We love spending time with preschoolers! They are clever and funny and curious. Jardin Urbain preschool is a space where these young big-kids flourish. As part of our multi-age daycare, the 4 to 6-year-olds play an important role. When they want to lead and be helpful, they have plenty of opportunity. When they want their independence or they want to be studious, we protect this time as well.

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The day begins with a gathering where the children share how they’re feeling, what they’re thinking, and decide together how they would like the day to go. Then they have a snack and prepare for the morning outing in the community (public parks, soccer field, Jean Talon market, Marc-Favreau library, gym, community garden, and other spaces). They return for lunch, prepared fresh by Danny, then get ready for quiet time.  

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Theme-related activities are the focus of the afternoon, often in the form of stations that the children explore at their own pace. The educators offer workshops in art, science, reading, writing, dance, yoga, math, construction, and the list goes on! Afterwards, they are likely to be outside again from May to October on our back deck or just around the corner. The day is wrapped up with another snack, and the children play freely until their parents arrive.

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You might be wondering...

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Do the children nap?

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If they need it!  There is a regular rest period between 1:00 and 2:30 during which time some children do fall asleep.  Those who do not fall asleep after 30 minutes of quiet rest on their mat are invited to get out an independent activity like paper and crayons, stickers, magazines, puzzles, etc. We discuss sleep routines with parents who wish to coordinate home and preschool habits, and with our three available rooms, we are happy to accommodate rest-related requests. 

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What skills are the children aiming to acquire independently at preschool?

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We help the children gain independence during transition moments such as getting dressed for outdoors, using the washroom, clearing their plates after lunch, sorting their recyclables versus garbage, and tidying up before moving to the next activity. We guide them as they learn to direct their active energy towards moments meant for movement, and channel their concentration during moments meant for calm. Most of all, we model peaceful conflict resolution, and accompany them as they work on expressing their needs and emotions verbally, in order to take care of the people and materials around them.

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Are there any moments of formal studies?

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At this age, formal studies, meaning systematic and intentional education (ie. where a teacher expects a student to accomplish a given activity or lesson with an intended outcome), are not our main focus.  We are proponents of informal education (ie. where children and adults interact in a natural way and learn from experience). 

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However, we certainly do not say no to a child who initiates any form of learning, including instruction-based activities (for example, worksheets, writing, reading, math...).  We do organise activities, especially theme-based, which require group participation, and encourage all children to join in.  If a preschooler wants to learn something and requests our help, we will fuel them as far as they'd like to go!

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Are there any field trips?

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There are occasional field trips in connection to the monthly theme. Parents and other family members are welcome to join. The commute may include public transportation, and the outing will usually be a half-day only. We welcome parent-led enrichment initiatives!

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How will the progress of my child be communicated to me?

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Day-to-day communication is done through the child’s agenda and in person. Parents may request an observation report in February and/or August if they would like written observations of their child in the preschool setting. However, we do not do any regular, official evaluation of the children. Communication and partnership are our strong points, so please stay and chat... we love exchanging with you about your kids!

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Why a multi-age learning community? 

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Our classroom is set up to allow kids with different ages, talents, and abilities to interact with each other. These interactions push children to their maximum potential, for they need to seek out the expertise and knowledge of their classmates, regardless of their age.  The older children role-model behaviour and master competencies by teaching the younger children. The younger children aspire to the maturity around them and improve quickly in their areas of interest.

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