Child playgroup programs are an essential stepping stone in early childhood development, offering a nurturing and engaging space where young children begin their journey of learning through play. At Earth Child Playgroup, we understand that parents have many questions when choosing the right environment for their little ones. This FAQ section answers the most common inquiries about our play-based approach, daily routines, age eligibility, session timings, and more—so you can feel confident and informed about your child’s early learning experience.
The Reggio Emilia approach and Montessori method are both phenomenal practices for progressive, child-centered learning and development. However, the details of the approaches are slightly different as Montessori tends to be more individualized compared to Reggio Emilia, which is more collaborative. The Reggio Emilia curriculum is flexible and inspired by the interest of the children while also placing value on open-ended provocations (thoughtful arrangements of materials to provoke experimentation, creative thinking, and discovery), while Montessori incorporates very specific close-ended materials and toys that focuses on problem-solving and functionality.
We want to emphasize there is no “right” or “wrong” approach. At Earth Child we do pull from Montessori, Waldorf, and other models as well. We can say with confidence that early learning is never a one-size-fits-all; therefore, it is important to be open-minded and flexible when considering our children’s learning experiences to provide the most relevant, engaging, and meaningful experiences possible.
Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to Learn.” – O. Fred Donaldson, Ph.D. In order to know if a child is learning, we first have to understand how learning works. Learning naturally occurs when children are provided with ample time to explore their surrounding environment (including the people, places, and things), all while utilizing their senses to make connections and co-construct knowledge – we carve out plenty of time for this! Child-led play and meaningful, developmentally appropriate investigations spark children’s intrinsic motivation to engage with, investigate, discover, and learn about the world around them.
Earth Child Playgroup caters for children aged 2 years, who will be turning 3 in the Academic School Year. ( August to August)
At Earth Child Playgroup, we pride ourselves on offering a dynamic and engaging learning experience rooted in play-based methodologies. Our approach ignites curiosity, fosters creativity, and nurtures a love for exploration and discovery in our young learners.
Early Learning Expeditions at Earth Child Playgroup are thrilling journeys that immerse children in hands-on experiences aimed at introducing fundamental concepts in an interactive and captivating manner. Through these expeditions, children embark on exciting adventures where learning comes naturally through exploration and engagement.
Earth Child Playgroup empowers children by providing ample opportunities for developing essential self-help skills in a supportive and encouraging environment. From learning to tidy up after playtime to mastering basic personal hygiene routines, we foster independence and confidence in every child.
At Earth Child Playgroup, group play experiences are vibrant and inclusive, fostering social interaction, collaboration, and communication among peers. Through shared activities and cooperative play, children learn invaluable social skills, empathy, and teamwork, laying the foundation for lifelong friendships and positive relationships.
Earth Child Playgroup sessions are held from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, offering a structured yet nurturing environment for children to thrive and grow.
At Earth Child Playgroup, we request payment of tuition fees upon your child’s initial attendance to secure their place in our program. Our transparent payment policies ensure clarity and fairness, with late payments subject to additional charges outlined in our fee structure.
Earth Child Playgroup recognizes the importance of punctuality and respecting the time of our staff and fellow parents. In the event of late pick-up, we issue invoices for associated fees on a weekly basis, with specific due dates provided for settlement to maintain the smooth operation of our playgroup.
Earth Playgroup understands that circumstances may arise necessitating refunds. Our refund policy ensures fairness and transparency, allowing for refunds under specific conditions outlined in our policy. We prioritize open communication and collaboration to address any concerns regarding fee refunds.
Yes, at Earth Playgroup, we value family involvement and offer a 5% discount off the monthly fee for siblings attending our program. Additionally, families with triplets receive a generous 10% discount, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and support for families.