Our Programs

 

LEADERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND QUALITY CHILDCARE

compassion
compassion
compassion
compassion

Building the future

    Our childcare centres feature learning through active play.

    Our program is designed to incorporate a blend of various curricula including Nature-based learning, Highscope, Project-based learning, Play-based learning and Reggio Emilia Approach.

    Integrating activities such as numeracy, literacy, arts, drama, and science into play

    Observing and documenting the various milestones in each child’s development

    Promoting all staff as learning partners in each child’s play experiences

    Implementing the best qualities from different philosophies to meet the needs of our children and families.   

    Programs

    Infant (3-18 months)

    Our infant program is full of fun, explorative activities with an emphasis on a nurturing and welcoming environment. Our Registered Early Childhood Educators understand how difficult it can be for new parents to transition from home to daycare, so we aim to make the transition as smooth and informative as possible.  The small 1:3 ratio of educators to children allows our program to be tailored to each child’s needs, as well as provide an enriching group care environment. Children are provided with plenty of opportunities to explore, move and experience new things, while being safely cared for by a dedicated team of educators.

    Toddler (1.5 – 2.5years)

    Every parent knows that toddlers are busy and curious. Our toddler program allows children to explore their world with gentle guidance from engaged educators. Children are introduced to basic concepts like colours, numbers, and shapes in a fun and interactive way. Our natural playgrounds allow young toddlers to explore what their growing bodies can do, all within a safe environment. At Green Apple Kids & Windermere Kids, children are encouraged to get dirty, try new things, and not be afraid to fail. Our toddlers splash in the rain, play in the mud, and eat plants from the garden! Early childhood education studies have shown that indoor and outdoor exploration and play are necessary for young children to integrate and understand the world around them.

    Preschool  (2.5 – 5 years)

    Our preschool programs are tailored to ensure your child is ready to learn and prepared to enter a Kindergarten environment.  Preschoolers practice their knowledge of numbers, letters, colours and time concepts. They are encouraged to express themselves through various means to help establish their own identities and abilities.  We have partnered with the educational company Learning Without Tears which uses age-appropriate activities to teach letter recognition and pre-writing skills.  The LWT program also enhances learning through simple group games, sing-along activities and fun worksheets. Each day preschoolers participate in valuable social skills, whether it’s planting in the garden or raising worms, children are exposed to interactions that help build skills that prepares students to become lifelong learners and caring citizens.

     

    What We Offer

    Enhancement Programming

     

    One of the ways children learn is through movement. Green Apple and Windermere Kids are proud to offer Enhancement Programming for our Toddler and Preschool programs, which includes Yoga and Dance Class.  Swansea School of Dance and Appleseed Yoga are quality community-based practitioners and instructors that use creative disciplines to support children’s artistic expression and teach how to communicate their emotions in fun and fulfilling ways. 

    Lillio (HiMama)

     

    Lillio is a secured program that allows our teachers and parents to stay connected throughout the day.  Parents can download the app on their smart phone and receive daily reports, updates and real time videos or pictures.  Parents also have the option to connect grandparents or family members to their account so everyone can stay connected.  For staff, it’s a really great and easy way to keep track of a child’s progress, write up program plans and share important information like nap times, bathroom breaks and food intake with parents.

    Meals & Snacks

    At Green Apple Kids & Windermere Kids we know that proper nourishment is fundamental to growing minds and bodies. This is why our meals and snacks are provided by Real Food For Real Kids, a leading child-focused catering program located in Toronto.  They use fresh and organic foods, produced locally and ethically sourced wherever possible.  Real Food for Real Kids also provides accommodations for children with allergies or dietary restrictions.

    Gardening

     

    Gardening is a special year-round activity that takes place both indoors and out.  Children are actively involved in gardening and it is an excellent way for children to see mother nature in action and learn about the natural ever-changing world around us.  Tending to plants and living things fosters children’s empathy, responsibility and develops an important relationship and connection to the earth.

    Community Partners

     

    Green Apple Kids and Windermere Kids are active community members. Every level of our company is encouraged to be actively engaged in the communities we serve. Some community initiatives we support:

    Windermere kids has been fantastic for both of my girls. Both of them have had great teachers who visibly care for them and their development, which really eased our household anxiety about the transition into childcare…Would highly recommend!

    Sean Pynenburg - July 2022

    These…teachers…truly love what they do - and it shows…I can't thank them enough for making one of her first classroom experiences one that we will truly treasure!

    Tina Di Giovanni - March 2020

    We LOVE Green Apple, literally could not be happier with the experience both kiddos’ have… From the quality of teachers and curriculum to the best outdoor space I've ever seen at a daycare, our kids are excited to go to "school" every single day.

    Jen Pott - 2017

    Our son has moved to another daycare that is in our daughter's public school and his current teachers compliment the teachers at GAK because their wonderful care and training is so evident in his behaviour and ability to follow their routines. I could not recommend GAK more highly!!!

    Lauren Phillips - January 2020

    The Windermere Kids team has managed the new challenges presented by the Covid pandemic amazingly. We've been so impressed with the measures in place and adjusted programming to support the physical and emotional health of the kids during this time.

    Kate Sturgess - April 2021

    Our daughter attended Windermere Kids since she was a baby and we always felt that she was in the best hands. We moved and unfortunately had to switch daycares but both our girl and us will have the most positive memories of her time at Windermere Kids.

    Sophie Bertrand - February 2021

    Even through Covid, I have felt that my child is expertly cared for, and myself and my family is also reassured and supported at every turn with excellent communication. Thank you!

    Emily Osborne - March 2021

    I just wanted to give a big thank-you to Green Apple Kids for almost 3 years of the truly excellent care.  I can't imagine getting through potty training without the help of his teachers. It was my first time so I didn't know what I was doing but they did!

    Hunk Golden - 2015