How Does Learning Happen?

Our Program Statement

As a licenced child care centre under of the Ministry of Education, we are committed to being in compliance with the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 at all times. In addition to that we have adopted “How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years (2014)” as the document to guide and influence our approach to curriculum.

"How Does Learning Happen?" is organized around four foundations that are considered to be essential for optimal learning and healthy development for children: Belonging, Well-being, Engagement, and Expression. The four foundations apply regardless of the child’s age, ability, culture, language, geography, or setting. Unlike a structured curriculum, the conditions are high-level states of being that children naturally seek for themselves and should not necessarily be viewed as separate elements.

Pumpkin Patch Day Care is in the unique position of being accredited and fully trained to deliver the “Working with Others” program. We have spent more than 10 years learning how to build trust, communication and problem solving skills with the children. These things are embedded into our relationships with children and the way we teach. The “Working with Others” approach serves as the “how to” when it comes to the four foundations of learning.

We view children as competent, capable, curious and rich in potential. Research indicates that when children are calm and feel a sense of belonging and well-being they are ready to learn. By building trust and creating supportive, positive and responsive interactions between the children and staff and among the children, learning can take place.

By following the children’s interests they are happy to engage in learning and express their unique ideas and creativity.

Engaging families in the program builds on these positive relationships and supports the child in their healthy growth and development.

The Board of Directors and our Administration Team are committed to annual review and evaluation of our Program Statement and Implementation Policy. Adjustments will be made as needed as we continue to learn and evolve.

Pumpkin Patch Program Goals

The following are our general goals.  Specific indicators of compliance are developed for each goal. It is a by no means a comprehensive list.

1. promote the health, safety, nutrition and well-being of the children;
2. support positive and responsive interactions among the children, parents, child care providers and staff;
3. encourage the children to interact and communicate in a positive way and support their ability to self-regulate;
4. foster the children’s exploration, play and inquiry;
5. provide child-initiated and adult-supported experiences;
6. plan for and create positive learning environments and experiences in which each child’s learning and development will be supported;
7. incorporate indoor and outdoor play, as well as active play, rest and quiet time, into the day, and give consideration to the individual needs of the children receiving child care;
8. foster the engagement of and ongoing communication with parents about the program and their children;
9. involve local community partners and allow those partners to support the children, their families and staff;
10. support staff in their continuous professional learning