Our Mission

The aim of Junction Day Care Centre is to provide a stimulating, yet relaxed program that encourages the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of each child and is informed by the pedagogical document How Does Learning Happen (HDLH for short).

https://files.ontario.ca/edu-how-does-learning-happen-en-2021-03-23.pdf

The program’s varied activities promote learning through play and hands on experience. Children are seen as competent, capable, curious and rich in potential, while the adults and educators in their lives are competent, capable and rich in experience to share. Flexibility in the program makes allowances for individual choices and needs.

Parent Engagement is essential to the operations of Junction Day Care. Parent participation is considered an integral part of our daycare philosophy. This is achieved by participating on the Board of Directors or by contributing to the well being of the daycare by helping to coordinate special events, communicating with other parents and encouraging a feeling of ‘community’ among all the members. There are daily opportunities to connect with other parents and staff and to share resources with one another. Parents are welcomed into the classrooms to share their expertise and interests with the children (Pandemic restrictions notwithstanding).

Well-Being

At Junction Day Care, every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being. There are many aspects to Well Being- physical well-being, emotional well-being, it is self care, self regulation, mental health and wellness all contribute to the well-being of the child. Our programs nurture children’s healthy development and support their growing sense of self.

Engagement
Here at Junction Day Care, every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses. Our programs provide environments and experiences to engage children in active, creative, and meaningful exploration, play, and inquiry. We are life long learners and it starts from the very youngest of ages. Children are competent, capable, curious and rich in potential. Optimal learning happens when children are fully engaged in what they are doing.

Belonging
Junction Daycare strives to find ways to include all children in our program, reflective of the community we live in. By working with community partners, we enhance our abilities to accommodate the unique and specific needs of each individual child. All children are respected and appreciated for their uniqueness. Their daycare experience is geared to helping them learn self-worth, independence and respect for others. Every child feels a sense of belonging when they are connected to others and contribute to their environment.

Expression

At Junction Day Care, every child is a capable communicator who expresses themselves in many ways. Our programs foster communication and expression in all forms. Children use a variety of “languages” to communicate verbal or non verbal and when we actively “listen” we are giving them a voice regardless of their age or ability. Research has shown that when our approach emphasizes listening, responding to and building on child-initiated conversation it is a more effective way to promote language acquisition. (HDLH pg 41)

Follow this link to read more about How Does Learning Happen

https://files.ontario.ca/edu-how-does-learning-happen-en-2021-03-23.pdf