Overview of School Age Programs
- Licensed by the Ministry of Education
- Before and After School programs for children 3.8 – 12 years located inside their home school as well as full day programs on PA Days and other school holidays including the summer
- Staffed by trained and experienced early childhood professionals
- Early Childhood Educators who are Registered with the College of Early Childhood Educators, a regulating body that sets and monitors professional standards
- Provides a safe environment where school age children can play, learn, explore and build friendships
- Nutritious and freshly prepared snacks
A Place where Children and Educators Discover and Learn Together
Just as educators view children in our child care programs, our educators view every school age child as competent, capable, curious and rich in potential. They join them in their play and exploration, follow their lead and acknowledge their interests. Our educators listen closely to the children and strong bonds are formed as they share in the children’s curiosity about their world, engage in their conversations and respond to their ideas and questions. Children and educators discover and learn together.
A Place where Children can Play, Explore and be Healthy
Before and after a busy school day, our indoor and outdoor environments invite school age children to safely learn through play and exploration, build on their strengths and develop and nurture friendships. Educators know the importance of healthy physical activity for school age children. They provide daily opportunities for children to explore the world around them with their bodies, minds and senses and they limit activities where children are sedentary. Educators provide a wealth of natural, real and play materials that encourage children to be creative and curious, work together and interact with nature. Materials are added to the environment to support the children’s interests and expand on the learning and exploration. Nutritious snacks respond to the children’s hunger and fuel their bodies for play.
Full day programs are provided for school age children on PA Days and during other school holidays, including the summer. Days are filled with adventure and exploration and include opportunities for children to investigate their local and extended community, invite visitors in to share their skills and knowledge and make meaningful and positive contributions to their community.
A Place where Families Experience a Sense of Belonging
Our environments welcome families and invite them to participate as they feel comfortable. Ongoing engagement and communication between educators and families supports the well-being of children, gives families a sense of belonging and builds positive relationships. Communication takes many forms in order to support the diverse needs of families. Storypark, a web-based interactive communication tool, gives educators and families the opportunity to share in the children’s learning & daily experiences and the Storypark app is used to provide timely information to families such as inclement weather closures.
“My daughter has gone there since she was 1 and I think I can say we’ve not had one complaint.”
“We have a little girl with special needs and we know that the staff and other students at Whitehills have helped prepare her for full integration to school next year. They are forever a part of our family. Thank you.”
“I feel confident in knowing that when I drop my son off at the program that he is participating in a welcoming, organized, safe and productive setting.”