Enrichment Programs

Designed for whole child development

Infant laying on the ground looking at the camera

Baby Signs

Language development is a defining moment in a child’s academic journey. When babies can express their needs as young as 3 months old, it limits their frustration, builds confidence and lays the foundation for language development. The Baby Signs curriculum in our Infant program is founded in scientific research. Our educators take the 10 fundamental signs and layer on additional words each month to increase their breadth of understanding. By the end of the program, infants will be exposed to 15 essential signs.

Key benefits

Early communication

Studies have shown that when children utilize Baby Signs with verbal queues, they learn to speak earlier.

Limits frustration

When babies can express their needs, it limits frustration & builds a trusting relationship with their parents/educators.

Builds confidence

Children will be more confident in identifying their needs when they receive the desired result from adults.

Second Step

As an evidence-based program, the goal of Second Step is to support Preschool and JK/SK children’s mental health and well-being as they cultivate positive friendships in the classroom. Second Step nurtures a child’s emotional intelligence as they learn to identify and label complex emotions within themselves while empathizing with others. By honing conflict resolution and communication skills, children learn to navigate relationships respectfully with educators there to guide and provide additional tools. This comprehensive approach cultivates positive attitudes towards school and fosters a safe, inclusive environment where children feel valued. Second Step sets the stage for lifelong emotional intelligence and empathic global citizens.

Key benefits

Build self-regulation

The ability to manage one’s emotions will build children’s self-confidence and set the foundation for future learning.

Nurtures relationships

Learning conflict resolution and communication skills develops confidence in building positive relationships.

Grade 1 readiness

Experience in developing positive relationships and self-regulation will support a smooth transition moving to grade 1.

Teacher conducting experiment with for children sitting beside her

STEM

Unlike other childcare centres, our STEM curriculum is adapted for children as young as infants and toddlers. The STEM approach provides the opportunity to focus on science and math foundations rather than a more traditional approach with a focus on just reading and writing. It introduces the brain to different experiences to provide children with more well-rounded development during the critical stage of cognitive development from 0-5 years. Children’s vocabulary is developed using the STEM terminology. For example, “sink and float” for a younger age group, where our older children begin to discover “gravity and absorption”. Through our monthly STEM projects, children are given the opportunity to problem solve and develop their critical thinking skills.

Key benefits

Real world applications

Practical life activities develop problem solving and critical thinking skills both in and out of the classroom.

Lays the foundation

STEM concepts foster observation, experimentation and basic reasoning which are building blocks for future learning.

Spark creativity

STEM activities nurture a child’s natural curiosity about the world around them and truly cultivates lifelong leaning.

Two boys helping each other as they put toys back onto the shelf

Virtues program

The Virtues Project is a global initiative that has been in existence for over 30 years. Virtues are our inner strength and represent the content of our character like respect or integrity. At The Learning Nest, we nurture 24 virtues with our Preschool children. Each month students are introduced to a virtue that they then look to emulate and are recognized by their educators when the virtue is seen in action. Bringing awareness to and labeling these actions keeps them alive and celebrated within the classroom. Parents often comment that a highlight of their Learning Nest experience is their child coming home at the end of the day explaining the nature of integrity.

Key benefits

Culture of kindness

Acknowledging, supporting, and celebrating various virtues nurture a community of kindness in each academy.

Moral excellence

We teach our children to strive for honesty and integrity in their thoughts, actions and interactions with others.

Cultivate global citizens

Fostering empathy and idealism at a young age leads to respectful dialogue and positive relationships in the future.

FAQs

Have questions? We’ve got answers! Learn more about what makes our childcare centres the perfect place for your little one to learn and grow.

Where are The Learning Nest Academies located?
Learning Nest Academies are conveniently located in Toronto and North York, serving families looking for daycare, childcare or Montessori school near you! Our Academies offer a high-quality learning environment for Infants, Toddlers and Preschoolers. We are proud to be part of communities like The Junction Toronto and other key neighborhoods across the city.
What is your child-to-educator ratio?
At The Learning Nest, we maintain low child-to-educator ratios to provide personalized care and support for each child. Our ratios follow or exceed Ontario childcare regulations:
- Infants (0-18 months): 1 educator for every 3 children
- Toddlers (18 months-2.5 years): 1 educator for every 5 children
- Preschoolers (2.5-5 years): 1 educator for every 8 children
This ensures a nurturing and engaging learning environment in our Montessori daycare and early learning childcare programs.

Questions?

Interested in learning more about our Enrichment Programs? Contact us today.