We offer full-day group child care programs for children from 3 months to 3 years.
These programs capture and extend the magical moments of learning that happen every day for infants and toddlers. We focus on building trusting relationships, providing sensory-motor experiences, development of key self-help skills, language and cognitive development, and basic social skills that encourage the development of early cooperative play skills and emotional regulation.
These programs are licensed by the Ministry of Health: Community Care Licensing, and operate under the Provincial Child Care Licensing Regulations.
Rhythms and Flows of Infants and Toddlers
VSOCC child care programs ensure children feel a sense of belonging, security and familiarity through flexible and individualized care and learning. A typical day consist of the following opportunities:
- Gradual arrival, hand washing & morning snack
- Play and learning activities include open exploration, small group activities and active play with a balance of inside and outdoor time.
- Wellness and self-help activities such as toileting, hand-washing routines, and cooperative clean up
- Lunch
- Rest and relaxation
- Play and learning activities include open exploration, small group activities and active play with a balance of inside and outdoor time.
- Wellness and self-help activities such as toileting, hand-washing routines, and cooperative clean up
- Afternoon snack
- Play and learning activities include open exploration, small group activities and active play with a balance of inside and outdoor time.
- Wellness and self-help opportunities such as toileting, hand-washing routines, and cooperative clean up
- Gradual departures
What is open exploration and choice?
Children are encouraged develop their self confidence and social-emotional regulation in all their daily routines and activities. Opportunities to explore and play in small groups with a variety of activities, materials and equipment of their own choosing enhances their sense of well-being, confidence and mastery. Choices include:
- Sensory activities such as sand, water, play-dough and activities exploring sound, sight, touch and feel.
- Fine motor and math activities exploring shapes, early math concepts and sequencing through puzzles, blocks, sequencing toys and other manipulative toys
- Language and literacy experiences such as singing, finger plays, storytelling through reading and felt stories
- Open-ended, creative exploration activities using various mediums, painting, drawing, collage and construction
- Dramatic play activities such as dress-up, puppet play, and pretend play
- Music, dance, movement and creative expression
What are personal care routines?
Personal care routines are based on individual needs. Bottle feeding, mealtimes, introduction to solid foods, diapering and schedules are fluid and based on each child’s natural rhythm. In collaboration with families, these routines gradually becomes more consistent within the group as the children age from infants to toddlers.
Each day, children practice mindful, self-help, hygiene and wellness skills. Rituals and opportunities such as handwashing, toileting, feeding, resting / relaxing, and caring for materials, program space and one-another are supported through individualized and responsive care.