Centre Philosophy
Kids Haven Community Child Care Centre offers a unique opportunity for all children to develop in a diverse play-based environment socially, physically, emotionally, cognitively and through literacy. Our centre strives to meet the needs of every child as well as to create an atmosphere that fosters independence and optimal development. Our centre firmly believes in quality child care that encompasses qualified trained staff, an inclusive program that respects individual abilities, needs and strengths as well as an environment that develops a child’s self-esteem by ensuring they feel valued and cared for as individuals. Our staff acknowledges that the needs of children come first in addition to their best interests which is always of paramount importance. Kids Haven values working in partnership with our families to ensure that children are in a secure and supportive environment. Kids Haven endeavours to keep their highly qualified, well-trained, well-paid, and well-supported staff content, so that they are better able to respond to all children, to plan and support developmentally appropriate programming, and to provide care that respects diversity and values all children as well as their families.
Our programs are also in line with the Ministry of Education’s best practice policy statement on programming and pedagogy of “How Does Learning Happen?” which focuses educators on shaping our children into being competent, capable, curious, and rich in potential. We have organized our program around the four foundational conditions that are important for children to grow and flourish: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression. These foundational pillars are essential to tap into the potential of all children. Furthermore, these foundational pillars apply to all children and their families regardless of age, ability, culture, language, geography, or environment.
"How Does Learning Happen?" Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years
Kids Haven Montessori Enriched Curriculum
Kids Haven Community Child Care has a Montessori Enriched Curriculum for our Senior Preschool Program. The Montessori Method of teaching aims for the fullest possible development of the whole child, ultimately preparing them for life’s many rich experiences. Children will learn together through hands-on materials that are presented in a prepared environment. Our entire Program will be structured to fulfill the child’s genuine need for safe exploration, healthy boundaries, movement, play, hands-on and intellectual learning, communication, timelessness, emotional safety, tension release and time in nature. Children will engage in Sensorial and Practical Life activities which will allow for the intelligent exploration and a high level of concentration of the environment which will lead children to fundamental abstract thinking developing a sense of order and pride of their work. These activities will further increase their sense of independence for themselves and their environment and show respect for their teachers and themselves. Spoken Language Activities such as, oral language, phonemic awareness and the concepts of printed words will provide the foundation of literacy development which is crucial in the preschool years. An enriched Montessori program has a busy, productive atmosphere where joy and respect abound.
“If teaching is to be effective with young children, it must assist them to advance on the way to independence.” Dr. Maria Montessori
Food and Nutrition
At Kids Haven Community Child Care, we are proud of the fact that we can meet the needs of the Canada Food Guide to provide healthy and nutritious meals for the children. Kids Haven Community Child Care uses Yummy Catering who believe that great food makes better kids. You may visit their website at www.yummycatering.ca. Yummy Catering is delivered daily providing both an AM and PM snack as well as a hot lunch for our Toddler and Preschool Programs. In addition, our Kindergarten and School Age Programs are provided an afternoon snack. Yummy Catering works with the needs of the individual child and will take into consideration any allergy, food restrictions or intolerances.
Snack and lunch are a time when children and staff may interact socially while learning about the foods they are eating, practicing proper etiquette, or simply enjoying being with their peers. Further, children are encouraged to practice their self-help skills by self serving and tidying up after themselves.
Enrolment Policy
Kids Haven Community Child Care is licensed for 97 children. Admission to one of these spaces is specific to the availability of space within a program as children move to the next program or withdraw from the centre. Further, admission is based on the age of your child and what program they are eligible to be enrolled. The Executive Director or Supervisor will admit new children based on a waiting list in accordance with the following priorities: children currently enrolled in the program, siblings of children in the program, children who attend Cresthaven Public School or people who live and work with the communities. If a space still cannot be filled with the priorities outlined, children living outside the area will be granted a space within the centre they have applied to.
If for any reason we are unable to offer a space for your child, your child’s name will be placed on our waiting list and families will be contacted once the space is available. Once a space is granted parents will be asked to fill out a registration package. Parents will also submit a non-refundable registration fee along with fees equivalent to 2 weeks security deposit. Further, a photocopy of your child immunization records must be submitted. Children will not be permitted into the program until the registration papers have been completely filled out and with the approval of our Executive Director and/or Supervisor. Post-dated cheques will be supplied to the office on your child’s first day as outlined in your child care fee schedule. Upon the decision to withdraw your child from the centre, one month’s written notice must be provided failure to provide notice will result in the loss of the deposit.
Child Staff Ratios
Kids Haven Community Child Care adheres to all guidelines as set out by the Ministry of Education. In all our programs Kids Haven believes in staffing more Early Childhood Educators as compared to the minimum which is required by the Child Care Early Years Act, 2014 (CCEYA). Kids Haven believes in high quality child care and sets the standards high to uphold our Program Statement.
Get in Touch
We would love to hear from you! If you have any questions about our curriculum, enrollment process, or programs, please do not hesitate to reach out. Contact us today to learn more about how we can partner with you in your child's early learning journey.