PHILOSOPHY
Westview Education Society (WES) approaches schooling from a Christian perspective where every child and family is treasured, respected, and valued. For young children, preschool & Jr Kindergarten is a fun and exciting place where they meet new friends and have the opportunity to engage in a wealth of interactive experiences. They are members of a community where their name is known by their peers and they are valued and respected as individuals. We include prayer, the Christmas and Easter story, and other stories from the Christian faith throughout our classes. We also have the deepest respect for cultural diversity and the positive relationships that can be created.
At WES Preschool & Jr Kindergarten we believe that a safe and secure learning environment is the foundation for growth and development. When children feel valued, safe and secure, they will have the courage and confidence to explore the environment and learning centres around them. As they explore, investigate, and discover, children and staff become co-partners in learning and discovery.
We incorporate both teacher led and child led times. Our teacher led experiences include circle times where we read stories, engage in music and movement, learn about others through show and tell, and discuss our current learning project. These together times are fun, silly, creative, and full of direction and contributions from the children. Circle times also encourage a strong sense of community where we learn one another’s names and strengthen our skills of communicating and listening to others.
Child led times are a central part of our preschool class as children direct their own learning through play and exploration. As children joyfully engage and interact with the environment, all developmental areas – social, emotional, intellectual, and physical - are met through creativity and discovery. Our learning areas encourage children to become scientists, astronauts, archaeologists, dentists, doctors, construction workers, truck drivers, hair stylists, managers, moms, dads, dogs, cats, musicians, artists, teachers, etc. as children put every part of themselves into creative play. Learning through play and child led times give children a sense of purpose in the classroom.
We see the learning environment as another teacher and the stage for learning through play. Our learning environment is thoughtfully designed and created to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in children. Colours, objects, natural elements, and creative spaces are all designed to inspire a love of discovery and exploration in children while providing opportunities to expand all developmental areas.
WES Preschool & Jr Kindergarten approaches learning from a holistic approach and recognizes that learning is not limited to ABC’s and 123’s. Our qualified staff thoughtfully considers how to nurture development in all areas according to the needs, interests and abilities of each child. Our learning environment is carefully created to support growth in social, emotional, physical, and intellectual areas.
OUR PROGRAM GOALS
 Intellectual development is supported through the inclusion of language expanding stories and songs, pre-reading, math and science activities. We also include project work, an in-depth investigation of a topic, into our learning through play environment. Children have a natural curiosity and an eagerness to discover and explore. Project work builds on that innate curiosity and encourages children to question, problem solve, explore, reflect, and communicate.
- To develop language and communication skills through songs, literature, finger plays, conversation, and questioning
- To develop skills regarding classification, measurement, size, weight, observation, numbers, shapes, colours, and letters
- To inspire curiosity about topics that are significant to preschool children and to develop the skills to problem solve, question, research, discover, and reflect
 Physical development is also a core part of our preschool program. Our newly renovated facilities feature a full gym with balls, hoops, and room to run, skip, gallop, wiggle, and play games with friends! We also use a climbing room to jump, tumble, hop, slide, roll, use scooters, and balance on beams. Fine motor development is supported through manipulative materials such as puzzles, lacing, beading, creative arts, some pre-printing exercises, and putting on dress up clothes to name a few.
- To strengthen gross motor skills such as running, jumping, and catching through games and activities
- To strengthen fine motor skills through the skills of gluing, cutting, drawing, colouring, creating, sewing, pouring, and zipping up clothing
 Our school’s safe and supportive environment nurtures social and emotional development by supporting self-esteem and confidence. When children feel safe and secure they recognize that they are a valued member of the class community and can make friends. Staff gently and age -appropriately guide children to play, create, and cooperate together.
- To support a positive self-image and an understanding that each child is special and respected
- To support the making of friends and respecting others in the class community
- To guide conflict resolution and support collaboration and cooperation
- To support the skills of emotional regulation and expressing emotion appropriately in a group setting
OUR DAILY SCHEDULE
Each class at WES Preschool & Jr Kindergarten is filled with songs, stories, games, show and tell, exploration, creativity, joy, laughter, and movement. These schedules are flexible based on the children’s needs and interests.
 
4 year old Morning Class - Mon-Wed-Fri
9:00-9:20 Welcome, Attendance, Topic of the Day, Show and Tell
9:20-10:25 Free Play and Learning Centres
10:25-10:45 Clean Up, Circle, Snack
10:45-10:50 Book Time
10:50-11:10 Gym and Movement
11:10-11:15 Goodbyes and Pickup
3 year old Morning Class - Tues-Thurs
9:00-9:15 Welcome, Attendance, Topic of the Day, Show and Tell
9:15-10:30 Free Play and Learning Centres
10:30-10:45 Clean Up, Circle, Snack
10:45-10:50 Book Time
10:50-11:10 Gym and Movement
11:10-11:15 Goodbyes and Pickup
3-4 year old Afternoon Class - Tues-Thurs
12:45-1:05 Welcome, Attendance, Topic of the Day
1:05-1:10 Music and Movement
1:10-1:25 Gym
1:25-1:30 Wash Up and Book Time
1:30-1:40 Snack
1:40-2:45 Free Play and Learning Centres
2:45-3:00 Clean Up, Show and Tell, Story, Goodbyes and Pickup
Junior Kindergarten Afternoon Class - Mon-Wed-Fri
12:45-1:05 Welcome, Attendance, Topic of the Day
1:05-1:10 Music and Movement
1:10-1:30 Gym
1:30-1:40 Wash Up and Book Time
1:40-1:50 Snack
1:50-3:00 Free Play and Learning Centres
3:00-3:15 Clean Up, Show and Tell, Story, Goodbyes and Pickup
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