The laboratory school

Dr. Jane Norman Child Study Centre

Dr. Jane Norman Child Study Centre is a licensed child care facility that adheres to the Nova Scotia Early Learning and Child Care Act and Regulations. Our Centre serves children ages 18 months to 5 years.

 

Our Philosophy

We believe all children are born full of potential. They are capable, confident and curious little beings who are fascinated by this world they live in. We believe that all children are endowed with natural instincts to learn through play, exploration and discovery. Play is nature’s way in which children learn about themselves and the world they live in. Play is intrinsically motivating, therefore, children play for the sheer pleasure of it and as a result reap enormous benefits.

We believe that all children have the capacity to naturally construct knowledge when provided time and opportunity to engage with others within a rich learning environment. A rich learning environment exposes children to diverse experiences and opportunities and embraces the individual’s and community’s uniqueness. We believe it is the teacher’s responsibility to provide exciting and innovative ways for all children to engage in our program.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide all children with a quality early childhood experience through a holistic approach that embraces each child for who they are today and who they will become tomorrow.

Inclusion Statement

Inclusion is a process and we believe that each child has unique abilities and needs and it is our responsibility to work cooperatively with families to help each child maximize their full potential. It goes beyond the notion of physical integration and fully incorporates basic values that promote and advance participation, friendship, equity and celebration of diversity.

We welcome all children to the Program and will provide meaningful adaptations for as many children as our capacity permits. Our ability to meet the needs of all children successfully and meaningfully is ever changing. We strive to meet the Principles of Inclusion Diversity, Equity in NS’s Early Learning Curriculum Framework.

Curriculum 

We Are Providing an Environment for our Children to Become Independent and Divergent Thinkers

The Dr. Jane Norman Child Study Centre is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach to Early Childhood Education. This approach embraces children’s natural curiosity to make meaning of this world they live in.

Children have an amazing capacity for learning, they know what they are interested in, what they are trying to figure out and as a result children guide the curriculum. This requires teachers to observe, engage and dialogue with the children, after which they reflect and plan with intentionality.

Program Goals

  • to provide a safe, caring and nurturing environment

  • to foster a strong sense of self

  • to enhance and promote decision-making and problem-solving skills

  • to encourage independent and critical thought

  • to recognize and value special talents, interests and needs of all children

  • to foster self-regulation

  • to provide a variety of experiences that promote all areas of development in a manner that is   holistic

  • to establish, maintain and encourage open communication between families and early childhood educators

  • to provide a setting in which students of Jane Norman College can observe, interact and learn as part of their professional training

A Day at the Dr. Jane Norman Child Study Centre…

Our program operates from 7:30-5:30, Monday through Friday.

Each day unfolds based on a variety of factors such as children’s specific interests or curiosities, their energy levels, the season of the year, etc.  No two days are identical.

Our days are filled with seeking out new adventures and exploring the mysterious world around us.  Children co-construct knowledge in small groups.  They are natural investigators who seek knowledge and understanding through hands on activities, trial and error, cause and effect, making mistakes and trying again.

Risk taking is an element of the program. Allowing children to manage small risks, helps them to better be able to keep themselves safe.  They are taught to trust their instincts.

A significant amount of their day is spent in the outdoors, whether on the playground, hiking through the trails of Victoria Park, exploring Kiwansis Pond, strolling through our down town, jumping in puddles or sledding.

A connection to community is a key component of the program.  Building connection to community provides children with a sense of belonging.  For example, children take part in story time each Friday at our local library where they have an opportunity to play, read, and sing.

     

    For more information

    Telephone: 902-893-3342

    Email: stacey.johnson@janenorman.ca

    Program Hours:  7:30pm – 5:30pm