The PlaySpace program is an educational/ hands on approach that helps children develop in all areas. The fundamental premise of the curriculum is that children are active learners - learning best from direct, hands on experiences with people, objects and events. The children's interests and choices are the focus of the program, and they are encouraged to "construct" their own knowledge by pursuing their personal interests and interacting with the world and people around them. Students take the first step in the learning process by making choices and following through on their plans and decisions. Educators, caregivers, and parents offer physical, emotional, and intellectual support. Active learning is essential to all the activities in the program, whether planned by educators or initiated by children. 

 

The Early Years Curriculum at The PlaySpace is based on the goals for children and expectations for programs outlined in The Ministry of Education’s documents:

 

• How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years, 2014 (HDLH?); 

• Think, Feel, Act: Lessons from Research about Young Children, 2013;

• Early Learning for Every Child Today, A framework for Ontario early childhood settings, 2006 (ELECT).

 

Specifically, the foundations of, belonging, well-being, engagement and expression which integrate the goals and expectations of the six guiding principles of ELECT and the interconnections strive to provide the best outcomes for children, families and educators. 

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