Classrooms & Classes at Alerces
Alerces provides an inclusive environment for all children to thrive. There are 5 different classrooms identified by colour that classes rotate through during the week. A colour-coded schedule is posted so kids can easily follow and become confident with the routine. Each Reggio Emilia inspired classroom has a different learning focus or theme to inspire children to learn and create based on how they experience the environment they are in.
Along with the classrooms, there is also a nap room, lunchroom, art area, open gym, plenty of bathrooms and of course diverse outdoor areas. With the understanding that all children are unique, we approach preschool education as a child-directed environment where each child has different learning needs specific to their interests, abilities and neural/physical stages of development.
Class Sizes
A benefit of Alerces is the small class sizes as each teacher is responsible for an average class size of 10 students. The number of children in each class may vary depending on the age and needs of the students. We believe maintaining a small student to teacher ratio benefits both the children and the teacher to grow their relationship with each other and provide more opportunities for each child to build skills in each learning activity with the teacher beside them to guide.
Learning Groups at Alerces
Whether your child is in preschool or kindergarten, they will be placed into a learning group at the beginning of the year based on their age and best fit according to the teacher and students. The following is a list of learning groups at Alerces:
Pollitos - Little Chicks
Conejos - Bunnies
Ardillas - Squirrels
Patos - Ducks
Gatos - Cats
Children will spend each day with their teacher and their learning group to build relationships, friendships and work on cooperation. This consistency will help to build their daily routine and habits and contribute to focus, security and confidence. All of the learning groups will spend time outside together playing at recess and also eat snacks and lunch together.
Colour-coded Classrooms & Outdoor Spaces
There is a colour-coded schedule posted at the entry that will help your child learn which classroom to go to each day. Learning groups will start each day in a different coloured room and play outside in the area designated with the same colour. Each room inspires a different learning modality through creativity and play such as reading, math, music, art, dance, building, construction and more. Your child will experience each learning opportunity in Spanish with assistance in English when needed. We also believe nature is the greatest classroom and incorporate our Forest School program when possible.
