About our Preschool style program
The details:
The program takes place 9:15am - 12:15pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week from September through June.
We follow the Saanich School District (63) calendar, closing for Winter Break, Spring Break and Statutory Holidays. The centre is licensed through Island Health to care for up to eight children under the guidance of one Early Childhood Educator. While the program is primarily for 3 to 5 year olds, there is limited space for children aged 2.5.
What we do:
Our program offers children the opportunity to practice and develop fundamental skills that will support them at home and as they transition into Kindergarten. When gathered in a group of like-aged peers, children have plenty of opportunities to socialize and experiment with play skills in a natural environment.
Relationship is the heart of our program: we believe that children and their families will be best supported by respectful joyful relationships. Our program is also heavily focused on the arts and literacy, with engaging and exciting experiences each day. We actively explore music, rhythm, science, drama, mathematics (through play of course!), and physical literacy.
Our nature immersed program welcomes and supports each child while nourishing their growth as a whole being. Drawing upon Reggio Emilia and Waldorf approaches, we will explore, wonder, investigate, discover, learn, and marvel together through an emergent curriculum that supports and expands upon children's interests. We believe that young children learn through play and our curriculum is play-based and child led.
We value deep play: providing extended periods of time where children can fully immerse themselves in their play. Full immersion in play allows children to unleash their creativity, develop intense focus, create narratives and roles, expand their imaginations, and to make sense of the world around them by experimenting with various perspectives. Educators mindfully create this time and space for children by minimizing interruptions and transitions.
We value the process: the process of play, the process of art, the process of discovery. Through these processes there is often a spark of inspiration, excitement and thrill of gaining knowledge, experience and skill. We hope that through these processes children will be motivated to engage in a lifetime of fulfilment and lifelong learning.
We view each child as competent, capable, and respect each child's individuality. Each child contributes to our shared learning journey which enriches the program for Educators and children alike.
Outdoor art allows for so much creativity and exploration - rain or shine!
About Us
Educator
The Centre
The Centre
Jayla Cummings is the Owner and Educator at Wild Child Early Learning Centre. She entered the Early Childhood Education and Care program at Vancouver Island University in 2012. Graduating with specialities in Infant/Toddler Care as well as Special Needs certification, she then moved back to Victoria where she worked in the field prior t
Jayla Cummings is the Owner and Educator at Wild Child Early Learning Centre. She entered the Early Childhood Education and Care program at Vancouver Island University in 2012. Graduating with specialities in Infant/Toddler Care as well as Special Needs certification, she then moved back to Victoria where she worked in the field prior to starting her own family.
Jayla's longtime dream has been to create a beautiful, meaningful space for children to explore, play, and grow. Jayla is a licensed Early Childhood Educator, registered with the Provincial Government. She participates in on-going Professional development and is committed to providing excellence in care.
The Centre
The Centre
The Centre
Wild Child Early Learning Centre opened in November 2019, and is proud to offer beautiful environments both outdoors and indoors. The indoor environment has been thoughtfully designed, incorporating natural furnishings and materials which contribute to a warm and calming space. Our outdoor environment features a mud kitchen, sandbox, fl
Wild Child Early Learning Centre opened in November 2019, and is proud to offer beautiful environments both outdoors and indoors. The indoor environment has been thoughtfully designed, incorporating natural furnishings and materials which contribute to a warm and calming space. Our outdoor environment features a mud kitchen, sandbox, flower and vegetable garden, chalkboard, and is surrounded by flora and fauna.
Testimonials
We are honoured to have received the following praise from Wild Child families:
"We have thoroughly loved our experience with Jayla at Wild Child Learning Centre. After welcoming our second baby, we found it difficult to give our toddler the predictable routines and social opportunities that she needed. The part time schedule at Wild Child was an excellent fit and provided the perfect amount of structure for our busy toddler. We saw huge growth and positive change in our toddler that permeated through our entire family unit. Jayla is AMAZING with kids (and parents). She is kind, gentle, respectful, fun, caring… I could go on and on! My toddler is pretty picky about who she opens up to and I can tell that she feels really safe and supported with Jayla. I am so grateful that we found Wild Child! "
- G & J
"Wild Child Early Learning Centre has been a fantastic place for our son. He started the preschool style program over a month ago and absolutely loves it. He looks forward to going each day to see his friends and Jayla. I love knowing that he’s getting lots of playtime outdoors and socializing with other kids, while learning new life skills by participating in the various activities Jayla puts together for the kids each day. Most importantly, it’s so comforting to me to know that he is in the care of someone who is patient and respectful of him and where he is at. We feel very fortunate to be a part of the Wild Child family!"
- K & E
"We couldn't be happier with the experiences and care our children are receiving at Wild Child Early Learning Centre. The indoor and outdoor spaces are quite magical and you can tell that Jayla truly cares about each child's educational progress and enjoyment of daily activities. She has put a lot of love and consideration into both the facility design and the programming and is personally invested in your child's development. Our children are super excited each day when it's time to head over to WCELC. Thank you for all the kindness and individual support you consistently show our little ones!"
- M & E
