Program FAQ

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Program

How can you run a class with 0 - 5 year-olds? Isn't that a wide age range?

The music component of the program is very structured. Because of its fast pace and exciting activities, children of all ages love what we do, and are attentive to what is happening. The rest of the class is a "Follow your child" time. We provide the art project, toys and space, and the parent is responsible for their child. By having a wide age range, we can accommodate families with more than one child. The program becomes a "community". Younger children are learning from the older ones, the older ones love to play with the babies, and mothers can help each other out in a "Been there, done that" kind of way.

Is this class suitable for an "extra-busy" 2 year old?

Yes! This class moves quickly from one activity to the next, so children are get ongoing and varied stimulation in a safe and friendly setting. They don't have time to get bored. Getting your child to follow the routine may take a little work on your part until he or she learns the ropes. If your child doesn't want to do what the class is doing, you can "play" him/her into co-operating. Little people love to play with parents more than anything else. If that doesn't work, children are asked on the first day of class to step out into the hall when they need to stretch, cry, or run around. After a trip or two out into the hall, the child learns that you miss out on lots of fun stuff if you are not in the class. Children can learn to follow rules at a very early age, and by participating in this class, your child will be better prepared for life in playschool and kindergarten.

Is this class suitable for a baby?

Yes! When you sign up with a baby, you are signing up as much for yourself as for your child. The baby will get lots of stimulation from the class, and you will get a great parenting workshop for yourself. We spend time in each class showing parents how they can "nurture the child" with music in the home setting. You will learn new songs, and great things to do to make your child musical. You will have the opportunity to meet with other parents who have experience with babies, and they can give you lots of support and advice. It gives you a chance to build a support group - something we all need more of these days.

Why are the parents required to attend?

"It has actually been shown in case studies that a child's self-directed learning, supported by supervisory facilitation will produce quicker and more stable results in regards to psychosocial and neurological development when compared to more traditional, totalitarian approaches. This is illustrated by presenting a child with numerous play-things or other objects and then making suggestions on how play can be modified once they have initiated action. Then, once the child has assimilated the suggestion and proceeds to determine how they are now going to act, the supervisor continues with further suggestions. Thus, a give-and-take model is established where the child learns how to better use their mind and interactions with the world based on suggestions from a role model without reaching outside of their current capabilities (which itself would be doomed to failure)."

This is precisely why! We facilitate the program, and the parents are the teachers. The kind of exploratory learning that should take place with children this age cannot be achieved en mass. It requires one-on-one interaction. So we bring lots of great ideas and instruments to the class, and the parents use them and the activities that we do to provide exploratory learning.

What kind of crafts do you do?

The craft activities we do are more art then craft, and are called "Process" activities. We give you and your child an art medium (ie: egg carton, glue, glitter, scissors, electricians tape and straws). Together, you create whatever you want with that medium. For parents who feel "artistically challenged", we always have a sample of something that we did with that medium. If you want to make the same thing, great! If you want to do something totally different, that is great too!

Do I need to bring anything?

The art/craft is always messy. We do provide painting shirts but keep in mind that children often mange to get paint on themselves regardless. Please leave "special" clothes at home. Otherwise, we occasionally request specific items for crafts the week before. Inside shoes are a must as winter arrives and are appreciated at all times of year. Socks or slippers are required for play on the parachute. Snacks are acceptable during play or story time. Please make sure that they are NUT-FREE, relatively mess-free and able to be eaten and finished within about 5 minutes (or the length of the story).

If something else comes up in my life, can I get my money back if I drop out?

The programs are run based on a particular enrollment. If you withdraw from the program, it is up to you to find someone else to take your place. Our Cancellation Policy is very clearly laid out, and you can read it by clicking HERE.
NOTE: Programs run through the County of Strathcona have their own guidelines regarding withdrawal. Check their website at www.strathcona.ab.ca/recreation - go to “Click-it."