Mission Statement
To work together with parents to provide a balanced environment for a child that encourages optimum emotional, social and cognitive development.
To stimulate and encourage family growth through parent education (e.g. parenting groups, developmental workshops, speakers, etc.).
To incorporate, as our foundation, Montessori’s respect for and confidence in a child’s own nature, specifically his/her inner drive to learn.
To recognize and preserve the unique direction and initiative each child takes in his/her own education.
To guide and nurture a child to become emotionally responsible, socially conscious, academically successful and to meet life on his/her own terms.
OUR MAIN GOAL IS for children to graduate with skills that will last a lifetime and to have a better understanding of who they are. They will learn to answer questions, and question answers. They will learn manners and how to be kind because they are treated kindly. They will learn the importance of community by being a part of one. They will organically create a community by riding the ferry, walking together and discovering all manner of things and people. They will interact with Island community members as they trundle off the ferry to greet the day. They will get to know all the neighbours, and their dogs. They will say “hello” to the park workers, fire fighters and mail carriers. They will observe all kinds of plant life: insects, birds, minks, beavers and foxes.
They are safe to engage in these wonderful activities because they are with caring, compassionate staff who shepherd their interactions with the world. They are free to discover within a structured, safe environment. Lofty ideals? No, just child care. Our program caters to all aspects of the whole child. We focus on teaching self-sufficiency, independence, respect for oneself and others, peacemaking, self-discipline, leadership, love of the natural world, feeling and knowing success, artistry, community and self-expression.
Throughout the day, all activities and interactions are seen as opportunities for teaching and learning. We create an environment that encourages the child to learn through experience, the joy of discovery and natural consequences.