HHDC offers a learning program that is consistent with the Ministry of Education policies, pedagogy and curriculum. Some of the Ministry documents we reference in our program include the following:

• How Does Learning Happen? Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years;

• Ontario Early Years Framework;

• Think Feel Act: Lessons from Research about Young Children; and,

• Early Learning for Every Child Today.

 

Since we know that children learn best by pursuing their personal interests and goals, children make their own choices about materials and activities during the program time. As they pursue their choices and plans, children explore, ask and answer questions, solve problems, and interact with peers, program staff, volunteers and students. HHDC recognizes each child is a unique individual who brings his or her own abilities to the program and deserves the encouragement and space to try new things, explore new ideas and develop their own unique creativity.
 

We provide an environment that can promote curiosity and allow the children to explore. We believe that every child deserves a safe and caring environment in which to grow and develop to their maximum potential. We understand the importance of taking children’s stages of development into consideration. For each child, their stage of development is an individualized and complex interplay between developmental factors and their unique family, community and life experiences. In each case, we aim to integrate all areas of the child’s development into our program.
 

HHDC offers and encourages opportunities to create authentic lasting relationships with others in the program. We are committed to working collaboratively with all of our community partners as we work together on the mutual goal of providing the best possible child care service to families.

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Our goals for children, consistent with the Ministry of Education pedagogy, include the following:

• Every child has a sense of belonging when he or she is connected to others and contributes to their world;

• Every child is developing a sense of self, health, and well-being;

• Every child is an active and engaged learner who explores the world with body, mind, and senses;

• Every child is a capable communicator who expresses himself or herself in many ways; and,

• Every child is viewed as competent, capable and curious.

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Children’s interests are valuable to their learning and offer a rich variety of experiences. The types of activities we offer daily include:

• Drama, music, dance and visual arts;

• Physical literacy;

• Language and literacy;

• Nature, science and technology;

• Construction and design;

• Daily opportunities for physical play and active outdoor play;

• Opportunities for school-age children to work on their homework; and,

• Rest time for children who require it, based on their developmental needs.