Tall Pines Discovery Learning Centre is a not-for-profit childcare learning centre based in the Hillsborough area in New Brunswick, Canada. Our program is an outdoor play-based program. We spend 70% of our day outside or in our greenhouse exploring, playing, and learning about the natural world. We offer childcare from ages 2- to afterschool age care (infant spaces coming soon!). We are located on a 5-acre forested property with extensive gardens and a greenhouse where children connect with nature. At Tall Pines Centre, we value inclusiveness and diversity. Our Values and Philosophy
Tall Pines Discovery Learning Centre values the Children's right to free-natural play and exploration of natural non-man-made environments. Having the freedom to learn and play in outdoor environments. Tall Pines is a place where children can do so freely and create lasting memories in an outdoor classroom environment for up to 70-80% of their day. The indoor facility is used minimally, mainly during times of inclement weather and other specific activities of the day. The design and materials in the indoor environment echo the natural beauty and aesthetics of our outdoor-inspired environment, focusing on natural loose parts and plants in a homely setting. The centre values and listens to the child's voice on what interests them and builds the teaching scaffolding by creating interest-based teachings while upholding the New Brunswick Curriculum Framework. The learning center is inspired by various program models and approaches that create an environment that supports what the child is interested in learning, with strong influences from the outdoor/nature school, Reggio, emergent, play-based learning program models, and approaches. The center encourages a child's curiosity, inquisitiveness, creativity, and developing personal interests by giving children opportunities to demonstrate hypotheses, critical thinking, cause and effect, and inventiveness while building relationships. Equality, diversity, inclusiveness, and community are embedded in the center's values, beliefs, and mission. The center respects everyone regardless of race, s*x, s*xual orientation, ability, exceptionality, culture, religion, beliefs, and socioeconomics. The centre teaches children about multiculturalism and collaborates with families and members of the communities to share their traditions and cultures with children in the center. The centre has items throughout that represent the children and their families. We offer regular celebrations and learnings for the center's community members. The centre believes in sustainability and stewardship of the environment and instills its importance in children. The centre puts this into their daily practices and operations and passes these teachings on to the children, creating a new generation of environmental stewards. The centre has close ties with our Indigenous communities and has learned how to respect the land and acknowledge land claims. The centre will offer local elders' teachings when available to the children. The center respects every person and values their thoughts, opinions, and contribution. The centre values the families of the children that attend our center. It encourages and embraces family involvement. The families are always welcome to contribute to their child's learning. The centre offers workshops, family gatherings, and events.
