ABOUT TRISHA
I have over 9 years’ experience as an Early Childhood Educator. I've previously worked in childcare centres in Vancouver as well as Duncan. My husband and I moved to the Island and started our family. After the birth of our first daughter I decided to open my own daycare from home. I wanted to have the opportunity to raise my children full time as well as providing other children a safe and fun home environment for play and learning while their parents are working.
We are located in a quiet neighbourhood, off of Maple Bay Rd, just a 5 minute drive from Maple Bay Elementary school.
PHILOSOPHY
“Play gives children a chance to practice what they are learning.” – Mr. Rogers
EARLY CHILD DEVELOPMENT SETS THE FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG LEARNING, BEHAVIOR, AND HEALTH
Caring for and educating children is an important experience in the development of the whole child. As an educator and caregiver it is my job to positively support the social, emotional, intellectual and physical development of every child in my care, as the early years of a child’s life are the most influential and truly make a strong impact upon these unique individuals. I am committed to providing a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe to trust, learn and gain independence.
PLAY IS HOW CHILDREN MAKE SENSE OF THEIR WORLD
At Young Explorers we believe children learn best through meaningful play. Play is how they can make sense of their world. Our play-based, child centred learning environment provides children with a variety of daily indoor and outdoor experiences and challenges that reflect the interests of the children and adapt as the interests of the children change, setting children up for success as they interact with one another during play. The opportunity for children to create their own play and explorations helps to develop independence and creative thinking. As a child guides their own play, social interactions take place and relationships are built. Language is developed, math and science is explored, and their creativity in art can be expressed. Nature finds its way into many play scenarios and explorations, and the culture of others is discovered in meaningful ways. Children are truly engaged in their play.
CHILDREN ARE CAPABLE, COMPETENT, CURIOUS AND CREATIVE.
I embrace philosophies such as the Reggio Emilia Approach, which supports an image of the child as being both competent and able to create their own learning. Young Explorers view children as individuals who bring their unique ideas, knowledge, and experiences about their physical and social world to the classroom. Every child has the opportunity to be responsible for their learning, in a way that brings meaning to their experience. They can do this by exploring the natural environment, taking appropriate risks that challenge existing abilities, and learning through play.
THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS CAN STRONGLY INFLUENCE CHILD DEVELOPMENT.
Positive, interactive and communicative relationships within the “community of care” help promote strong child development and is extremely beneficial for children, families and caregivers. It is important for children to observe positive role-modelling of pro-social behaviour in order for them to develop socially and build relationships of their own. Communication between parent and caregiver and vice versa allows both parties to understand behaviour and temperament of the child and gives insights as to why certain behaviours may be occurring. Communication also fosters the development of partnerships between parent and caregiver. Together, parents and caregivers are a team in ensuring that the children’s needs are being met to the full potential.