Program Statement

Welcome to The Apple Tree Preschool & Learning Centre; licensed child care program. Our program statement describes how our programs support and foster early learning.

In the early years, programs are most effective when the content of learning is focused on supporting the development of strategies, dispositions, and skills for lifelong learning through play and inquiry.

Following the framework outlined in How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years and incorporating Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT) principles to strengthen our program, The Apple Tree Preschool strives to support children in achieving the following goals and meeting the expectations for programs building on the four foundations for healthy growth and development:

Young children benefit from an affirming approach that encourages positive interactions with other children and with adults, rather than from a negative or punitive approach intended to manage unwanted behavior. Research from diverse fields of study show that children who attend programs where they experience warm, supportive relationships are happier, less anxious and more motivated to learn than those who do not. Experiencing positive relationships in early childhood also has significant long term impact on physical and mental health and success in school and beyond. The Apple Tree Preschool Program statement sets out approaches that support positive interactions between children, families, staff and community.