The Full-day Kindergarten program
Full-Day Kindergarten (FDK) is a program that involves a certified teacher and a registered Early Childhood Educator (ECE). Our main goal for this program is to help young children thrive in an early learning environment that meets their developmental and physical needs (Goverment of Ontario, 2010). As your child's kindergarten teacher, I will meet this goal by providing a supportive social and a healthy physical environment that positively impacts children's learning. Research shows that children achieve their full potential and are more motivated to do well in school where they feel safe and supported (Government of Ontario, 2010). In order to achieve this, I will strive to provide a culture of respect, in the classroom, which will be based on inclusion and mutual acceptance.
The FDK program focuses on the child as a learner. Tying into Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory (for more information on his theory, click here) children are part of a complex, interwoven systems which includes the child, the family, the community, the school and the world (Government of Ontario, 2010). It is ineffective to consider and think about these units separately therefore, the FDK program builds upon the inter-relationships among and between these systems in order to set the child on a positive learning path (Government of Ontario, 2010).
The FDK program also acknowledges that children have unique individual needs and are diverse learners; see information on multiple intelligences here. It is recognized that children develop in different ways and at different rates (Government of Ontario, 2010). Other variations that affect how they develop and demonstrate learning are socio-economic status, cultural backgrounds, and the diverse family. Recognizing this I, as a teacher, will provide children with the opportunities they need in an appropriate manner (Government of Ontario, 2010). This entails providing age and skill appropriate learning activities and experiences based on the play-based curriculum. These experiences and activities will be varied, engaging, challenging, and relevant to their lives (Government of Ontario, 2010).
The FDK program focuses on the child as a learner. Tying into Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory (for more information on his theory, click here) children are part of a complex, interwoven systems which includes the child, the family, the community, the school and the world (Government of Ontario, 2010). It is ineffective to consider and think about these units separately therefore, the FDK program builds upon the inter-relationships among and between these systems in order to set the child on a positive learning path (Government of Ontario, 2010).
The FDK program also acknowledges that children have unique individual needs and are diverse learners; see information on multiple intelligences here. It is recognized that children develop in different ways and at different rates (Government of Ontario, 2010). Other variations that affect how they develop and demonstrate learning are socio-economic status, cultural backgrounds, and the diverse family. Recognizing this I, as a teacher, will provide children with the opportunities they need in an appropriate manner (Government of Ontario, 2010). This entails providing age and skill appropriate learning activities and experiences based on the play-based curriculum. These experiences and activities will be varied, engaging, challenging, and relevant to their lives (Government of Ontario, 2010).
(Trillium Lakelands DSB, 2010)
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(Avon Maitland DSB, 2012)
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For references, click here.