Bonnie Doon Playschool

Who knew these two would grow up to teach preschool together? 💛

Long before we were Mrs. Harder and Mrs. Psarros, we were these two.

Our work extends beyond the classroom. Along with teaching, we provide operational leadership for Bonnie Doon Playschool— overseeing the day-to-day operations, leading educational programming and planning, making strategic and operational recommendations to our Board, and helping ensure our program continues to meet licensing and educational standards.

A surprising amount of responsibility for the children pictured above. 😂

Thankfully, we’ve had a few years to grow into it...

Although, based on the photographic evidence, we may be using the term “grown up” rather loosely.

Mrs. Harder + Mrs. Psarros
Teachers • Operational Leadership
Bonnie Doon Playschool

What does “school readiness” mean when you’re three-years-old?

It might look like saying goodbye to your grown-up and walking into the classroom.

Finding your cubby and beginning to take care of your own things.

Asking a teacher for help.

Learning how to join in with other children.

Waiting for a turn— even when waiting is hard. 💛

Following familiar classroom routines.

Using words to express a need, a feeling, or a boundary.

Trying something new and discovering, “Hey, I can do this!”

At three, school readiness isn't about rushing children toward kindergarten. It's about giving them opportunities to build confidence, independence, communication, friendships, self-regulation and a sense of belonging.

Our Early Learners program is designed with exactly that in mind: a gentle introduction to preschool where children can learn what it means to be part of a classroom community, while still having plenty of time to play, explore, wonder, create— and simply be three.

Those early experiences become the foundation children continue to build on as they grow. 💛

September applications are now open for our Early Learners program.

Reach out to our School Operations Manager to learn more about enrolling your child and beginning their early learning journey at Bonnie Doon Playschool.

📧 [email protected]

Kindergarten readiness is about so much more than ABCs 💛

Of course, early literacy and numeracy matter. We work on those things, too.

But being ready for kindergarten also means learning how to ask for help. How to join a group. How to tell someone to stop. How to wait for a turn. How to make a mistake and try again. How to name a big feeling instead of being completely overwhelmed by it.

These little sentences represent some pretty big skills: confidence, communication, self-advocacy, emotional regulation, problem-solving and friendship.

And just like letters, numbers and writing their name, these skills take practice.

That’s part of what preschool is for. 💛

September applications are now open at Bonnie Doon Playschool.

Reach out to our School Operations Manager to learn more about enrolling your child and taking the next step in their early learning journey.

📧 [email protected]

Daycare and preschool don’t have to be an either/or choice. For some families, the answer can be both 💛

Daycare and preschool serve different purposes- and they can work beautifully together!

Daycare provides the dependable care and extended hours many families rely on throughout the day. Preschool offers a dedicated early-learning environment where children learn alongside peers through purposeful play, inquiry, classroom routines, growing friendships, and thoughtfully planned experiences that build confidence for kindergarten and beyond.

For some families, their child can experience both.

Bonnie Doon Playschool is proud to partner with select local daycare providers that offer transportation to and from our preschool. This can allow children to participate in one of our half-day preschool programs while families continue to access the daycare care that works for them.

Already attending daycare? Ask your provider whether transportation to Bonnie Doon Playschool may be available.

Local daycare provider offering drop-off + pick-up? We’d love to connect and explore how we can work together to support children and families in our community.

Care + purposeful early learning. Beautifully working together.

September applications are now open.
bonniedoonplayschool.ca

One day, they'll stop asking you to zip up their jacket.

One day, they'll carry their own backpack with confidence.

One day, they'll run ahead instead of reaching for your hand.

Childhood has a quiet way of changing before we even realize it's happening.

That's why we believe these early years matter so much.

They're filled with first friendships, endless questions, messy masterpieces, and little moments that help children discover who they are.

At Bonnie Doon Playschool, we're honoured to be part of that journey, and to create a place where children feel safe to explore, encouraged to try, and confident to grow.

Because while childhood doesn't last forever...
the memories, confidence, and love of learning can 💛

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