inteLLectuAL DeveLopment. our daycares have adopted the playing to learn educational approach; a national initiative developed by the YMCa of greater Toronto. This unique child development program combines three decades of child care experience with the latest findings on how the brain develops and how children learn. it also benefits from the continuous exchange of best practices between the various YMCa associations across Canada.
the ymcAs of Québec beLieveS thAt chiLDren’S eArLy experienceS pLAy A Determining roLe in their future phySicAL, SociAL, emotionAL AnD
pLAying to LeArn
Sporting large bunny ears, four-and-a-half-year-old Rachel proudly shows off her stuffed animal; a rabbit of course! It’s just a few days before Easter and the enthusiasm displayed by Rachel and her friends for this holiday helped dictate one of the themes of the week.
The previous week, they were interested in animals. To mark the occasion, the children decided to build their own Biodôme in class. Because in this unique daycare, children have their say!
“The interests and needs of the children dictate all of our activities,” states Michelle Grant with a smile. Michelle, who Rachel continues to call "my teacher", is first and foremost a "play partner", a person there to encourage rather than to control.
Surprising? “Our role is to accompany the little ones as they explore and investigate, to listen to them and, above all, to respect each child’s pace.” At the Saint-Laurent Y centre’s daycare, where the team of educators excels in the implementation of the Playing to Learn approach, the facility is furnished with comfortable chairs, has natural lighting, and has walls painted with warm tones. In order to foster learning, the decor is adapted to each new interest. We want the children to feel like they are at home.
“Since we actively participate in their play, the children are not afraid to ask questions or try new things. I’ve seen many children come out of their shells here,” sums up Michelle.
According to her father, Rachel is a happy and fulfilled little girl and he is glad to have chosen the YMCA daycare.
1 Source: En route pour l’école ! Enquête sur la maturité scolaire des enfants montréalais, Direction de santé publique de Montréal, 2008.
In 1909, a fundraising campaign of $150,000 allowed the YMCA to expand. It was the first public fundraising campaign of this scale in Montreal.
The YMCAs of Québec - 13
“i Love my DAycAre. it’S even better thAn being
At home.” Rachel
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32