Preschool Program

Children with special needs benefit from the routines and skills taught in a preschool program.  Centennial's Preschool Program is an integrated program that emphasizes individual programming in an enriched, structured and nurturing atmosphere.  Children with special needs and those who are typically developing come together in an educational setting and benefit from the opportunity to learn from one another.

 
Children entering the program are between the ages of 2 1/2 and 4 years.  The program runs weekday mornings from September to June and follows the holidays designated by the public school system.  The preschool serves 32 children.
About 20% of the children who attend the preschool program are children who do not have special needs.  The 'typically developing' children benefit from a curriculum which prepares them for Kindergarten in a nurturing and educational environment.  They develop an appreciation for people's differences and act as role models to the children who have special needs.
 
Children with special needs attending the preschool benefit from a one-to-one adult/child ratio.  Each child has an individual program plan developed by their primary teacher and their parents in consultation with a physiotherapist, occupational therapist and speech/language pathologist.  The program covers the developmental areas of cognition, communication, self help skills, social, and motor skills.  Individual programs are updated regularly, and the goals are implemented every day by the classroom teachers and the child's volunteer (an individual that works one-to-one with the child).
 
CURRICULUM The preschool boasts a curriculum rich in the exploration of concepts relevant to the lives of young children. The children are introduced to changes that occur in their world as a result of the seasons, holidays, community events and different settings. They expand their understanding of themselves, their families, animals, transportation vehicles and childhood stories. They explore the concepts of colour, size, patterns, sequences, numbers, letters and shapes. The children have opportunities to explore movement and music in a daily music circle enhanced by piano and guitar accompaniment.
 
A TYPICAL DAY IN THE PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

  • 9:15 - 9:25 Arrival
  • 9:25 - 9:50 Sensory Activity and Water Play
  • 9:50 – 10:15 Gross Motor
  • 10:15 – 10:30 Table toys one-on-one with a volunteer
  • 10:30 - 10:40 Story Time
  • 10:40 - 10:55 Snack Time
  • 10:55 - 11:20 Diaper change, free play, tidy-up time 
  • 11:20 – 11:30 Music circle
  • 11:30 - 11:45 Departure

 
STAFF The preschool staff members include five teachers with backgrounds in child development, early childhood education, elementary school education and special education. They have extensive experience, both personally and professionally, in working with children and their families. The preschool works in collaboration with a team of professionals, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech and language pathologists. They help each family to network and coordinate the appropriate services for their children. They also assist the families in accessing the necessary services and funding to maximize their child's abilities. The teachers help parents explore future educational settings and work with them to assure a smooth transition into the school system. Centennial is committed to helping parents advocate on their child’s behalf and on behalf of other people who have special needs. Centennial's Manager of Centre Operations, Kim Clarke, is responsible for the overall management of the Preschool Program. Kim can be reached at: 416-935-0200 x 231
 
TUITION FEES:  Preschool Morning Program:  Current fee - $525.00 per month.   
TO APPLY FOR A SUBSIDY:  Subsidies are available through Toronto Children's Services - for further information, please refer to: http://www.toronto.ca/children
 
TRANSPORTATION:  If you require transportation for your child , the transportation fee for the Preschool Program is $300.00 per month.
 
 HOLIDAYS FOR SCHOOL YEAR:
Thanksgiving - Monday, October 12, 2009
PD Day - to be announced
Christmas Break - December 21, 2009 to January 2, 2010, inclusive.
Family Day - Monday, February 15, 2010
Mid-Winter Break - March 15 to March 19, 2010, inclusive.
Good Friday - April 2, 2010
Easter Monday - April 5, 2010
PD Day - to be announced
Victoria Day - Monday, May 24, 2010
Last day of school - Friday, June 18th, 2010
 
TO MAKE A REFERRAL:  Children can be placed on the Preschool Program’s waitlist by completing the attached application form.  If you have further questions about our Preschool Program, please contact our Centre Manager, Kim Clarke, at 416-935-0200, ext. 231.