Operating since 1995, ACE was created for parents by parents and has been a vital piece of building a vibrant and sustainable school community at Our Lady of Wisdom. Learn more about our origin story and contributions in this Toronto Star article.
“School goes from ailing to awe-inspiring”
Introduction
ACE After-Four Children’s Enrichment is a co-operative/not-for-profit childcare centre located at/in Our Lady of Wisdom Catholic Elementary School and was established by a group of concerned parents who recognized the need for a childcare program in the area.
We are committed to providing a safe and stimulating environment where each child can strive socially, physically, emotionally, and intellectually. ACE After-Four’s program is designed to meet the needs of each child in an atmosphere, which fosters co-operation, responsibility and order.
ACE After-Four is staffed by qualified and experienced educators, trained in Early Childhood Education. Each staff member has extensive knowledge of, and experience with, the methods of child guidance suited to the ages of the children in the centre.
Our childcare centre is run as a co-operative school—one where families and teachers work together to provide an enjoyable learning environment for the children. We stress the word “co-operative”, because it is vital for the successful operation of the Centre. Family participation includes:
• volunteering for a committee or Board position; and
• taking part in Centre activities such as volunteer services at events, etc.
Families can also share ideas and/or problems concerning their children with one another and with the teachers. We encourage you to contribute your ideas and talents to the centre.
PHILOSOPHY
Our goals and objectives are to promote physical, social/emotional, intellectual and language growth and development, and to increase the quality of life for all of the children enrolled in our program; regardless of racial, religious or economic background. In order to provide a healthy, growing experience for the children, our primary focus is on building positive human relationships as a sound base for good mental health. Good relationships are reflected in the teachers’ care, concern, guidance and instruction. The children’s perception of themselves and their world depends largely on the quality of this “input” by the adults in their lives.
Play activities take up a major part of a child’s waking hours and we build on this element to promote whole-child development. Although the children may seem to be “merely” playing, they are, in fact, learning many of the skills needed to help them reach their full potential in the classroom. These include:
• hand-eye coordination, awareness of shapes, creativity, patience, perseverance, balance, symmetry, listening skills, imagination, sharing and co-operation, and most importantly, developing their self-confidence and self-awareness
The educators are always close at hand in a guiding, supporting and enabling capacity; but the play environment is, for the most part, designed to be self-motivating, child-directed and teacher-facilitated.
ACE MANAGEMENT
CENTRE MANAGEMENT
ACE After-Four is a community-based, co-operative/non-profit childcare program run by an elected volunteer Board of Directors. The Board of Directors consists of parent-volunteers and meets once each month during the school year. The Chief Operating Officer attends these meetings and presents a monthly report. This process allows the Board members and the Chief Operating Officer to monitor whether the objectives of the program are being achieved, resolve any matters of concern and make changes to the program, where appropriate. All families are encouraged and welcome to participate in Board activities.
Board members serve one-year terms. Parents and community members are eligible to stand for positions on the Board. Only parents in good standing with the childcare centre will be active on the Board. Board members are elected at an Annual General Meeting. Current Board members, childcare staff and parents MUST attend.
ACE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors consists of a group of ACE-parent volunteers. The Board meets at least once per month from September to June of every year, to discuss and resolve issues relating to the overall operation of ACE. This may include discussions on policies and procedures, finances, personnel, fundraising, publicity and other areas as required.
Please give careful consideration to joining the Board. We need your involvement to continue to operate successfully. Previous experience is not required. All that is needed is your monthly commitment and your genuine interest in supporting ACE. Please contact us at admin@aceafterfour.ca if you are interested in participating.
Your comments and suggestions are most welcome, feel free to email the Chief Operating Officer at admin@aceafterfour.ca
PROGRAMING & ROUTINES
The ACE After-Four RECE staff establish and provide daily activities which responds to the individual needs and interests of the children. Programing is appropriate to each child’s age and level of development and is sensitive to each child’s cultural heritage.
ACE Program provide a predictable daily routine to instill a sense of security, while remaining flexible enough to allow for individual preferences and independent choices.
Time shall be allowed for:
• Indoor play
• Outdoor play except in inclement weather
• Rest or quiet play
• Periods of free play in an environment which can provide a wide variety of experiences and sufficient materials to allow the child opportunities to develop creative expression and appropriate social skills.
• Individual interaction between children and adults.
The daily program shall include opportunities for a balance of:
• Cognitive and social development through the use of a variety of games, toys, books, crafts, puzzles, sand, crayons, blocks and other activities and materials.
• Literacy, Activities and experiences to stimulate language development and encourage communication.
• Physical activities which promote large muscle development and physical competence such as running and climbing.
• Activities that promote small muscle development and eye-hand coordination.
• Active and quiet activities.
• Individual activities and activities which promote physical well being, independence and self esteem.
• Small and large group activities which provide for social and emotional development.
• Activities that promote creative expression through the fine arts of music and drama.
• Activities which promote cultural awareness, social responsibilities and community involvement.
• Activities that promote respect and care of the natural environment.
Being active can help young children stay healthy, improve movement skills, develop self-confidence and improve learning and attention. It can also help children have fun and feel happy.