About Us
Open Arms is a licensed Childcare centre that adheres to the Ministry of Education guidelines to ensure that every child in our care is placed in a safe, secure and caring environment. We have two locations in Richmond Hill and one in Bolton, each one offering a unique and distinct quality.
We believe that the goal of education is not only to increase the amount of knowledge but to create opportunities and possibilities for a child to invent, create and discover. Open Arms accomplishes this by providing a warm, safe, nurturing and stimulating environment that is a key to encouraging your child’s potential.
Our Pre-School. Our Family. Our Community
An emergent curriculum that follows the interest of the children is the most powerful curriculum we can provide. Our program accommodates all ethnic backgrounds and equips each child with a balance of experiences, challenges and opportunities to express themselves through play and interaction.
“Every child has a sense of belonging and well-being as they engage and express themselves in their daily lives…”
Our Programs
Infant
6-18 Months
Our Infant program consists of a small group size offering a more individualized learning that help infants develop the necessary life skills at their own pace, while still gaining exposure to learning in a group setting. Such skills are vital to forming crucial communication and social skills.
Toddler
18-30 Months
Our toddler program meets the individual needs of each child through flexible scheduling and indoor/ outdoor activities. Children will learn to develop social skills, and enjoy a variety of learning experiences through our wide range of stimulating age appropriate opportunities.
Preschool
30-48 Months
Our preschool program encourages children to become independent thinkers and learners. They learn basic concepts in an exciting, fun, and educational way. We provide ample opportunities to explore their creativity and imagination through visual arts, science, music and dramatic play.
Our Curriculum
Reading/Writing
Our literacy program nurtures a love for books and language through interactive storytelling, engaging reading sessions, and creative writing activities. By focusing on listening and speaking skills, children build a strong foundation in language development. We incorporate a variety of books, from classic tales to contemporary stories, encouraging children to explore different genres and expand their vocabulary. Writing activities, such as journaling and creating their own stories, foster creativity and self-expression.
Math/Science
In our math and science curriculum, children experience early math concepts through interactive activities like counting games, sorting exercises, and pattern recognition. We introduce problem-solving skills through engaging puzzles and hands-on projects. Science exploration is encouraged through observations, simple experiments, and nature walks, sparking a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. By integrating practical experiences with theoretical concepts, we help children understand basic scientific principles and develop critical thinking abilities. These activities are designed to make learning fun and meaningful.
Art
Our art program encourages children to express themselves creatively through various mediums, including drawing, painting, music, drama, and dance. We provide opportunities for children to explore their artistic talents and develop an appreciation for different forms of art. Group projects and individual creations help children work collaboratively and gain confidence. Music and movement activities also play a key role in developing rhythm and coordination, bringing joy to artistic expression.
Critical Thinking
We believe every child is capable, curious, and rich in potential. Our curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking skills by encouraging children to explore, question, and problem-solve. Through open-ended activities and guided discovery, children learn to think independently and make connections between concepts. This approach prepares them for more complex thinking and learning in the future, enhancing their ability to tackle challenges creatively and thoughtfully. We aim to nurture their innate curiosity and potential, so that they are well-equipped for academic success.
Open Arms Preschool & Nursery follows Ontario’s Pedagogy for Early Years, a copy of this document can be downloaded using this link:
How Does Learning Happen – Ontario’s Pedagogy for the Early Years