Toddler Age 18 months
Our Toddler program runs 5 days a week.
We offer morning and full-day options.
Morning Program
9am – 12:30pm
Full-Day Program
9am – 3:30pm
We provide a sense of security and care that toddler children need to thrive during their formative years.
Our warm and supportive toddler program fosters the development of age-appropriate skills in the pillars of independence, language development, self-expression, socialization and sensory exploration.
Toddlers are able to express their creativity through music, art and drama. They are also energized through sports and other physical activities, much of it in our expansive playground and gym.
1:4 is our ideal teacher-student ratio for toddler development
Experienced teachers are responsive to the needs of every child and are committed to helping each one become independent. Our teacher-child ratio is ideal at 1:4, which ensures that each child progresses at their own pace.
We focus on four key developmental areas:
- Perception and sensory development
- Self-help skills
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Social and emotional growth
Teachers and children are active partners in the learning process, supporting, encouraging and documenting student learning.
Preschool Age 3 (By December)
Our preschool program runs 5 days a week.
We offer morning and full-day options.
Morning Program
9am – 12:30pm
Full-Day Program
9am – 3:30pm
Providing hands on experiences for preschool children
Our classes introduce preschool children to the world around them and include both centre-based activities and reading circles that promote cognitive development. In a supportive environment, children learn language and math skills and enjoy sensory experiences. We give children the chance to explore, interact with others and think critically. We know that each child learns at their own pace and in their own way.
Language
Our educators cultivate a passion for words through the use of various materials which prepares them to express their thoughts both in writing and orally.
Mathematics
Children are introduced to basic concepts of mathematics such as: quantity, one to one correspondence and addition and subtraction. Students gain the basic knowledge of how numbers are used through the introduction of concrete materials.
Daily Life Experiences
Children are drawn to activities that give them independence and introduce them to new ideas. Our trained educators lead immersive activities indoors and outside in the playground to provide the children with a perfect setting to learn social skills.
Sensory
Sensory materials in and outside of the classroom provide students with hands on experiences, sharpening their fine and gross motor skills.
Sensory materials aid the children in discovering characteristics such as colour, weight, shape, texture, size, sound and smell. The sensory materials help children distinguish, categorize and relate new information to what they already know.
Introduction to Kindergarten
Building Blocks to a Balanced Education.
- This program is designed to help children make a smooth transition from preschool to Kindergarten in a warm and nurturing environment
- We educate students about Jewish heritage and introduce them to other cultures and traditions. Students learn to care for themselves, their families, their communities and society
- Our educators oversee enriched programming that meet and surpass provincial requirements, while providing students with guidance in reading and math literacy
- Classrooms are set up to include universal themes, centre-based activities, reading circles and technology to engage, excite and educate preschoolers
- Math – we utilize “JUMP Math”, which is a curriculum-aligned classroom math program
- We provide ample opportunity for self-directed exploration, social interaction and critical thinking, while understanding that all preschool children learn at their own pace
- Specialists meet with students regularly, to teach French, Music, Physical Education – which includes skating in winter, Robotics and Coding
- Students emerge from the program with a new sense of independence, advanced social skills and heightened curiosity that ensures future success
Junior Kindergarten
Age 4 (By December)
Our JK program runs 5 days a week.
Full-Day Program
9am – 3:30pm
This program features themes that relate to a child’s life, interests and surroundings. Students learn literacy, math and critical thinking skills through their daily hands on experiences. Specialists meet with students regularly, to teach them Hebrew, French, Music, Art, Literature and Physical Education.
Examples of JK Critical Thinking Questions:
- How can we best show respect to ourselves and others?
- What makes me unique?
- How do we use our five senses to connect to the world?
- What are some of the best things about nature?
- If you could ask a wild animal any question, what would you ask?
Senior Kindergarten
Age 5 (By December)
Our SK program runs 5 days a week.
Full-Day Program
9am – 3:30pm
Ensuring every student’s formative years are rich and rewarding.
We ensure a seamless transition from Junior to Senior Kindergarten. The school day becomes formalized in preparation for Grade 1. Our curriculum accommodates learning styles in a supportive environment and ensures that students are engaged and curious about the topics studied.
Examples of SK Critical Thinking Questions:
- How do we get along with others?
- What are the most important patterns and trends you see in a hero?
- What is the most important thing you can do to care for the earth and those that inhabit it?
- What is the most important choice that you can make each day?
- Do you have any inventions that you have thought of?
Junior Elementary Division
Age 6/7 (By December)
Our Junior Elementary program runs 5 days a week.
Full-Day Program
9am – 3:30pm
Our Junior Elementary Division
For our Junior Elementary Division (Grade 1 and Grade 2), we ensure a seamless transition from Senior Kindergarten to the more structured environment of elementary school. The school day becomes more formalized, preparing students for the academic and social expectations of higher grades. Our curriculum is designed to accommodate diverse learning styles in a supportive environment, ensuring that students remain engaged, curious, and excited about the topics they study.
In our Junior Elementary program, we continue to build on the critical thinking skills developed in earlier years. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore new ideas, and think deeply about the world around them. Here are some examples of critical thinking questions that align with our advanced curriculum:
- How can we work together to solve problems in our community?
- What makes a good leader, and how can we practice leadership in our daily lives?
- What are the most important choices we make, and how do they shape our future?
- Can you design or imagine something that would make the world a better place?
Our Junior Elementary Division emphasizes holistic development, integrating Jewish life, inclusivity, and cultural awareness into every aspect of learning. With small class sizes and Ontario Certified Teachers (OCT) who engage in ongoing professional development, we provide a nurturing and innovative environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Join us as we expand our programs to include Grade 1 and Grade 2, and discover how Hillcrest Progressive School’s Junior Elementary Division can inspire your child’s love of learning and prepare them for a bright future.