Nanaimo Innovation Academy
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A unique educational program to inspire life-long learning.
PROGRAM DETAILS
At Nanaimo Innovation Academy, we utilize the best practices from various educational pedagogies-- Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio, Whole Child Education, Forest School Theory, and Play-based Learning-- without being limited by the rigidity of ascribing to just one philosophy. By being flexible and in constant evaluation of what is best for child development and learning, we innovate and create a program designed for our student’s current needs, interests, and growth.
Some key aspects of our program:
-
Gentle guidance
-
Small, intimate learning environment
-
Teachers are co-learners
-
Following the interests of the children
-
Social and emotional learning is more important that academic
-
Respect for nature and environmentally sustainable practices
-
Use of natural materials and mindful class setting
-
Loose parts play (with no set way on how a toy should be played with)
-
Lots of outdoor time
-
Creative play and free play encouraged
-
Many varieties of ways to explore with arts and materials
-
Respectful and mindful expressions
-
Learning self-regulation tools, self- expression, and how to identify feelings
-
Problem solving, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills
-
Exploring our community
-
Valuing differences and diversity
Please read more about:
Daily schedule with room for flexibility.
At Nanaimo Innovation Academy, we recognize one size does not necessarily fit all. We have a general schedule for how the day should go but value a lot of flexibility to follow natural curiosity and progression of exploration, as directed by the children. The children need a relaxed pace with ample time to explore.
We aim to help children make connections between various topics and activities that they are interested in, without having a pre-programmed curriculum or prescribed schedule to follow. This also means that teachers are not planning elaborate projects or learning points in advance – they’re allowing projects to emerge based on the interests of the children while still meeting learning outcomes and goals. Teachers will introduce new topics or ideas to a group, typically based on natural seasonal activities and changes. These new ideas will be explored further if the children show an interest.
Basic Info
Infant/Toddler class #1
In this class, there are 8 children age 16 months -3 years to two-three ECE Teachers each day. At least one of the teachers each day will have their Infant/Toddler designation.
Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Nap is from 12:30pm-3pm in our designated nap room
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
There is a large outdoor play space with sand box, mud kitchen, ride on toys, and climber with slide.
Infant/Toddler class #2
In this class, there are 8 children age 16 months - 3 years to two-three ECE Teachers each day. At least one of the teachers each day will have their Infant/Toddler designation.
Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Nap is from 12:30pm-2:30pm in our designated nap room
Pick up is at 3pm.
There is a roll up garage door for indoor/outdoor play.
Cedar Forest Pre-K Program
In this class, there are 8 children age 4-5 years old to one to two ECE Teachers each day. Only full time options.
Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Each day we take the bus to the forest. Sometimes we go on walking excursions in out community (library) or to parks.
Napping is optional but most will likely not nap in this program. We do not have a separate nap room.
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
Oak Pre-K Program
In this class, there are 16 children age 3-5 years old to three ECE Teacher each day.
Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Quiet time is from 1:00pm-2:30pm in a dimmed area in the classroom (while the other non-napping children play outside). Napping is optional. We divide the group into nappers and non-nappers. The non-nappers go outside to play while the nappers rest indoors.
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
There is a large yard for indoor/outdoor play.
Oak Forest Pre-K Program
In this class, there are 8 children age 4-5 years old to one to two ECE Teachers each day. Only full time options.
Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Each day we take the bus to the forest. Sometimes we go on walking excursions in out community (library) or to parks.
Napping is optional but most will likely not nap in this program. We do not have a separate nap room.
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
Forest Explorers Program
This is a licensed afterschool program.
In this class, there are up to 14 children age kindergarten to Grade three to two ECE Teachers each day.
Homeschoolers are welcome to join the program by meeting the bus at 2:00pm or at the regular pick up at Pauline Haarer Elementary school at 2:25pm. Each day we take the bus to the forest. Some days we go on walking excursions in out community (library) or to parks. Parents pick up at the daycare between 5:00-5:30pm.