Our Philosophy-What we believe to be true about children, and what guides our work at Full o'Beans Preschool!
We believe that all children are unique, capable individuals who flourish in an environment that allows for their growth in all areas of development, including social, emotional, cognitive/intellectual, and physical growth.
We appreciate that children are not distinct, but are an integral part of their family and therefore come to us with experiences of family and culture that form the foundation on which all their learning will be built. Our role as educators is to provide an environment that is rich with opportunities for exploration and inquiry, and that offers challenges and engages the children in their own learning. We design programs to reflect the interests of the children, and are responsive to and respectful of their need to steer their own learning whenever possible, at the same time as we guide them towards growth. We believe that self-directed, self-initiated learning is more meaningful to the learner and therefore becomes real knowledge more easily than information presented by us, the adults in the classroom. We support 'learning by doing' and respect that while this learning will be noisy, busy, messy and chaotic at times, it is this very noisy, busy messiness that allows children to grow and learn. |
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Our People...
All of our classroom teachers are fully qualified and licensed Early Childhood Educators and/or Assistants• It is our belief that formal education, practical training, and 'on the ground' experience are essential to the delivery of child-centred, 'learn through play' programming for all children.
As a mentoring centre, Full o'Beans Preschool also hosts Early Childhood students from Camosun College, UVic, and other post-secondary institutions at times. We are an inclusive preschool, so our staff team includes Supported Childcare Aides when required. All classroom staff are appropriately screened and meet the requirements outlined by Saanich Neighbourhood Place hiring policies, as well as those in the Child Care Licensing Regulation |
Our Community...
Full o'Beans Preschool is the child of Saanich Neighbourhood Place (SNP), an established family serving organization that has been serving the community for more than 25 years. SNP delivers a wide range of programming aimed at helping families access resources and supports they feel they need, in a barrier free environment and within their own neighbourhoods.
Programs ranging from parenting classes to cooking classes, drop in support sessions, prenatal discussion groups, postpartum groups, drop in playgroups and kinder-gym are offered weekly. SNP also has a dedicated Family Development team, available for those who may wish for more specific, private support options. |
What we are up to.....
Playground V.2! Summer 2016
We've had a reno! Our 'Little Playground' has had a refreshing summer! Our old and tired play structure was taken out and replaced with a newly constructed, more naturalized play area. We hope to make spaces where kids can 'take chances, make mistakes and get messy!' Good advice Ms. Frizzle! (of Magic School Bus fame), and The Little Playground is a step along the way...
Before....
We've had a reno! Our 'Little Playground' has had a refreshing summer! Our old and tired play structure was taken out and replaced with a newly constructed, more naturalized play area. We hope to make spaces where kids can 'take chances, make mistakes and get messy!' Good advice Ms. Frizzle! (of Magic School Bus fame), and The Little Playground is a step along the way...
Before....
The existing play structure and rubber surface matting were showing their age and beginning to become unsafe. The low chain link fencing does nothing to screen the garbage and compost bins from the play area, and the lovely tree casts a heavy shade.
The sandbox...too small! The storage area....prime playground real-estate! The cinderblock walls...too institutional! Time for a re-think !
During...
Surprise! All of the play structure, rubber matting and about 12 inches of the surface were taken away...
We dismantled the sandbox and shifted the storage cubbie... some hot and dusty days!
After......
After a bit (quite a bit!) of planning and coordination, we had Saanich bring us big logs which had been removed from other areas in Saanich. These were used to construct a new sandbox, and also stumps and logs for balancing, sitting, climbing. Larix Landscaping installed the sandbox and also extended the fence to increase the size of the space. Joel Minn of Minn Construction Services built us a new play platform that incorporates stairs, a ladder, the slide and a play area above and below. Cedar plank screens were installed to screen the gas meter and garbage area from view, and the tree was carefully pruned to open up the area while still maintaining our shade zone.
The dull grey walls were brightened up with a fresh mural, and the deck area provides an art space too. Planters add some colour, and a divider between the deck and the 'bouncy ball' area. Hoops anyone?
Shifting the playhouse gave us room to add a 'mud kitchen' area, and the installation of a second deck and picnic table made the narrow side yard area more useful overall. Fibar eco-friendly wood chips were installed everywhere, making a fresh, shock absorbent and permeable surface over most of the new space.
Shifting the playhouse gave us room to add a 'mud kitchen' area, and the installation of a second deck and picnic table made the narrow side yard area more useful overall. Fibar eco-friendly wood chips were installed everywhere, making a fresh, shock absorbent and permeable surface over most of the new space.