The JK-grade 8 philosophy of teaching and learning at OCS is based on the Schoolwide Enrichment Model. The goal is to optimize the quality of scholarship through differentiated learning experiences that take into consideration each student’s abilities, interests, learning styles and preferred styles of expression. Through an atmosphere of excellence and creativity, our preschool provides challenging and appropriate educational opportunities for all students. We encourage every child to reach his or her full potential academically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally.
We believe that it is important to incorporate a teaching and learning philosophy that merges seamlessly with the rest of the school. We value play-based learning especially for preschool-aged students. We follow the curriculum How Does Learning Happen? From Ontario’s Pedagogy for Early Years, where all the four foundations: Belonging, Well-Being, Engagement, and Expression are connected in our environment. “When we recognize children as capable and curious, we are more likely to deliver a program that value and build on their strengths and abilities” (How Does Learning Happen? Ontario Document.).
Our preschool program is led by passionate educators. Early Years are at an age that is about exploring, experimenting and discovery! Children learn best by a hands-on approach. They need opportunities to explore the world around them. Their progress is evident when a child’s face lights up at the moment of discovery when learning something new. Their love for learning is contagious!
As in all of the other classes at OCS, Christianity is at the forefront of the preschool classroom. Along with an emphasis on developing Christian values and character traits, students engage in Bible stories, sing songs, and pray together before meals.
The advantages to having a preschool within an existing school go beyond student readiness for Kindergarten. The JK and SK classrooms are right down the hall which provides opportunity for multi-age interaction as well as informal mentoring. Lifelong, meaningful friendships are more readily formed when students begin the educational journey at a younger age.
The OCS Preschool accepts students from ages 2.5 to 3.8 years of age with full-day or morning only options. Hours of operation is from 8:00 to 4:00 with an after-school program available if required.