Childcare Categories Offered
Preschool
3 to 5 Years Old
Kindergarten
5 to 6 Years Old
Before & After School Care
6 -12 Years Old
Child Observation
At Wonderment, our highly skilled Childcare Educators engage in a meticulous process of observing and documenting a child’s behavior, interests, and developmental progress. This dedicated effort allows them to gain invaluable insights into the unique needs and abilities of each child, which in turn informs the development of tailored programs.
Moreover, the practice of child observation plays a crucial role in early identification of potential developmental issues. By keenly observing children, our Educators can detect any areas that may require additional attention and support. This proactive approach empowers us to make necessary adjustments to our Calgary childcare programs, ensuring that every child receives the resources they need to reach their full potential.
We firmly believe that child observation serves as the critical foundation for providing children with programs and activities that are perfectly suited to their individuality. By prioritizing this essential practice, we guarantee that children at Wonderment receive the highest level of care and education, nurturing their growth and setting them on the path to success.
Child-Led Activities
At Wonderment Child Center, our Calgary childcare programs and activities are built upon a foundation of the Child-Led Approach. This approach centres around honouring each child’s specific interests, needs, and unique ideas, allowing them to take an active role in their own learning and development.
We firmly believe that children possess a natural curiosity and should have the autonomy to guide their learning experiences. By embracing this approach, we provide them with the freedom to explore and learn at a pace that feels comfortable and natural to them.
Every Educator at Wonderment is extensively trained in the Child-Led Approach and equipped with techniques that foster a nurturing and supportive environment. They encourage children to ask questions, make decisions, and express themselves with confidence.
Numerous research studies have consistently highlighted the numerous benefits of a Child-Led Approach in early learning.
These benefits include:
- heightened engagement,
- enhanced social skills,
- improved communication abilities,
- increased creativity,
- boosted self-confidence, and
- a lasting enthusiasm for learning.
We are dedicated to nurturing the innate curiosity and potential of each child through the Child-Led Approach. By embracing their unique interests and empowering them to take ownership of their learning journey, this aspect of our program helps to set the stage for a transformative educational experience.
Play-Based Learning
Play-based Learning is a key component and integral part of the Wonderment Child Centre early learning programs and activities. It has proven to be an effective method of early education allowing children to learn and develop through the natural process of play.
Not only is it an enjoyable way for children to learn, but it is also regarded as effective in helping children develop critical thinking, creativity, problem solving, and social skills. Additionally, play-based learning has proven to boost self-confidence, increase self-esteem, and improve self-image.
“Play is the highest form of research.”
– Albert Einstein
Play-based learning can further be categorised into indoor and outdoor play-based, each serving different purposes and delivering specific benefits. Outdoor play provides unique opportunities for exploration and physical activity, while indoor play provides a safe and structured environment for learning and social interaction. Recognizing that outdoor and indoor play can be beneficial for children’s development and learning, our Calgary childcare program provides a balance of both types of play in a child’s daily routine.
The Wonderment Child Centre has been strategically designed to enhance play, with an outdoor play area using a natural theme allowing children to get in touch with nature, and indoor areas including a play gym, workshop, quiet room, and a kitchen. Additionally, we have incorporated state of the art interactive walls, allowing children to engage in child-led group activities, or individual play.
Outdoor Play
With the increasing amount of time that younger children are spending indoors and in front of digital media, the need for outdoor play is at its highest. Studies have shown that insufficient outdoor play has a detrimental effect on the early growth and development of children.
As a result, Wonderment Child Centre has committed considerable time and resources to the development of an advanced child-led outdoor child play program.
In the Wonderment facility we have created a strategically designed, nature themed, outdoor play area accommodating spaces for water, sand play, and more. Additionally, we make use of a number of larger parks, playgrounds, and school yards in the community that provide variety, allow for additional activities, and enhance the outdoor play experience.
Our outdoor play program is not a simple clone of recess, as often perceive by many parents. It is a research based program and an integral part of the overall Wonderment approach to early development. Using an Emergent Curriculum methodology, the outdoor play program is child-led, beginning with observation by the Educators, brainstorming, and then tailoring the program to the specific interests of each child.
The Educators at Wonderment Child Centre are experienced and trained in all aspects of outdoor play. Taking on the role of co-learners, co-researchers, and co-imagineers of play, they become partners rather than teachers, thus making the educational experience more meaningful to the child.
Outdoor play has proven to be beneficial to early development in 5 key areas:
Physical Development
Engaging in outdoor physical activities promotes motor skill development, coordination, balance, muscle growth and overall physical fitness.
Cognitive Development
Our nature themed setting promotes cognitive development by enabling the children to explore all senses – sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste. Studies have shown that exposure to nature can increase attention, memory, creativity, and overall cognitive function.
Social Development
Our outdoor play area is designed to encourage children to communicate, interact, and engage with others – an ideal setting for the development of social skills that cannot be learned while playing indoors or in isolation.
Emotional Development
Outdoor play affords children the opportunity to freely express their emotions and release energy through natural play activities such as running, jumping, shouting, and of course, laughing.
Connecting With Nature
Outdoor play in a natural environment has proven to create a connection to nature, promoting an appreciation for the environment. Studies have shown that exposure to nature has a positive impact on the child’s emotional well-being, level of stress, and anxiety.
Environment Of Inclusivity
At Wonderment Child Centre, inclusivity lies at the heart of everything we do. We firmly believe that every child, without exception, deserves to be acknowledged, respected, and treated as a unique individual.
Our team of Educators and staff members goes above and beyond to ensure that each child and their parents feel genuinely welcomed, respected, and supported within our learning environment. We have created a safe and nurturing space that is thoughtfully designed to empower every child to thrive and unlock their full potential.
The Calgary childcare programs and activities at Wonderment Child Centre are purposefully crafted to embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a genuine sense of belonging for every student. We are committed to cultivating a community of understanding, compassion, and respect, where each and every child is valued and accepted for who they are.
Inquire Today
Are you ready to learn more and embark on an extraordinary educational journey for your little one?
We invite you to inquire about registering for our esteemed Calgary childcare program at Wonderment Child Centre. Our top priority is to provide exceptional care and education for your child, ensuring their holistic development in a nurturing environment. Not only do we offer a rich and engaging curriculum, but we also take pride in our competitive fees and are pleased to inform you that subsidies are available to support eligible families.
Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to secure a place for your child at Wonderment Child Centre. We are happy to answer any questions you may have so that you can make an informed decision.