FAQs

Children benefit and adapt to whatever program they are in. It is the parents decision as to what program they would like their child to attend.

Both programs run separately, however we do follow the same weekly themes. Circle time is geared towards each age, as are the different art activities. Both groups go on field trips, and celebrate Hallowe’en and Valentine’s Day with their particular class. We also do our Mother’s Day, Parent Interactive Day and concerts at Christmas and Year End together.

We find all children love their time with us. Some children initially have a hard time with separation from their parents. We find with patience and time that all the children do come to enjoy their day with us. We all have experience with young children and know that coming to a school like Building Blocks is so very positive for your child. Some children do require a parent to stay at school for a short period of time. Many families start their second child with us at a younger age because they like what we do.

There are three circle times at Building Blocks. At Opening Circle we sing the same introduction song every day. Children love consistency and this helps them to adapt to our program. During this time they sit on a mat and learn their peers’ names and teachers’ names. We then introduce them to the various activities in the room, and show them the “art activity” they will be doing that day. We ask them to think about where they would like to play and count 1, 2, and 3, go play. Children attending Building Blocks are taught how to learn and pay attention. In the midpoint in their day, children go to small circle time. Each circle group consists of 8 children of similar age groupings. The children usually stay in the same grouping for the year. The dynamics of each group determines what will be taught. For example, a group of 2 year-olds will have much more active songs, shorter stories and concrete (hands on) activities. All groups will learn colours and counting, have a calendar time, and experience turn taking. This is taught in a fun way. Circle times are mandatory and as the year progresses they last longer and longer. It is a time enjoyed by all. At the end of the program we have our third circle time, the closing circle. This is the time for games and action songs. We end with quiet songs and a goodbye song and then the children wait as their names are called for dismissal.

The school was founded in 1986 to address the lack of quality early childhood programs in the area. The founders aimed to offer half-day sessions that focused on families and balanced structured activities with valued free play.

When the program expanded in 2001, a new educator was hired who had experience working with special needs children through an outreach program. This educator’s expertise and one-on-one work with children with special needs made her a valuable addition to the team.

In 2012, another certified Elementary school teacher joined the staff, bringing additional depth and educational approach to our programs. All members of the teaching staff are certified RECE’s and continue their professional development by attending workshops, conducting research in child development, and staying current with First Aid certifications.

We all share a passion for early childhood education and express our love for what we do.

Children must be at least 2 1/2 years old when they start Building Blocks Nursery School. Our student-teacher ratio in the preschool class is 8 to 1. A resource/assistant teacher must accompany children with special needs. We have children in our preschool program that have come to us from Erin Oaks, Brampton Caledon Community Living and Peel Infant/Toddler Preschool.