KW Young Children’s Community Program

Our Young Children’s Community meets the unique needs of the developing child between the ages of 18 mths and 3yrs. The Young Children’s Community aims to develop functional independence, self-expression, gross and fine motor skills, social skills, language development, and toileting independence. The YCC program follows the Montessori curriculum appropriate for this stage of development, largely focusing on the areas of Practical Life, Sensorial and Language. The environment supports healthy interactions and provides positive role-modelling, helping the child to develop relationships with their peers, adults and their surroundings.

Children entering this program learn toileting skills and will transition from pull ups/diapers. Students typically wear training underwear while at school and should be ‘toilet ready’, which means being comfortable sitting on the toilet on a schedule/with direct assistance. If your child still relies heavily on a full nap, and is learning toileting/requires assistance in the washroom, this program is an excellent option to help them prepare for the casa program. Half-day and full-day options are available, catered lunches are required for full-day students.

Transitioning into the casa program is based on the readiness of the child, not necessarily their chronological age. As a child becomes more independent and has consolidated several skills, we may begin the process of transitioning them into the casa program. Our experienced and well trained staff will work together with families to determine the best time to make this move. Transitioning to the casa program also is based on the spaces available during each school year.