Program Statement - Pear Tree Preschool

PROGRAM

Program Statement

Welcome to The Pear Tree Preschool licensed child care program. Our program statement describes how our programs support and foster early learning.

In the early years, programs are most effective when the content of learning is focused on supporting the development of strategies, dispositions, and skills for lifelong learning through play and inquiry.

Following the framework outlined in How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years and incorporating Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT) principles to strengthen our program, The Pear Tree Preschool strives to support children in achieving the following goals and meeting the expectations for programs building on the four foundations for healthy growth and development:

Foundations	Goals for Children	Expectations for Programs
Belonging	Every child has a sense of belonging when he/she is connected to others and contributes to his/her world.	Cultivate respectful relationships and connections to create a sense of belonging among and between children, adults and the world around them
Well-Being	Every child is developing a sense of self and health and well-being	Nuture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self
Engagement	Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with his/her senses, bodies and minds	Provide environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative and meaningful exploration and learning
Expression	Every child is a capable communicator who is able to express himself/herself in many ways	Foster communication and expression in all forms

Young children benefit from an affirming approach that encourages positive interactions with other children and with adults, rather than from a negative or punitive approach intended to manage unwanted behavior. Research from diverse fields of study show that children who attend programs where they experience warm, supportive relationships are happier, less anxious and more motivated to learn than those who do not.

Experiencing positive relationships in early childhood also has significant long term impact on physical and mental health and success in school and beyond. The Pear Tree Preschool Program statement sets out approaches that support positive interactions between children, families, staff and community.