| OVERVIEW |
| LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT |
| LEARNING CENTERS |
| SCHEDULE |
| GOALS |
| SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT |
| FOOD SERVICES |
| PARENTS |
| HOURS/HOLIDAYS |
| INFORMATION |
| FEES |
| SPECIAL PROGRAMS |
| REGISTRATION |
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CLICK HERE to see virtual tour of the Daycare Room CLICK HERE to see virtual tour of the Middle Room CLICK HERE to see virtual tour of the Toddler Room CLICK HERE to see virtual tour of the Gym
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
We have a Preschool Program for children with a mild or moderate delay in:
- Language &Speech
- Motor Development (Fine or Gross)
- Social Development
- Behavioral concerns
- This program is Government funded.
The philosophical base recognizes that children learn best through "doing and being active participants in their learning." Many of the activities you see will be informal and play related, allowing the child opportunity to participate in problem solving, exploring, creating, developing initiative, learning through the senses, discovering, developing concepts related to numbers, space, time, cause and effect, spatial relationships, etc. Their learning will occur in developmentally appropriate ways.
MILD AND MODERATE PRE-SCHOOL
The Agape Mild and Moderate Preschool program is funded by the department of Alberta Education. To attend, a child must be between 3 ˝ and 4 ˝ years of age by September 1, 2004 and have a mild or moderate need in the area of speech, language development, socialization, or fine and gross motor delay. A letter from a physician, the health unit, social worker, speech therapist, or the C.A.R.E. centre which indicates the need is required.
The program runs Monday and Wednesdays during the E.C.S school year from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lunch and a morning and afternoon snack are provided.
Transportation can be provided by the parent and Alberta Education will pay the parent approximately $45.00 per month for transporting their child. Transportation may also be provided by Agape Learning Centre if space is available
Philosophy
M. and M. Pre-school believes that an early education program for pre-school children should meet and enhance each child’s social, cognitive, emotional, physical and spiritual needs.
Play is an important role in the learning process of the child so it is a major component of the program. Learning centres provide focus for play, some of which include house, sand, water, science, listening, books, puzzles, woodworking, etc. The centres are based around weekly themes such as colors, numbers, shapes, self awareness, kindness, etc.
Devotions, reading Christian books, and praying are a part of each pre-school day.
Registration Forms
Each parent must complete and return to the Centre a completed registration form. This form provides the Centre with important background information on your child as well as necessary medical information and emergency contact people in the event parents are unavailable.
Parents are welcome to the Centre at any time, and their input is also welcome.
Illness
Children are not permitted to attend Pre-school when they are vomiting, have diarrhea, or a communicable disease. Please phone the Centre (320-2772) when your child will be absent due to illness. Parents of a child who becomes ill while at the Centre will be contacted to pick up their child.
Medication
If medication is required, parents must send medication for their child in the original containers. Staff will not administer any medication for which a parent has not completed one of the Centre’s medication forms.
Discipline Policy
The Pre-school environment will be equipped and time structured to minimize the need for disciplinary action. Children will be given limits that are clearly defined and consistently maintained. Discipline will be used as a positive approach to child guidance, which will teach children self-control and responsible self-direction. Behavior modification may be required for children with special needs under professional guidance.
Agape Pre-school prohibits the use of corporal and/or abusive verbal punishment in the disciplining of children for negative behavior. Instead the staff will assist the children in dealing with their problems in a positive and constructive manner:
*time away from that activity and a choice of another
*a quiet talk
*re-direction of activity
*natural and logical consequences.
Children will not be allowed to hurt themselves, others, or damage property.
Medical Emergencies
In the event of accidents which appear to require immediate medical attention, parents will be notified and director or designate will take the child to the Lethbridge Regional Hospital. If medical attention seems advisable but the injury is not serious, parents will be contacted and notified of the situation. Every attempt will be made to keep parents informed of minor cuts and bruises and their causes.
Clothing
All children are to be dressed appropriately according to the weather as outdoor play is a regular part of the program. Sandals and thongs are not appropriate for running and climbing in the gym or on the playground equipment therefore we ask that children either wear or bring along runners to change into.
We also ask that you send a change of clothes for your child. A back pack would also be a great item to store these clothes in as well as providing a easy way to take home art activities, newsletters and other items.
Staff will provide the younger child with greater assistance in choosing and playing at a learning centre. Kindergarten children will be expected to be more self directed and spend greater time exploring learning centres. Experiences in cooking, large muscle activity (gym), in-class room visitors and field trips complement the learning centres. The activities of the learning centres usually incorporate a weekly theme or concept. There is a balance between the child-directed and teacher (staff) directed activities to provide the opportunity for the full development of each child.
WHY HANDS-ON?
I tried to teach my child with books;
He gave me only puzzled looks.
I tried to teach my child with words; They passed him by often unheard.
Despairingly, I turned aside;
"How shall I teach this child," I cried.
Into my hand he put the key,
"Come," He said, "Play with me."
~~~author unknown~~~
SCHEDULE
Mild/Moderate Program
Daily Plan
8:50-9:00 a.m. Arrival
9:00-9:15 a.m. Devotions
9:15-9:30 a.m. Snack
9:30-10:10 a.m. Gym - Diamonds outside -stairs
10:10-10:15 a.m. Calendar
10:15-10:30 a.m. Art Activity
10:30-10:50 a.m. Open Play Centers
10:50-10:55 a.m. Brain Gym
10:55-11:15 a.m. Speech/Language Groups
11:15-11:45 a.m. Lunch
11:45-12:00 noon Clean Up and Story
12:00-12:55 p.m. Rest and Video
12:55-1:00 p.m. Stretch/ Movement
1:00-1:15 p.m. Show and Share (Girls - Mon / Boys - Wed)
1:15-1:55 p.m Open Play Centers
1:55-2:15 p.m Music and Movement
2:15-2:30 p.m Snack
2:30-3:10 p.m Gym - Stars / Outside - Diamonds
3:10-3:30 p.m. Open Play in a few centers
Our program will use a learning centre approach. The centres open will vary from week to week or theme to theme, but will essentially be comprised of the following:
Morning: Afternoon:
Fine Art All the morning centres
Dramatic Play plus:
Sensory Computer
House keeping Tool center
Blocks Listening Center
Manipulative Playdough/chalk board
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GOALS FOR AN EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM
1. Awareness of the child's strengths as well as a realistic understanding and to develop a positive concept of himself as a person. This goal implies a management of his weaknesses. At variety of levels - getting down to their level. Use his name. Put art work up.
2. To achieve independence in making choices, decisions and judgements based on cognitive, competence and positive self concept and to achieve a mutual with others. This interdependence involves feeling a sense of responsibility for himself and for others within a group or a community.
3. To move from the preoccupation with self and the basic biological and psychological needs toward directing activity interest and involvement and involvement outside of himself. This includes - giving pleasure from various forms of human communication and interaction.
-Seeking problems and finding satisfaction in solving them
-Having the capacity to appreciate and delight in nature and the products of human culture
4. To advance from a stage of dependency on others and of object to a point where he can manipulate the objects and determine what he will do.
5. To learn to cope with social change and with wider relationships. The ability to adapt to change grows out of an overwhelming curiosity to know what comes next.
Following Alberta Education’s document Philosophy, Goals & Program Dimension, this program will address the development of the WHOLE CHILD. (Emotional, physical, social, intellectual, and creative development) I. Goals for each child with respect to emotional & personal development.
A. To enhance the continuing development of self-esteem. -Recognition of self as a unique and competent person. -independent, yet confident to approach others for help &/or assurance -responsible -able to make decisions and follow through on initiative -eager to learn and experience new situations -feelings accepted, respected and secure B. To recognize (name) and express personal feelings and to begin to develop self regulated behaviors II. Goals for each child with respect to physical development & well-being A. To enhance the continuing development of large motor skill, through activities involving the coordination of large muscles - e.g. Running, jumping, skipping, etc. B. To enhance the continuing development of fine motor skill, through activities involving the coordination of small muscles - e.g. Cutting, painting, lacing, tying, etc. C. To further improve perceptual motor skills, which involves combining information received from the senses with a motor response - e.g. Catching a ball -body awareness - body parts & their function -spatial awareness - awareness of the body’s space -directional awareness -left/right; up/down -temporal awareness - the sense of timing needed to catch a ball -sensory awareness - seeing, hearing, touching, smelling & tasting D. To further improve fundamental movement abilities - coordination, balance & stability, locomotion & rhythm E. To further develop a knowledge of nutrition and hygiene. F. To develop an attitude and behavior that promotes wellness. -observing simple rules for safety in playing games -participating in physical activities -independence in dressing and grooming III. Goals for each child with respect to social development A. To get along and cooperate with others in a one-to-one situation, a small group situation & a large group setting B. To demonstrate respect and consideration for others. C. To acknowledge the respect and acceptance of others. D. To join in on small and large group games and activities E. To show a willingness of taking risks and trying new things
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Ps. 46:10)
“Praise the Lord for it is good to sing praises to our God.” (Ps. 147:11)
The Psalms and all of Scripture challenge us to seek our God in a variety of ways and in all circumstances as we live as his children. We do this as individuals and also communally. Wherever two or three are gathered the Lord promises to be there.
And the Lord is there when the little ones in a kindergarten class come together to worship him. It is important to make this a routine part of each day. The beginning of each day seems most appropriate, although a teacher may find it better suited at some other time. This impresses on the children your desire to begin each day with the Lord. Also, for may children, getting up and breakfast is a rushed affair and it may be their first devotional time of the day.
Give special attention to and remind the children often of the significance of devotions in the life of a Christian. Devotions are effectively done in a circle time, allowing a closeness to be developed among the children.
Devotions can serve a variety of purpose:
-giving thanks to the Lord for each day
-giving thanks for individual or family blessings
-giving thanks for school/communal blessings
-making requests to the Lord on behalf of each other
-making requests to the Lord on behalf of a family
-making requests to the Lord on behalf of the community, country, world
-asking forgiveness
-giving praise and glory to God
-thanking God for answering prayer
This devotional worship can be offered to the Lord in many ways through:
-song
-Scripture reading or reciting
-prayer, spoken individually, communally or offered in song
-playing of instruments
-actions and dance
-poetry, story
FOOD SERVICES
We at Agape Daycare provide a hot nutritious lunch as well as a nutritious snack each morning and each afternoon. Children who are at daycare after 5:00 p.m. will receive another light snack.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parents will be able to have their input into the program by a suggestion box, emailing to info@agapelearning.ca and by reading the monthly newsletters, informing the parents about special activities and/or assistance needed. An open door policy is in place and expressed to parents at time of registration, whereby parents may drop in to observe their child and perhaps take part in activities with their child. Special activities will be planned for a family participation and outings.
Parents are encouraged to become familiar with the program and the values of each activity centre by coming in to observe, interacting with staff and children and asking questions as well as giving suggestions
The parents will also be given the opportunity to be a big part in special occasion activities, such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc. Parents are welcome to join us or send in a snack for a special occasion. All snacks must be purchased. When families bring food and drink the program encourages them to meet the requirements of the Canada Food Guide. Homemade food items are not allowed due to regulations. A daily program will be posted on the parent board.
CONCERNS AND EXPECTATIONS OF PARENTS
There is a suggestion box by the parent board into which parents may write any concerns or suggestions that you may have. You may also email us or phone. Outlined in the parent handbook is a grievance procedure. At the time of registration the Parent Handbook will be given and the Program Coordinator will be available to go over any policies that relate to parents and their child.
PARENTS UP TO DATE ON THEIR CHILD'S PROGRESS
Communication notes are done for the younger toddlers which are attached to the inner side of the child's lockers door. The logs consist of information, incidents that occurred, physical concerns (ie. loose stool) and over all composure of the child. Parents are encouraged to read daily. Individual observations are recorded on each child periodically unless there is a special need that needs to be addressed on an ongoing basis.
Individual observations are recorded on each child periodically unless there is a special need that needs to be addressed on an ongoing basis.
Each staff in each group will be communicating information to parents about their children when the parents bring their children and/or when the parents pick their children up. We encourage feed back from the parents and we take parents suggestions very seriously and will accommodate them as long as they are in the limits of our policies and procedures we are governed there by.
HOURS
Our ultimate goal is to provide a Christian environment where we can meet the needs of the whole child in every aspect of development - physically, socially, intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. The hours are 6:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Kindergarten/Preschool hours are 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Ages of Daycare children are 13 month to 6 years. A daily Program Schedule is attached.
HOLIDAYS
DAYS WHEN PROGRAM DOES NOT OPERATE:
Agape Learning Centre will be closed on the following holidays:
- New Years Day
- Family Day
- Good Friday
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Remembrance Day
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
GENERAL INFORMATION
LICENSED CAPACITY: Our capacity for Daycare is 80 children.
For Preschool is 20 children.
For Kindergarten is 20 children.
LIABILITY: Our liability is 3 million dollars.
FEES
Government Funded Program
SPECIAL PROGRAMSGymnastics -Click Here
Field Trips - Click Here
REGISTRATION - Click Here
HOME | PHILOSOPHY | UPCOMING EVENTS | REGISTRATION | CONTACT
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AGAPE LEARNING CENTRE |
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Highway 3 East |
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Lethbridge Alberta |
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(403) 320-2772 |
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Email: info@agapelearning.ca |