Programming in a nutshell

An Overview

Our Waldorf-inspired program is rich and rewarding, and beautifully supports the young child’s transition from home life to school life. All areas of children’s development are fostered and stimulated throughout each day. Children are encouraged to play and learn at their own level, and extend their skills and abilities.

A nurturing, calm environment encourages and supports creativity, initiative and positive social interactions. An extended free play period allows children to deeply enter into creative and interactive play.
 Children stimulate and inspire each other and play is supported and extended by our educators, where needed. During this period children usually have the opportunity to participate in housekeeping activities, or in an art or craft activity. These activities follow weekly rhythms, are inspired by the seasons, or by children’s interests. Once all toys are tidied away, children join together in a circle. Here children are led through a rich sequence of language, song, and movement games, stimulating and enriching for head, heart, and hands.
At Periwinkle, children share two meals together, lunch and snack. For lunch a cooked grain is served along with a fruit/vegetable platter. Snack is brought from home. After lunch everyone goes outside for one to one and a half hours of fresh air and gross motor play. Our yard offers wonderful play opportunities during all seasons, and it is well protected in any weather. On occasion the group goes for a walk by the lake or through the neighbourhood.

The day closes with a story and good-bye verse.

Enrollment Protocols
At Periwinkle Children’s Centre, child care spaces are assigned as they are available in accordance with Child Care Licensing Regulations and capacity. If space is unavailable, children will be placed on our wait-list.  Children are then assigned spaces according to wait-list order.

Siblings of children attending Periwinkle have enrollment priority while they would be attending Periwinkle together.
For parents
A typical day in Periwinkle
8:30~8:45
Arrival Time

8:30~10:30
Nature Walk/Free Play/
Domestic Activities/Painting

10:30~11:00
Snack time

11:00~12:00
Circle Time and Activity

12:00~12:30
Lunchtime

12:30~1:30
Outside Time -  Yard Play
(often contains sand
and water play / Nature Walk)

1:30~2:00
Come in, Snack

2:00~3:30
Story/Goodbye

3:30
Pick up