Philosophy

Owl's framework for early learning and care is based on the Expert Panel Report, "Early Learning for Every Child Today" (ELECT). We use play-based learning to maximize each child's developmental potential. RECEs engage children in six primary areas of learning: creativity/innovation, health & physical activity, language (including an introduction to French and other languages), numeracy, personal and social development, and science.

The areas of learning support development in the five domains - cognitive, emotional, language/communication, physical, and social.

Staffing

The Day Nurseries Act (DNA) requires that each program room be staffed by at least one registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs). At Owl, we exceed this expectation. RECEs make up 96% of our staffing compliment.

Curriculum

Owl’s play-based, emergent curriculum is a nontraditional style of teaching that allows children to discover the world around them through their own interests and passions.  RECEs provide support and guidance as children plan their learning, engage with others, reflect on what they have learned and identify opportunities for new learning.

Each week, RECEs reflect on their observations of the children’s learning and identify an emerging or continuing play theme. They identify what they might explore in each of the 6 learning areas that relates to the play theme. Their weekly plan is posted for parents to view. Throughout the week, RECEs document what the children actually did and the learning that took place in each learning area. This is recorded on their curriculum sheet, shared on our white boards and posted around the room for parents to view and discuss learning with their child and the teachers.

Group Size & Mix

Maximum group sizes:   Infants (3 months – 18 months) = 9          Toddlers (18 months – 2.5 years) = 15 Preschool (2.5 – 5 years) = 24  Before & After School: JKK (4-5 years) = 20; School-age (6-10 years) = 25

The DNA allows 20% mixed age grouping in one program room. As a result, we cannot mix JK students with Grade 1 students.

Supervision & Ratios

DNA requirements:    Infants 1:3     Toddlers 1:5     Preschool 1:8       JK 1:10    SK 1:12   School-age 1:15

Notes: If combining JK/SK children, must do so at 1:10 ratio. Owl’s school-age groups are held at a max of 25; therefore they operate at a 1:13 ratio.

Nutrition

Owl provides 2 nutritious snacks and a hot lunch daily. Snack must include foods from at least two food groups. All meals and snacks are prepared onsite by our cook.

Health & Safety Requirements

The DNA sets out requirements for washroom facilities, safe food handling, infection control – including regular sanitization of toys and equipment, playground safety and much more. Owl’s playgrounds are inspected daily, monthly and seasonally by our staff. In addition, a third-party playground inspection – including fall zone/surface testing – is completed annually.

Quality Assurance

Owl participates in the Raising the Bar on Quality Initiative which measures performance in three areas: Best Practice, Quality Assurance and Professional Development.

Accountability

Owl is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of current and former Owl members with expertise in HR, finance, policy development, and much more. The Board is accountable to the members of Owl – that is, the parents with children in care.

Owl is also held accountable by the Ministry of Education – Licensing & Compliance Branch (annual licensing visits to confirm compliance to the Day Nurseries Act) and the Ministry of Labour (regarding requirements under the Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health & Safety Act).