This is an overview of our programs describing the goals that guide Educara’s program for all children, and the approaches that will be implemented in order to provide a high-quality program.
Educara (Barrhaven Campus), is a Montessori based child care center operating in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Our location, within the same premises as the Barrhaven Viva retirement community, provides us with a unique opportunity for intergenerational participation.
We provide two well-equipped classrooms, one each for, Toddlers aged 18 months to 2 ½ years old and preschoolers 2 ½ – 5” to “ 2 1/2 to 4 years old.
Educara is dedicated to supporting children’s learning, development, health and well-being through nurturing, caring and responsive Early Childhood Educators and Montessori professionals, who focus on active learning, exploration, play, and inquiry, and who see children and their families as competent and able, and as active participants in all aspects of the program.
While Montessori based, we fully embrace Ontario Government’s approach to early childhood education. Our pedagogy modifies the Montessori philosophy by incorporating more play based exploration and experiences and follows the principles set out in Ontario’s How Does Learning Happen? (HDLH) document. At Educara we covet respect for all persons, cultures and view children as being competent, capable, curious and rich in potential.
The core of our approach to child care is providing a safe, nurturing environment that promotes natural development through:
• Belonging: cultivation of authentic, caring relationships and connections creating a sense of belonging among and between children, adults, and the world around them.
• Well-being: nurturing children’s healthy development and supporting their growing sense of self. Rather than teaching, we firmly believe in guiding and following the child’s natural curiosity.
• Engagement: providing an environment and experiences that engage children in active, creative and meaningful exploration, play and inquiry.
• Expression: fostering communication and expression in all forms.
The four foundations apply regardless of the child’s age, ability, culture, language, geography, or setting. These foundations do not set a structured curriculum. While organized around the foundations of belonging, well-being, engagement, and expression, the Educara program is holistic, melding these separate foundations into a single experience developing the whole child.
