Our Philosophy

• At Top O’ The Hill we focus on ‘learning through play’ which is vital to all areas of children’s development. Play promotes mastery as children practice skills; it further enhances cognitive development as thinking abilities are expanded; it involves using language to build vocabulary; it requires physical activity and burns off energy; it helps children work through emotions; its inventive nature makes it creative, it enhances socialization skills; above all this, however, it provides a way for children to assimilate and integrate their life experiences.
  
• Teachers are actively involved in all aspects of the program, from sitting on the carpet for circle time to providing one on one attention at the different activities and learning centres.
  
• We strive to provide a safe, secure, child-centered environment that is nurturing and fun; permeated by an attitude of openness, acceptance and encouragement.
  
• Age appropriate activities and materials encourage children to use their imagination and are designed to promote creativity, foster interaction, and develop cognitive and gross/fine motor skills.
  
• Circle times enhance social development. Children practice turn taking, learn to respect the rights of others, and experience talking in a large group. A child’s vocabulary is embellished through the many songs, books, and finger plays introduced, while enhancing comprehension and receptive language skills. During circle time, children improve their cognitive development by predicting outcomes, problem solving, and memory work.
  
• We use weekly themes to introduce children to the world around them. We have a large inventory of toys, puzzles, manipulatives, books and dramatic play materials and we rotate them weekly to match the theme.
  
• Our goal is to introduce children to rules and routines, assist them in learning how to co-operate with their peers, express their feelings, and to acquire an excitement and love for learning.
  
• When your child leaves Top O’ The Hill and is ready to continue their education with confidence and enthusiasm, we have successfully reached our goals.