Cache Level 3 – Preschools and Early Learning Centres

Early Learning Centres

Early learning is the foundation for a child’s future success, and quality early learning programs are an investment in children’s lives. Through quality environments, well-trained and caring early learning professionals support children’s healthy development and help them reach their full potential.

Education service provider Porse is in regular discussion with the Ministry to ascertain what options might be available for ECE providers when moving from level 2 to 3. They will pass on any considerations they are aware of regarding bubble sizes and physical interactions with children to ensure the ministry is fully informed before making any decisions.

The Return to Licensed ECE Grant provides funding to support qualified educators who work with preschool children (age 0-school entry) in licensed early learning and childcare centres. This grant is administered through the province’s Education Services Branch.

Preschools

Preschools provide a nurturing environment where children can explore, play and learn through experiences that are meaningful to them. They help to ensure that all children have access to quality early learning opportunities that prepare them for school and life. They also help to foster children’s creativity, encourage independence and support their social and emotional development.

The PEI Early Learning Framework is a comprehensive set of guidelines that reflects the province’s vision for all children – that children in Prince Edward Island are healthy and happy, curious and creative, playful and joyous, loved and valued, and safe. The government of Prince Edward Island has made significant investments to increase the number of preschool spaces and improve the quality of care in licensed early learning and child care centres.

YMCA Early Learning Centers use The Creative Curriculum, an evidence-based teaching methodology rooted in the belief that all children are capable and competent learners. This research-based approach promotes children’s creativity, builds their confidence and supports them to develop lifelong critical thinking skills.

Each classroom has a licensed Early Childhood Educator with years of experience. They are trained to create a play-based learning environment that supports children’s developmental and social emotional needs. Educators are guided by the Y’s Early Learning Philosophy, which emphasizes that young children learn through exploration and discovery.

A child’s first five years are a critical time for their brain development. That is why it is so important to choose a high-quality preschool that will give them the best foundation for future success in school and life. The Yamhill Community Care Early Learning Hub works to make it easy for families to find child care and other early learning programs in their communities. Families can search for child care and other programs, find help paying for child care, and learn about the Keystone STARS quality rating system via our online portal, COMPASS.

Kindergarten

Early learning centres prepare children for school by promoting their social, emotional, physical and cognitive development. They also provide high-quality education and care to help children reach their full potential.

High quality early childhood education can improve outcomes, narrow achievement gaps and convey long-term benefits for students in school and in life. Providing high quality early learning is a public priority and a shared responsibility. The state has a variety of ways to support families in need and make sure all children have access to quality early learning programs.

There is strong evidence that the experience of attending a TOP Early Learning Center can have lasting impacts on children. Across multiple years of follow-up, teachers report that TOP children behave more appropriately in their classrooms, have more competent social interactions and demonstrate more emotional maturity than their peers.

The child’s innate curiosity is harnessed as they engage in hands-on explorations using a variety of learning centers including art, music, dramatic play and sensory motor. Multi-age groups allow children to develop a sense of community by learning together and taking on leadership roles. Children spend multiple years with the same teacher, allowing teachers to build a relationship and better understand each child’s strengths.

Children in the study showed a greater understanding of school-related topics, including reading, writing and math, and they were more prepared to start kindergarten. They were also more likely to show up on the first day of school, and had fewer absences during the year. This was consistent across the 1st through 4th grades. They were also less likely to have repeat discipline referrals, again showing that the social skills learned at the TOP Early Learning Centers remain with them throughout their lives. This is a clear indication that the investment in early learning pays off. The program is now being replicated nationwide, and the results are promising. Cache level 3 and Early learning centres