Early childhood is a particularly important period in child development. This is the time when your child learns social skills, develops concepts, and forms values and attitudes which last them a lifetime. At Wind & Tide, we recognize each child as a unique individual with her/his own special capabilities. Our environment is warm, accepting and designed to promote self-confidence, optimum growth and development. We give each child as much personal attention as possible while at the same time promoting a feeling of belonging to a group and community. GOALS OF OUR PROGRAMS
We have three main teaching goals for all our programs and locations. They are: socialization, academic learning and global awareness. Socialization
Our signature Preschool and Childcare program provides a semi-structured environment but incorporates a flexible approach to learning. Within the daily schedule there is lots of room for your child to develop at their own pace-socially, emotionally, intellectually and physically. We feel very strongly that the most important skill we can impart to young children is the ability to enjoy being a part of a large group. We teach and encourage Going For Goodness, which is the ability to identify and express your personal feelings; how to successfully enter play situations; and how to resolve conflicts without always needing the assistance of a teacher. These skills and many more are taught through songs and roles plays with both teachers and children. We would like the children to complete their preschool years feeling that they know how to be friends with anybody rather than feeling that certain people are intimidating or boring and therefore unacceptable as friends. Academic Learning
We recognize that over the years Wind & Tide has become known as a very academic preschool. Although this is not our primary goal, all of our programs have a very strong academic component. Over the years, we've found that the majority of the children who attend Wind & Tide come from strong, loving families where they've been treated with kindness and respect. Because of these nurturing family environments, the social aspects of the program come together quite quickly and therefore allow us to provide a sound academic component. The philosophy behind our academics is guided by our desire for children to come to see learning as a very fun, creative hands-on experience which they feel successful with. Our academic curriculum is broken down into six different curriculum areas; reading, math, science, social studies, art, music and dance. Each of these curriculum areas has its own set of goals and each area is reviewed in detail at the parent evening at the beginning of the school year. Upon graduation from our Four-Year-Old programs, many of the Wind & Tide children leave being able to read and write, add and subtract, tell you the difference between Monet and Van Gogh paintings and can describe the life cycle of a butterfly. However, the accomplishment of specific skills and the acquisition of discreet knowledge is not the hallmark of success in the program. We consider ourselves successful when we have motivated each child to be challenged and excited about learning. ABOUT WIND & TIDE'S CHILDCARE PROGRAM
In our Child Development Centres and program, we have the privilege of having children in our care for many hours each day. For this reason, it is very important that we create an environment that feels as much like home as possible for every child that attends. This environment will be created by loving and nurturing adults who know them well. Our staff are trained to look for the unique personalities and needs of the children in their care. Each child is special and of equal value and they will feel loved for who they are. Many of the children attend our Childcare program for 30 - 45 hours a week. It is essential that we create a family-like atmosphere where children and their families feel relaxed and at home. You will find our staff to be highly personable and ready to serve you. Parent/Staff communication is of utmost importance and we will work hard to keep you well informed about your child's daily experiences in our care. WE MAKE LEARNING FUN! In addition to creating a warm, loving and nurturing environment, we also want to create a place where learning is fun! At Wind & Tide, we recognize that play is a very important part of a child's day and that children learn best through play. Wind & Tide teachers are uniquely trained in facilitating play that leads to rich learning and knowledge.
