• Encourage children to interact and communicate in a positive way.
• Support children’s ability to self-regulate.
• Foster children’s exploration, play and inquiry.
• Provide child-initiated and adult-supported experiences.
• Offer children opportunities to create authentic lasting relationships with others in the program.

Through play children acquire a variety of new skills. They learn to make choices as well as to recognize and respect the needs and feelings of others. Children are encouraged to bring their vocabulary from home into the daycare setting, talking about important people in their lives and greeting others in French and English.

To support the development of language and communication skills staff motivate children to use new words during play by asking open ended questions to extend their comprehension of words. New vocabulary is introduced alongside words that the children are already familiar with and are used in conversations which provide context.

Our goal is for children to feel comfortable and confident to freely communicate their thoughts, interests, feelings and needs. Each child develops at his/her own pace in a stimulating and enjoyable environment.

Children learn best through play and this is why our Child Care Program offers a play-based learning environment.  Our curriculum provides a variety of opportunities for children to learn about and explore their environment.  Daily activities include indoor and outdoor play, individual and small group activities, teacher-directed and child-initiated learning, as well as dynamic and quiet periods. Our Curriculum includes key learning-areas designed to enable children to learn about themselves, as well as others and the world around them.

La Citadelle recognizes the value of learning experiences, developmental opportunities and health benefits that participating in outdoor play year-round can provide. Outdoor play provides opportunities for imaginative play, gross motor development, understanding of the elements and developing a connection to nature.

Staff monitor the children’s comfort and activity levels in the varying weather conditions.

At times, depending on the weather, children’s outdoor time may be extended or shortened to ensure that children are active, engaged and comfortable.

La Citadelle’s educators and staff ensure that the children can be seen at all times by placing themselves in strategic spots to prevent and avoid accidents. All accidents and injuries are documented by the educator present, and the report is signed by the educator, Director and parents.

A good diet is an important part of our program. The meals and snacks offered to the children conform to the Ministry’s guidelines as well as Canada’s Food Guide. All children in La Citadelle’s Child Care Program are served snacks and lunch ordered and prepaid by parents, from the school’s selected caterer HealthyKidz. Outside food or snacks are not permitted in the childcare program.

Meal menus are provided to parents, any food allergies and dietary restrictions will be respected as per parent request. Dietary restrictions and food allergies are posted in the classroom. Due to severe allergies, nuts and nut products are not permitted in the school.

Children are encouraged to taste all dishes served but are not pressured to eat them. An additional portion will be available for those who are still hungry. Childcare staff have lunch with the children to help role-model and to create a familial atmosphere.