Our "Good Beginnings" pre-school program will be facilitated this year by Miss Jennifer Kravitz who holds her ECE Certificate. We encourage the children to try things that are "different", to explore new ideas and to be tolerant of differences among their peers. We also try to expose them to as many new things as possible by taking them on field trips, going to the Library and to as many cultural events as possible that happen during the week. We take the children to other parks so they can explore different play settings, and we are vigilant in providing new experiences within our own play yard. All parents want the best for their children. Most would agree that success in anything requires preparation.

Our "Good Beginnings" program prepares children for kindergarten by:

• providing for and ensuring children's physical, social and emotional care and safety, and
• providing children with the "tools" they need for successful transition into the school environment.
• Intended Learning Outcomes of Good Beginnings Students Children who spend the year in this program work toward being able to:
• move throughout their day as smoothly as possible by establishing and practicing daily routines;
• name, recognize and differentiate all alphabet letters and sounds (versus simple recitation);
• learning and practicing month names, days of the week, seasons, colors and shapes;
• learn and practice pre-printing skills such as letters, numbers, shapes and word tracing;
• identify their own and their parent's last names and their own phone number;
• begin to print their own names;
• be introduced to the concepts of time and Canadian money.

In addition, the children will experience the satisfaction and pride of their increasing independence by demonstrating an ability to:

• dress/undress themselves in an organized way;
• wash before/after eating;
• meet their toileting needs;
• take part in caring for their books, toys and clothing;
• exercise, within limits, choice of toys/activities (as on "Show and Tell" Fridays);
• recognize when help is needed and ask for it (versus stating that "I can't do it");
• enjoy field trip outings by following directions and instructions because they have learned to do so at the day care;
• talk about themselves and identify their feelings;
• react calmly and follow safety instructions during monthly fire drills;
• identify their teachers and other day care staff by name and addressing them with their title (Miss, Mrs., Mr.)

The children in this program are generally more than ready for Kindergarten with this program. Aside from preparing your child in every way for their first step on the road to their education, you will not only have the convenience of a fully staffed year round day care facility, but also the satisfaction of knowing your child is learning even when they are at play.