Our Approach & Philosophy
Our Mascot, Values & Methods
Who is Hedgie?
At our childcare center, we embrace the spirit of Hedgie, our beloved hedgehog mascot, who embodies the values we hold dear. Hedgie is not just a cute character – he’s our hero, and he guides us in creating an environment where children can thrive.
Just like Hedgie, we believe in embracing life with adaptability, curiosity, playfulness, and friendship.
- Adaptability: Hedgie thrives in any environment, whether it’s the densest forest or the driest desert. We prioritize creating opportunities for children to cultivate adaptability, empowering them to navigate life’s ever-changing landscapes with confidence.
- Curiosity: Always on the lookout for adventure, Hedgie embodies curiosity, exploring his surroundings with the keen eye of a little detective. We nurture this spirit of curiosity in our children, encouraging their innate desire to learn about the world and discover new wonders every day.
- Friendship: Hedgie isn’t just a solo explorer – he cherishes his friendships and finds joy in companionship. We understand the importance of cultivating strong bonds, encouraging children to come together, support one another, and create a warm, inclusive environment.
- Playfulness: Hedgie’s playful spirit is infectious! He delights in running, jumping, and playing all day long. We celebrate this sense of playfulness, recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of childhood that fosters resilience and growth.
Hedgie’s Mission
Hedgie’s mission is to nurture curiosity, creativity, and essential life skills through play, fostering a secure and connected community where children thrive. In a world where children’s schedules are often packed with structured activities, Hedgie believes in the power of free play within smaller communities. He advocates for creating spaces where children can learn essential life skills such as emotional regulation, resilience, conflict resolution, and self-confidence – all through the magic of play.
How Hedgie Implements His Mission: The SAFER Method
To bring his mission to life, Hedgie uses the SAFER method, ensuring that every child is supported in their unique journey.
- Small Groups Just like Hedgie values his close friendships, we prioritize small group settings. These intimate groups promote relationships and rich exploration without overwhelming sensory input. With fewer children, our adult facilitator can engage more deeply, creating individualized learning opportunities tailored to each child's needs.
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Adult Guidance
Hedgie’s facilitator is an experienced pediatric occupational therapist with over a decade of expertise in child development. She designs and facilitates dynamic programs that evolve based on the children's interests, ensuring each child feels engaged and inspired. Her deep understanding of child development allows her to adapt activities to fit the unique needs of each participant and group.
- Flexibility Understanding that each child is unique, we offer flexible care that adapts to the needs of each family. Bookings are made monthly and are discussed with the facilitator to ensure the best possible experience for your child, mirroring Hedgie’s ability to adapt to any environment.
- Environment In every session, the environment is thoughtfully tailored to the theme and the individuals in the group. Whether it’s a forest for little explorers or a cozy corner for storytelling, we set the stage for children to be curious, adaptable, and social while engaging in meaningful play.
- Routine Hedgie embraces routine – not too rigid, but predictably comforting. Our sessions follow a gentle structure, with time to say hello, engage in age-appropriate developmental play, and say goodbye. This predictable routine provides a safe foundation, allowing children to explore and grow through the opportunities we create.
Overview of Programs
- Morning Program Designed for children aged 18 to 36 months, this two-hour session promotes early socialization and exploration. Each child must be accompanied by an adult, fostering a shared learning experience. Visual schedules are used to give children a clear understanding of the daily routine, helping them feel more comfortable and confident as they move through each activity, anticipating both fun and safety. The session includes free play, a short circle time with songs and dance, sensory activities to promote overall development, and a short snack time at the table to encourage a shared experience.
- Afterschool Programs These programs cater to children aged 3 to 6 years and offer themed classes tailored for various age groups. Each two-hour session follows a routine but incorporates a range of exploratory activities relevant to the theme and the needs of the specific group.
- Special Day Events For children aged 3-6 years, we also host special two-hour themed gatherings aligned with specific occasions. These events provide enriching, festive experiences that celebrate the joy of learning and community. Additionally, we host monthly pajama parties from 19:30 to 21:30, where children can enjoy fun activities, bedtime stories, and cozy group bonding in a relaxed, playful atmosphere.
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