Questions about Full Day Kindergarten

The decision about what to do for your child when they are eligible to start Full Kindergarten is a difficult decision for many parents. The most important thing you can do as a parent is to gather all of the available information so that you can make an informed decision about what is best for you and your child. We have put together the following information to help you in this decision making process. If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to discuss them directly with your centre's director.

Is it mandatory for my child to start attending Full Day Learning?

Children are not required to start school until Grade One.

Can my child remain at Seedlings for Full Day Kindergarten?

Yes. Seedlings offers full Junior and Senior Kindergarten programs that meet or exceed what is offered in the public school systems.

Why should children attend Full Day Kindergarten?

This is a wonderful and enriching experience for most children. Four and five year olds are capable of forming strong friendships and are eager to learn more about the world around them. It also gives them experience functioning in a group setting. In addition to academics, it is also a time to learn and practice skills such as listening, following teachers’ instructions and working cooperatively and productively as part of a group. When your child attends Seedlings they will become a part of this enriching experience and you will see the benefits now, and for years to come.

What are my choices for Full Day Kindergarten Programs?

There are many options for parents and children when they are old enough to attend Full Day Kindergarten programs. Public and separate school boards, private schools and child care centres all offer these programs.  Seedlings Child Care Centre offers an enhanced child care curriculum to meet your child’s full day kindergarten needs.

What types of programs are offered in the school system and at Seedlings?

Some schools are offering Full Day Kindergarten with no before and after school care as originally set out, therefore causing additional and unnecessary travel for the children. In addition to this, most Full Day Kindergarten Programs do not offer extended care for the summer, March break or Professional Development Days. At Seedlings we recognize how important it is to have child care that you can rely on, that is convenient for your family and without disruptions, which is why we do offer extended care and make the transition to Full Day Kindergarten as seamless as possible for you and your child.

Seedlings is also in the process of integrating play based learning into our curriculum which is the curriculum style that will be used for Full Day Kindergarten programs. In conjunction with this, at Seedlings we also incorporate an academic aspect to our Kindergarten curriculum using the Hooked on Phonics program as well as basic math, science and French lessons.

What are the ratios and teacher qualifications in both programs?

The ratios in the school systems are approximately 1:24, while at Seedlings they are 1:10 for JK or combined JK/SK and 1:12 for SK programs.

Although school board teachers generally have a BA in education, this does not usually include extensive training on the development of 4 and 5 year old children. School board teachers are also not typically given a choice of the age group that they would like to work with.

At Seedlings teachers in all of our Kindergarten programs have an Early Childhood Education diploma. This training deals extensively with the development, education and behavior of children under six years old. Our Kindergarten teachers have chosen this age group because they feel it is an age where they can make a lasting difference.

Are the academic programs in the schools and at Seedlings similar?

Our children thrive on our kindergarten program and parents have been exceedingly happy with our results.  Our staff are committed to providing an comprehensive program encompassing all areas of development – including academics, which are not the focus in the kindergarten programs in the public system.

Also, since our care starts from infants, children are familiar with their surroundings and with the staff allowing for a smooth transition. In addition to this, Seedlings maintains focus on your child by enforcing a teacher/student ratio of 1:10 or 1:12 for JK and SK respectively instead of the 1:24 ratio used by the school boards. This will give your child much more direct interaction with their teacher, and will allow the teacher to spend more time on the specific needs of your child.

Will I receive an evaluation of my child's progress?

Yes, Seedlings will arrange for a parent/teacher interview mid-year and will also provide you with a written evaluation annually. Daily communication between parents and educators will also help to ensure that you are always aware of your child's progress and any potential concerns. Our teachers spend a great deal of time with your child in a low ratio setting and have a good understanding of your child and their capabilities.

We also complete Nipissing Screenings on our children. These screenings are proactive tools that allow us to fully assess your child’s needs and capabilities, and will help us to proactively identify any potential problem areas in a child's development. The screenings explore your child’s skills at key developmental stages in the following areas: vision, hearing, speech, language, communication, gross and fine motor, cognitive, social/emotional and self-help.

Why should my child stay at Seedlings for Full Day Learning?

Seamless days, lower ratios, highly qualified staff, hot lunches and snacks provided, rest time available for those children who still need it and no scheduling or busing issues will make the transition to full day learning less stressful and more manageable for you and your child. Your child will receive a wonderful academic and educational curriculum in a more nurturing and comfortable environment.