a place for thinking

our learning approach

As SSOCC, we believe that every child is capable, curious and creative. Children deserve a rich learning environment that provides time and space to explore diverse perspectives and new concepts, to take risks and learn from mistakes and to find multiple ways of communicating their ideas, thoughts and feelings.

Reggio-inspired programs honour the many ways children think, communicate, and express ideas—through language, movement, materials, and relationships—rather than relying on a single way of learning. Research has found the Reggio Approach to be the top early childhood approaches to education in the world.
A relationship-focused approach places secure, responsive relationships at the centre of learning, recognizing that children develop confidence, communication, and curiosity through connection with others.
Social-emotional learning supports children in understanding emotions, building self-regulation, and developing the confidence and communication skills needed to learn and relate to others.
Connection to nature offers children time and space to slow down, supporting emotional regulation, curiosity, and learning through direct, meaningful experiences outdoors . Educators regularly bring nature inside the classroom to support outdoor experiences.
Ateliers are creative studios where children use materials, tools, and media to express ideas, explore questions, and communicate their thinking in multiple ways. Our classroom atelier spaces change over time, but have included clay, light, taste, paint, 3D construction, the garden, and more.

because quality matters

High-quality early childhood experiences are linked to stronger mental health, future academic success, meaningful relationships and long-term happiness. There is no better investment towards your child’s future happiness and success than an investment in high-quality early childcare.

Early education programs focusing on a social-emotional curriculum have a positive impact on academic achievement, as reflected in an grades, test scores, attendance and homework completion. On average, students who received social-emotional education will have grades 13 percentiles higher than students who did not.
Studies link early social-emotional learning in high-quality programs to stronger communication, collaboration, and healthier relationships over time.
Supportive early learning environments are associated with better emotional regulation, lower chronic stress, decreased impulsivity, decreased anxiety and depression and higher reported happiness.
Long-term research connects high-quality childcare programs to greater life satisfaction, employment stability, increased lifelong earnings and workplace wellbeing. These outcomes have not been found with lower-quality childcare programs.

Testimonials

“Thank you so much to Ms Gurneel and all of the other teachers that have worked with Maurice. We will miss everything about this magical place - the forest, beach days, the garden, the art, and most of all our friends and teachers. Thank you for an amazing two years!”
— Southlands parent
“What stood out immediately was how much Zinca listens—to the children and to us. My child isn’t rushed. The classroom has a solid routine for the day and Zoya is so happy with their routine. I’ve seen real growth in confidence, empathy, and communication at home…Zoya’s eager to say goodbye to me in the mornings and join the activities.”
— Northriver parent
“Dallas struggled with transitions and big emotions before starting here. Anita met her with patience and consistency. Within weeks, we saw improvements in emotional regulation and independence. The social-emotional focus works!”
— Heron parent
“The independence that my child gained at Heron Toddlers was very much learned at daycare and not at home, and I am forever grateful to the kind and patient teachers. My child can put on their outdoor clothing, carry their backpack, pack up their lunch kit…all the things they need for Kindergarten, but they are only two and a half! We will miss you, Ms Sabrina!”
— Heron parent
“Thank you to Gurneel. This program is like coming home and has been our home away from home for 3 years. My little one runs and hugs Gurneel as soon as he arrives, and always want five more minutes at the end of the day. I know he is loved, safe, and is going to come home happy. That’s really all I can ask for. I hope we are as lucky with our Kindergarten “big school” as we have been with Southlands.”
- Southlands parent
“I just wanted to write to say a quick thank you for all the hard work in the classroom. It has transformed from a new typical classroom into a warm, beautiful space. I can’t imagine how much work goes into creating and maintaining this beautiful space and want the whole teaching team to know it is appreciated!”
- Sandpiper parent
“Thank you for making Lauren feel so comfortable and cared for in her first few months. We’re so grateful to all of the Sandpiper teachers and will miss you…but will see you soon in afterschool care!”
- Sandpiper parent
“We are grateful for the memories you have created for Cassie. Thank you for nurturing her curiousity, imagination, and love for learning. We will miss the SSOCC community. Kindergarten here we come, and Cassie is more than ready, thanks to you.”
- Sandpiper parent
“The past few months of my practicum meant more to me than I can say. Northriver is a place where I grew, laughed and learned. Working alongside this team has been the biggest gift. You are a team of strong, brilliant, guided women and I am the teacher I now am because of you. Throughout this practicum I felt safe, celebrated and that I belonged. I have had the honour of learning from the best team and the best mentors.”
-Northriver practicum student