DAYCARE / PRESCHOOL
For the child from 3 to 6 years old
Reverence of the child. Respect for nature.
THE ENVIRONMENT
We create an environment for children aged 3 to 6 that supports hands-on activities. Sensory experiences are naturally transformed into knowledge of themselves and the world around them by the children.
By participating in creative, hands-on activities, children develop fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, independence, interpersonal skills and attentiveness – all essential skills for later academic and social success as well as personal well being.
FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN (age 3 to 4)
For younger children, the emphasis is on learning practical skills related to daily life. Life is the curriculum and learning occurs naturally through imitating adults.
Cooking and baking, caring for the physical space, setting the table for communal meal times, folding laundry, are just a few examples. Children develop their forces of will and a sense of self confidence. They become able to take care of their personal needs such as dressing, zipping and buttoning coats, putting on and tying shoes, using the bathroom and washing hands.
FOR OLDER CHILDREN (Age 4 to 6)
For older children, the strength of Centre Pastel lies in its gentle and thoughtful approach to preparing children for the first cycle of primary school. We seek to meet the children where they are developmentally and offer opportunities for intentional growth without forcing hasty teaching that the children are not yet ready to receive.
Implicit learning of mathematics, writing and reading is supported by all activities offered. Numercy lives in our two hands, whose fingers we count, but also in the way we move our feet or throw balls back and forth to each other. Observing nature is a prelude to teaching science, just as drawing lays the foundations for future writing and reading. Children’s innate curiosity is nurtured by the wonders experienced through play and discovery in nature.
In this way, we encourage every child to develop independence and confidence in the classroom.
A TYPICAL DAY
A typical day in the kindergarten includes self-directed imaginative play, movement games, language games, domestic and artistic activities.
Through experiences of the arts children find meaningful connections to nature, their immediate environment, and their relationships to others. Watercoloring, drawing, modelling, woodworking, sewing, gardening and baking are practiced regularly, permitting the children to deeply explore artistic and natural material materials and refine skills.
Our program also focuses on creating an environment rich in music through singing, round dancing and the art of movement (eurythmy).
NURTURING THE BOND WITH NATURE
Children are in daily contact with nature, working and playing in the garden and on Mount Royal.
Additionally, educators who are specialized in nature education come to Centre Pastel one day a week. They offer enriching experiences in the great outdoors to children over 4 years of age. Children are guided in outdoor explorations and learning through lessons in ecology, resilience, awareness and care, responsibility towards others, traditions and traditional knowledge.
Spanning more than half an acre, Mount Royal is a rich and stimulating natural environment in which our children 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 play in a natural environment, the center celebrates the tradition of “kindergartens in the forest”, popular in Scandinavia.
On ne peut pas voir la nature,
on ne peut que la ressentir”
Jean-Paul Riopelle
THE RHYTHM
The days at Centre Pastel unfold following a consistent rhythm in which the children will feel secure, reassured, and competent. This rhythm provides an environment in which the children can freely reach their full potential.
Clarity and rhythmic repetition of a daily and weekly schedule enable them to anticipate what’s coming next and experience meaning in space and time. This kind of an environment soothes the nervous system and enables the children to love to learn with joy.
8:00 am – 8:30 am: Welcome and free play
8:45 am: Start of the educational program, including : thematic/artistic activity of the day, snack (provided by the center), free play and nature outing
12:00 pm: Lunch (provided by the center)
12:30 pm: Continuation of educational program, including: seasonal domestic and artistic activities, rest, free play
3:30 pm: Departure for home (After-School Care available until 5:00 pm, with fees)
offers
DAYCARE / PRESCHOOL
From 3 to 6 years old
5-DAYS WEEK
MONDAY – TUESDAY – WEDNESDAY – THURSDAY – FRIDAY
8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (After-School Care available until 5:00 pm, with fees)
CALENDAR
Annual calendar: The rhythm of the year at Centre Pastel is based on the Quebec school calendar. The precise schedule, including entry and exit dates, is given to families upon registration.
Closed periods: The Center is closed during the November break, the Holiday season, March break and during the summer, from the end of June to the end of August.
Summer camp: Some weeks of day camp are offered during the summer. These weeks are in line with our approach, with activities in nature in particular.
FEES
Costs and Tax: The cost of the program is $70.00 per day, which are childcare expenses eligible for the tax credit for children aged 6 and below (RL24). You can check here what your tax rate would be according to your family situation. Annual fees are billed monthly over 10 months, from September to June.
Registration: An annual registration fee of $300.00 is required and is non-refundable.
Commitment: A commitment of 5 days per week is required.
Exclusion: All costs related to an external outing are excluded from the program costs and will be discussed at the time of its preparation with the Parents. The cost of purchasing the flute and eurythmy slippers is the responsibility of the parents.
Meals: Lunch box from home. Morning snack provided by Centre Pastel.
