Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Each day begins with circle time—a grounding moment that helps children connect with themselves, their peers, and the wider world. Through stories, songs, discussions, and mindfulness practices, children develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and social skills in a safe and nurturing environment. Weekly learning themes often incorporate cultural exploration, allowing children to celebrate diversity, share traditions, and build a sense of global understanding and belonging. These daily rituals create a strong foundation for respectful relationships and a deep appreciation for the world’s many cultures.

Children build language and communication skills in meaningful and joyful ways—through nature journaling, shared reading, storytelling, and song. Whether reflecting on a forest walk in their journals or singing together under the trees, language is woven into daily life. Educators nurture early literacy through conversations that spark curiosity, storytelling that deepens comprehension, and rich vocabulary introduced through play, books, and group discussions.

Our program encourages deep thinking and questioning through play and exploration. With open-ended materials like loose parts and natural objects, children investigate their world by constructing, sorting, imagining, and problem-solving. Inquiry is a natural part of each day, often sparked by outdoor adventures—like spotting a new animal track or discovering a curious plant. These moments become catalysts for research, discussion, and hands-on learning that builds foundational cognitive skills.

Creativity is celebrated as a vital form of communication and self-expression. Through visual art, music, movement, and storytelling, children are encouraged to explore their emotions, ideas, and experiences in imaginative ways. Whether dancing to the rhythm of the seasons, painting with natural materials, or dramatizing a favourite story, each child is given the freedom to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment where process is valued over product.

Children at Unisus ECLC are in constant motion—climbing, hiking, foraging, gardening, and exploring. Daily forest hikes, nature-based obstacle courses, and outdoor free play support gross motor development while also building resilience, coordination, and confidence. Activities like plant identification, using nature-based tools, and foraging instill a sense of adventure and connection to the natural world. From balancing on logs to tending the garden, every movement becomes an opportunity to grow physically and mentally.

Sustainability isn’t a subject—it’s a way of life in our program. Through daily outdoor provocations, gardening, and age-appropriate eco-action projects, children develop a deep respect for the Earth. They learn to care for their environment by observing seasonal changes, planting seeds, composting food waste, and participating in stewardship activities. These hands-on experiences foster a sense of responsibility, interconnectedness, and a love for the natural world that lasts a lifetime.