early education options

From the Waldorf philosophy to culture-based programs, alternative education begins at an early age for Edmontonians, with a wide variety of preschool and kindergarten options available in the city. Gerald Vander Pyl examines five alternative teaching mod

1) Montessori

The philosophy of Montessori has been built on the work of Italian physician Dr. Maria Montessori, whose years of research and observations of children led her to create learning activities tailored to each child.

The doctor’s aim was to “observe the needs of the child and answer them,” a goal reflected in the modern-day Montessori school environment.

By appealing to every child’s natural instincts and curiosity, optimal development is achieved and children gain skills such as independence, concentration, positive self-image and a love of learning.

Example schools: The West End Montessori School; Montessori Play & Learn Centre; Montessori & Me; Crestwood Montessori School; One World Montessori School Inc.; Maria Montessori School Inc.; Montessori AMI Britannia School; West End & Highlands Montessori School.

2) Waldor

It was artist and scientist Rudolf Steiner’s understanding of human development that led to the creation of the educational principles of the Waldorf method.

In Waldorf philosophy, dance, theatre, literature, music and more are to be experienced through play, rather than just taught or read about. In fact, they are a core part of the curriculum.

At the preschool level, the method places greater focus on developing basic skills rather than academics, while kindergarten introduces literacy readiness — all in a non-competitive atmosphere. Use of electronic learning such as televisions is typically kept to a minimum in a Waldorf educational setting.

Example school: The Waldorf Independent School of Edmonton

3) language- and culture-based

For parents who want children to embrace culture, heritage and language, these preschools and kindergartens pair language learning with traditional early childhood education activities.

Languages available at Edmonton schools include French, German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin) and Spanish. Some language-based schools provide immersion settings, while others are bilingual or offer a second language in optional programs. There are even options that introduce young children to sign language.

Culture-based schools focus on the entire cultural experience, such as an Edmonton Board of Education-run First Nations schools in which language study is coupled with traditional storytelling and music.

Example schools: Progressive Academy; amiskwaciy Academy; Die Kleine Kinderschule; Talmud Torah School; Escuela Mill Creek Campus; Meyonohk School.

4) Faith-based

Faith-based preschools and kindergartens provide programs to meet the needs of children at various stages of development while respecting the core values of a religion.

Children still enjoy the social aspect of a school through a variety of play-based activities along with more structured learning, but may also spend time learning religious practices.

At many schools there is a strong focus on family as a reflection of a child’s faith and the importance of it in the learning process. Schools are inclusive and children of all denominations and faiths are welcome to attend.

Example schools: Edmonton Christian School; Meadowlark Christian School; Menorah Academy; Edmonton Islamic Academy; MAC Islamic School.

5) special needs

The challenges of children with social, emotional or physical special needs are faced head-on with a variety of programs to provide the benefits of early education.

For example, small groups of children with hearing loss, autism or learning delays might receive assistance from occupational, physiotherapy and speech language therapists. These programs also provide children with a stimulating, fun environment to build life skills.

Some preschools offer blended programs with inclusive settings where kids of all abilities learn and grow together.

Examples: Tevie Miller Heritage School Program; Elves Special Needs Society; Edmonton Academy; Alberta School for the Deaf.