Curriculum and Instruction

Our curriculum is developed through teacher observation and evaluation of each child. Concepts and skills are introduced which are appropriate to each child's stage of development, and which reinforces social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. Concrete, hands-on activities and experiences are planned according to a calendar of themes and units which are relevant to the children, providing meaningful learning.

According to the Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who has exercised the greatest influence on early childhood education, children's learning occurs as a result of tactile experiences with objects in their environment. By manipulating objects and exploring on their own, they obtain information. As they relate new ideas to information they already know, more learning takes place. Children move beyond rote memory recall when adults provide them with concrete materials and guide them through their own firsthand discoveries. Sensory interaction is essential if children are to handle symbols well later on

Baby sign language—a specialized sign language used to communicate with preverbal infants and toddlers—is intended to help very young children to express their needs and wishes earlier than they could otherwise. Baby signing experts believe that frustration and tantrums can be avoided by closing the gap between desire to communicate and the ability to do so.

In conjunction with the Hami's Playhouse philosophy towards nature, the infants and toddlers spend much of the day outside, weather permitting. The program has a peaceful and lovely outdoor playground geared specifically towards the infants and toddlers developmental needs. Whether it be playing at the water table for the older infants, climbing, or simply laying under the great tree, we make sure that all of our children get the experience in nature that they need.

The wonder of nature, honouring children's ways of knowing.

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