Introduction to Full-Day Kindergarten
To learn about the Kindergarten Program, please refer to the Kindergarten site provided by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
The Kindergarten program is a child-centred, developmentally appropriate, integrated program of learning for four- and five-year-old children. The purpose of the program is to establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years, and to do so in a safe and caring, play-based environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all children (The Kindergarten Program, 2016).
The primary goals of the Kindergarten program are:
- to establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years;
- to help children make a smooth transition from home, child care, or preschool settings to school settings;
- to allow children to reap the many proven benefits of learning through relationships, and through play and inquiry;
- to set children on a path of lifelong learning and nurture competencies that they will need to thrive in the world of today and tomorrow.
The Kindergarten program reflects the belief that four- and five-year-olds are capable and competent learners, full of potential and ready to take ownership of their learning. It approaches children as unique individuals who live and learn within families and communities. Based on these beliefs, and with knowledge gained from research and proven in practice, the Kindergarten program:
- supports the creation of a learning environment that allows all children to feel comfortable in applying their unique ways of thinking and learning;
- is built around expectations that are challenging but attainable;
- is flexible enough to respond to individual differences;
- provides every child with the kind of support he or she needs in order to develop:
- self-regulation;
- health, well-being, and a sense of security;
- emotional and social competence;
- curiosity, creativity, and confidence in learning;
- respect for diversity;
- supports engagement and ongoing dialogue with families about their children’s learning and development.
The vision and goals of the Kindergarten program align with and support the goals for education set out in Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario (2014) – achieving excellence, ensuring equity, promoting well-being, and enhancing public confidence.
Introduction to Full-Day Kindergarten
To learn about the Kindergarten Program, please refer to the Kindergarten site provided by the Ontario Ministry of Education.
The Kindergarten program is a child-centred, developmentally appropriate, integrated program of learning for four- and five-year-old children. The purpose of the program is to establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years, and to do so in a safe and caring, play-based environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of all children (The Kindergarten Program, 2016).
The primary goals of the Kindergarten program are:
- to establish a strong foundation for learning in the early years;
- to help children make a smooth transition from home, child care, or preschool settings to school settings;
- to allow children to reap the many proven benefits of learning through relationships, and through play and inquiry;
- to set children on a path of lifelong learning and nurture competencies that they will need to thrive in the world of today and tomorrow.
The Kindergarten program reflects the belief that four- and five-year-olds are capable and competent learners, full of potential and ready to take ownership of their learning. It approaches children as unique individuals who live and learn within families and communities. Based on these beliefs, and with knowledge gained from research and proven in practice, the Kindergarten program:
- supports the creation of a learning environment that allows all children to feel comfortable in applying their unique ways of thinking and learning;
- is built around expectations that are challenging but attainable;
- is flexible enough to respond to individual differences;
- provides every child with the kind of support he or she needs in order to develop:
- self-regulation;
- health, well-being, and a sense of security;
- emotional and social competence;
- curiosity, creativity, and confidence in learning;
- respect for diversity;
- supports engagement and ongoing dialogue with families about their children’s learning and development.
The vision and goals of the Kindergarten program align with and support the goals for education set out in Achieving Excellence: A Renewed Vision for Education in Ontario (2014) – achieving excellence, ensuring equity, promoting well-being, and enhancing public confidence.