VISION
AN OASIS FOR THE YOUNG CHILD
Laying the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing
our pedagogical impulses
The Center’s methodology is inspired by Rudolf Steiner’s pedagogy and, in addition, draws on other teaching approaches, such as nature-based education, recent scientific findings in neuroscience and psychology, as well as our own experiences and observations in working with children. We base our educational approach on a constant quest to improve our practices, with the aim of enriching our understanding of human development and providing children with appropriate support.
Our aim is to support children in their overall development: physical, cognitive, emotional, relational, social and spiritual.
When we recognize that human beings are more than just our material aspect, we understand that it is the spiritual dimension that nourishes our humanity. This ethical approach to education goes beyond imparting practical knowledge. It emphasizes respect for oneself and others, while nurturing each child’s inherent sense of wonder. By embracing this perspective, we can share essential values with children, such as care for the earth, empathy, and the development of a harmonious relationship with the world around them.
For us, the spiritual dimension means above all, having an experience of deep connection with life itself, independent of any religion.
creating a unique place together
Community
Our community is created in relationship with the local space and community. Each family is invited to consider Centre Pastel as a space for sharing their family culture (traditions, food, celebrations).
At the Centre Pastel, celebrations unfold around the rhythm of the earth. Seasonal holidays of our geographic location and our center’s community are celebrated in a meaningful way.
Our intention is that every member of the community should see themselves represented within this community.
Environment
Centre Pastel provides a “home-like” environment that provides warmth and safety for the young child during this delicate time from birth to age 10. Children are in daily contact with nature, mainly in the garden, with occasional outings to Mount Royal throughout the week for various activities. This natural and stimulating environment allows them to play, explore in complete freedom, and hone their curiosity and independence.
Offering children an authentic connection with nature is essential to Centre Pastel: through activities such as wildlife observation, gardening, woodworking using materials gathered on-site, and creative outdoor play.
Inter-generational
A special feature of Centre Pastel is the presence of elderly people with the children, some afternoons. It provides the opportunity to the child to learn from adults about the life that the child is discovering. Sharing moments with the elderly enriches and illuminates the development of the young child.
PROMOTING EDUCATIONAL VALUES BASED ON KNOWLEDGE OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Doing, Feeling, Thinking
At Centre Pastel, contact with nature and the arts is at the heart of experiential learning. Humans connect with the world not only through thinking, but also through feeling and doing. The heart, in fact, lies on the path leading from the head to the hands.
“Knowing” is more than just intellectualizing concepts. At Centre Pastel, we nurture creativity by providing space and time for playful engagement in everyday life. The whole being of the young child is thus awakened in their thinking, feeling, and capacity for initiative. Learning and integration of a wide range of skills is achieved through group collaboration on everyday tasks such as gardening, cooking, creating and mending.
Fulfilling a Child’s Potential
Centre Pastel is a non-profit organization created in 2024 that aims to help children up to the age of 10 year, to reach their full potential. This short period lays the foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing.
Like a tree in its seed stage, a young child needs enough time to grow its roots, and develop its strengths and uprightness. At Centre Pastel, just like in nature, we cherish childhood by offering a nuturing and intimate environment, in which the child can unfold and develop all their strength and full potential.
Avoiding screens at this young age
We believe that it is essential to preserve time and space for our children to enjoy the deep experiences that are essential to childhood and a healthy early development. To enable young children to remain fully anchored in their childhood experiences, we avoid the use of screens.
WHAT’S NEXT ?
We have the impetus to offer more opportunities for involvement for the elderly, to nurture intergenerational links that are so precious and enriching for all.