Childcare (Toddler – 6 years)

Philosophy

At St-Laurent Academy Childcare, we pride ourselves in having an overall vision of each child.  We respect each individual and emphasize everyone’s ability to succeed whatever they undertake.

To accompany each child in his/her development, we take into consideration the personal pace in his/her evolution as well as the various length of time each child needs at different developmental stages.

We ask each child, no matter what their chronological age to fully invest themselves at all levels according to their capacities and to develop at the same time their intellect, their body and their heart.

Play seems to be the best approach for the majority of learning acquisitions.  Manual activities as well as sport or recreational activities stimulate intellectual, artistic and social abilities.

As well, we educate the children to the importance of self-respect and respect of others, meaning of individual and social responsibilities so as to bring them to a personal and collective discipline.  We also endeavour to initiate the children to a sense of observation of their community and of their environment so that they may discover the multiple facets of all that surrounds them.  Regardless of their age, children are constantly acquiring new concepts. They are constantly learning and…LEARNING IS FUN!

Toddler & Preschool Programs

The St-Laurent Academy Childcare provides care in separate English and French programs for children from 18 months to 4 years (maximum capacity of 61 children) with programs for Toddler and Preschool, and operates out of St-Laurent Complex, a City of Ottawa Recreational & Community Centre. We offer the following programs:

St-Laurent Academy prides itself on offering a diversified curriculum to accommodate most children.  We develop children’s various abilities: language, cognitive, intellectual as well as social skills.  Our excellent recreational program exposes children to various settings thereby increasing their awareness of community facilities. 

Toddler developmental activities

Self-help skills such as: Dressing (undressing), Finger / spoon feeding, Toilet training

Other activities such as: Circle time, Arts & crafts, Reading – telling stories

Teaching: Nursery rhymes, Finger play, Songs, Special event activities

Sport Activities: Tae Kwon Do, Gymnastics, Ballet, Swimming Lessons, Yoga

Sample Sport schedule for Toddlers

Swimming: The ratio for swimming is 2 children for 1 adult and new students will have one on one time until they feel comfortable.

Skating: The ratio for skating is one on one for Toddlers until they reach the preschool age.

Sports that children may participate in are as follows; Tae Kwon Do, Gymnastics, Dance, Ballet, Gym, Swimming

Preschool developmental activities

Self-help skills such as: Dressing (undressing), Finger / spoon feeding, Toilet training
Other activities such as: Circle time, Arts & crafts, Reading – telling stories
Teaching: Nursery rhymes, Finger play, Songs, Special event activities, Pre-reading Pre-math, Pre-writing activities
Creativity development: art and music
Social development: games, various special events activities

Sample Preschool Sport Schedule

Swimming: The ratio for swimming is 4 children for 1 adult and new students will have one on one time until they feel comfortable.

Sports that children may participate in are as follows; Tae Kwon Do, Gymnastics, Dance, Ballet, Gym, Swimming, Skating.

Home/School Communication

Communication book:  This book is a means of communication between the parent and the teacher. We encourage parents to use it, as it is a great opportunity for you to get feedback on your child’s progress throughout each semester.  If you wish to meet with the teacher on any matter, you can use the communication book to schedule meetings.

Report Cards: At the end each semester, report cards are given outlining your child’s development, such as: social, cognitive, language, gross & fine motor skills

Parental Involvement
Parents are the child’s first guides.  We, at St-Laurent Academy, appreciate that you work hand in hand
with the educators and support the people who work with your child during the day. 

To enrich the children’s experiences, we invite parents to come and talk about their work, come play a
musical instrument and have children sing, read a story, or talk about a trip, a pastime or have them do a
craft.  Simply discuss this with the educators and they will be glad to include your presentation in the
scheduling at a time which is convenient to both parties.

Similarly, should we go on special educational or recreational outings, again we would need a few
volunteer parents that are available to accompany us.  We all have the children’s best interests in mind.

These programs are available from September 4, 2007 through June 20, 2008 with optional weekly registration for our holiday programs;
-Winter program: December 24, 2007 through January 4, 2008
-March program: March 12, 2007 through March 16, 2007
-Summer program: June 23, 2007 through August 31, 2007 (weekly registration available)
...learn more about our camps & summer program

News & Events

New spaces opening in September 2008. Call 613-842-8047.

On this page...

• Toddler & Preschool Programs
• Toddler's Sports Schedule
• Preschool Sports schedule
• Pre/Post Care
• Home/School communication

Why St-Laurent Academy

• We nurture every child's full potential
• We engage every child.
• We are innovative, flexible and sensitive
• We offer a safe learning environment

Toddler Typical Day

Pre-care
  7:00     Arrival / free play / socializing
  8:00     Exploring activity centers
Regular Program commencing
  8:45     Tidying up
  9:00     Preparation for sports activity
  9:30     Sport Activity
10:00     Snack
10:30     Circle / story time
11:40     Lunch
12:10     Naptime
  2:30     Snack
  3:00     Library, Art or outdoor group time
Post-care
  3:45     Free Play
  4:15     Snack
  5:30     Post-care ends

—Circle time: During circle time, the children are sitting and talk & sing about subjects related to the daily, weekly or monthly theme.

—Daily activities include: Arts & Crafts, circle time, story telling, and teaching
—Weekly activities include: Sports, music and library
—Monthly activities include: Special activities (cooking, arts, and library programs)
—Yearly activities include: Special events; Halloween party, Talent show, year-end party

Preschool Typical Day

Pre-care
  7:00     Arrival / free play / socializing
  8:00     exploring activity centers
Regular Program commencing
  8:30     Tidying up
  8:45     Snack
  9:00     Sport activity
10:00     Circle time / Lesson Plan
10:40     Outdoor play
11:40     Lunch
12:15     Nap or Quiet time (One on one with children)
  2:00     Lesson Plans
  2:15     Snack
  2:30     Arts & Crafts
  3:15     Free Play
Post-care
  3:45     Free Play
  4:15     Snack
  5:30     Post-care ends

—Bathroom time: Is done approximately 4 times a day, or when child needs it.
For children who have not yet accomplished toilet training, teachers will communicate routinely with parents on the child’s progress.
—Circle time: During circle time, the children are sitting and talk & sing about subjects related to the daily, weekly or monthly theme.
—Lesson plans: The lesson plans are done according to the program outline and theme
—Daily activities include: Arts & Crafts, circle time, story telling, and teaching.
—Weekly activities include: Sports, music and library
—Monthly activities include: Special activities (cooking, arts, and library programs)
—Yearly activities include: Special events: Halloween party, Talent show, year-end party

Pre/Post Care

Pre-care hours are 7:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. and Post-care from 3:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

During our pre-care program, children will have a morning snack at 7:30 a.m. and for our post-care program, snack will be at 4:15 p.m.

You may request to change your pre-care and post-care hours. An additional fee may apply depending on your contract.  Two (2) weeks notice must be given in order to make a change. 

The post-care program also includes outdoor playtime between 4:45 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., weather permitting.