. We have a curriculum that prioritizes the way children learn and grow while meeting their needs. 

      Each classroom has a schedule that is posted, this is a state regulation and is used as a guide for teachers. The routine is based on the age group within the classroom as well as the individuals in the classroom. Activities are carefully planned and prepared prior to implementing the activities which decreases wait time for children. Activities are based on the children's interest, goals that parents & teachers set and the development age of the classroom. These activities promote curiosity, exploration, independence, teamwork, social skills and kindness. 

      The schedule is followed as far as activities but not always the times. This allows the flexibility that is necessary in a classroom. If the children are engaged in an activity the teacher can continue on longer than planned as well as end early if there is a lack of interest. Children are encouraged to join in all activities but are able to move around the classroom as they need. An example of this would be: 
circle time is beginning and a child may not want to join due to being very engaged in a sensory activity. The teacher would be asked to join circle time but is completely fine to continue with the other activity. Chances are they are still listening and learning from circle time. 

      During the day the children are exposed to a structured daily schedule. They are able to join in or leave activities as they need. The goal is to introduce children to a variety of activities that peaks their interest; causing them to explore and engage. Some children prefer to work/play independently and have their own space. The only activities that the whole group will do at one time is lunch and nap time, (nap time being a state regulation). Depending on the age of the child or circumstances, being really tired, naps can be given when needed. 

      Children are engaged more frequently than we think. They are learning whether they are at circle time or not, playing alone or with others or just observing their environment.