Philosophy

The Schoolhouse Playcare Centre provides a positive learning environment, in a homelike atmosphere for children enrolled in our programme. We enhance each child's level of development by striving to meet their individual needs, co-constructing knowledge with other children, the teacher, and the environment as well as respecting the family's uniqueness. Through play experiences, and with the guidance of Early Childhood Educators, each child will be involved in experiences that will promote;

Collaboration – working together at every level with the child, the parent, each other and the larger community.
The Image Of The Child - conceptualizing the child as competent, inventive and full of ideas
Environment As The Third Teacher - preparing an environment that acts as a third teacher
Relationships – seeing the importance of relationships 1. Physically, in the way objects are displayed in the classroom, 2. Socially and emotionally, in the interactions of the people in the environment, and 3. intellectually, in the approach to learning that is always seen in context
Transparency – creating transparency through light that infuses every space and in the mirrors, light tables, and glass jars that catch and reflect the light around the classroom, as well as metaphorically in the openness to ideas and theories from other parts of the world and in the availability of information for parents and visitors
Documentation – providing a verbal and visual trace of the children’s experiences and work
Provocation – listening closely to the children and devising a means for provoking further thought and action
Progettuzione – making flexible plans for the further investigation of ideas and devising the means for carrying them out in collaboration with the children, parents, and, at times, the larger community
One Hundred Languages Of Children – encouraging children to make symbolic representations of their ideas and providing them with many different kinds of media for representing these ideas.
Respect – showing respect for children, families, teachers, environment and materials
Reciprocity – valuing interaction and the exchange of ideas

We are committed to a holistic approach in providing quality care for all children.

"Schoolhouse Playcare Centre holds a special place in my heart. The centre is a second home to my daughter, and all staff deliver quality care by celebrating her uniqueness, encouraging her curiosity, initiative and independence. It was very important to me that she not be made to fit a mold, at Schoolhouse she is respected as a capable individual and is encouraged to investigate and explore her interests. The families as well as the community participate in her development, helping to provide positive experiences. As a parent I am invited to be a part the planning for the current topics of interest for her and her classmates and there are workshops offered for parents and caregivers to attend to aid them as they work to help their children reach their fullest potential. She adores her educators and all staff members are exceptional. By regularly attending professional development sessions staff of the centre stay at the forefront of Early Childhood Education.

I feel that my daughter was well equipped to begin Elementary school due to the education she received at the centre. Schoolhouse has helped to set a great foundation for my daughter as she moves throughout her life and I am truly appreciative of the centre, its philosophy and all the dedicated staff."

Thank you
Sherry Kudlacek