Our Approach to Learning
Our Commitment to Education
At Nature's Nest Early Learning Centre, we provide a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where children feel at home and are encouraged to learn, grow, and thrive. Serving children from 18 months to 6 years, our dedicated educators foster meaningful relationships that build confidence, belonging, and a lifelong love of learning.
We recognize that every child and family is unique, tailoring our approach to meet individual needs through strong partnerships with families and the Thunder Bay community.
By combining play-based learning, nutritious meals, and opportunities for exploration in a healthy, sustainable environment, we empower every child to reach their full potential.
Core Values
We value quality care and education that enables children to reach their full potential, in a safe, and nurturing environment.
We value unconditional compassion for all people as unique individuals, and for all circumstances.
We value the respect for children, their families, and colleagues, and desire it in return.
We value the commitment it takes to establish a growing trust among the team, and the children and families that we support. Trust is the basis for establishing a healthy and supportive relationship.
We value the community as an important resource.
We value and respect nature and the natural environment, weaving its importance into our daily routine.
Preschool & Toddler Program (18 months - 6 years)
Our Learning Approach
At Nature's Nest Early Learning Centre, we believe the early years are the foundation for a lifetime of learning. Our goal is to provide a safe, caring, and engaging environment where children feel confident to explore, discover, and grow at their own pace.
What Families Can Expect
A Safe & Nurturing Environment – We create a warm, welcoming space where children feel secure, valued, and cared for every day.
Play-Based Learning – Children learn naturally through hands-on activities, imaginative play, exploration, music, and everyday experiences.
Kindergarten Readiness – We help children build confidence, independence, early literacy skills, emotional regulation, and positive social skills to prepare them for school.
Nature-Inspired Experiences – Daily outdoor play, gardening, and nature-based activities encourage curiosity, creativity, and a love for the environment.
Screen-Free Learning – We focus on real-life experiences, meaningful interactions, and active learning instead of screen time.
Individualized Learning – Every child is unique. Our educators follow each child's interests, strengths, and developmental needs to create meaningful learning opportunities.
Strong Relationships – We build trusting connections with children and partner closely with families to support every child's growth and well-being.
Healthy Habits – Nutritious meals, active play, and consistent daily routines help children develop healthy lifestyles and positive habits.
At Nature's Nest, we are committed to helping every child feel happy, confident, and ready for the next step in their learning journey.
The Four Pillars of Early Education
“A new, broader conception of education should lead each person to discover, awaken, and increase his or her creative possibilities.”
– Jacques Delors –
In 1996, Jacques Delors wrote and published “Learning: the treasure within; report to UNESCO of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-first Century”. He believed that within each child lay a treasure, and that children must be helped to thrive; this is the encouraging dimension of the battle against inequality of opportunity in the 21st century. It is our goal to live up to the expectations set forth by Jacques Delores and UNESCO, as the standard of best practices in fostering children to their fullest potentials. We too, believe that each child is a treasure and should be fostered as such. Jacques outlined ‘4 pillars to nurturing children’ in his report, it is those 4 pillars that will guide us.
THE FOUR PILLARS
Learning to Live Together
How We Support Learning
Building Responsibility – Children take part in daily routines and learn that they are valued members of their learning environment.
Working Together – Through shared activities, children practice teamwork, patience, communication, and cooperation.
Respect & Inclusion – We encourage children to appreciate differences, understand others, and build positive relationships.
Conflict Resolution – Educators guide children in solving problems, sharing responsibilities, and finding peaceful solutions.
Confidence & Independence – Children learn that their choices and contributions matter, helping them grow into caring and capable individuals.
Learning to Know
How We Support Learning
Child-Led Exploration – Children choose activities that match their interests, encouraging independence and a love of learning.
Hands-On Learning – Interactive experiences help children learn by seeing, touching, listening, creating, and doing.
Individual Learning Styles – Our educators recognize that every child learns differently and adapt activities to support each child's strengths.
Confidence Through Discovery – As children gain confidence, they are encouraged to solve problems, ask questions, collaborate with friends, and explore new ideas.
Lifelong Learning Skills – We help children develop curiosity, critical thinking, and a positive attitude toward learning that will benefit them throughout life.
Learning to Do
How We Support Learning
Teamwork & Collaboration – Small group activities help children learn to communicate, share ideas, and work together.
Social Skills Development – Children practice compromise, negotiation, conflict resolution, and building friendships.
Learning Through Experience – Children develop skills by trying new things, overcoming challenges, and celebrating successes.
Educator Guidance – Our educators provide support when needed while allowing children the independence to explore and solve problems.
Confidence & Independence – Children are encouraged to make choices, take initiative, and develop skills they can use throughout life.
Learning to Be
How We Support Learning
Celebrating Individuality – Every child’s strengths, interests, and abilities are recognized and encouraged.
Building Independence – Children learn to make choices, care for their belongings, express their needs, and take responsibility.
Growing Confidence – Children are given opportunities to share their talents, help others, and take on new challenges.
Respectful Relationships – We model kindness, respect, and integrity to help children build positive connections with others.
Whole-Child Development – We nurture children’s communication, creativity, problem-solving, and emotional growth.
Delors J. et al. (1996., p.35). Learning: The Treasure Within, Report to UNESCO of the International Commission on Education for the Twenty-First Century. Paris: UNESCO Publishing. Retrieved from: https://www.edu-links.org/sites/default/files/media/file/109590engo.pdf