2.5 to 4 years
Preschool in Doon
One educator for every eight preschoolers, in a room that gets children genuinely ready for kindergarten without turning four-year-olds into students.
Our preschool room runs at a 1:8 ratio in a group of up to twenty-four. This is the year before kindergarten, and we take readiness seriously. Not flashcards. Real readiness: sitting with a group, listening, taking turns, holding a pencil, naming letters and sounds, and managing a coat and a lunch.
Preschoolers spend long stretches outdoors. By spring, most of our four-year-olds can name several trees by their bark and tell you what changed on the trail since fall. That is the kind of attention and patience that makes a child ready to learn anything.
What this program is, in practice
A 1:8 ratio
One educator for every eight preschoolers, the ratio the Act sets for this age. Enough attention for real small-group learning.
Kindergarten readiness, done right
We build the skills that actually matter in September: listening, turn-taking, early literacy and numbers, and managing yourself and your things.
Two hours outdoors most mornings
Outdoor learning is the spine of the day. The trail and the seasons are our curriculum, weather permitting in proper gear.
Projects, not worksheets
Children learn through real projects they care about. We document the work so you can see the thinking, not just the craft.
A day in the preschool room
- 7amArrival and self-directed play at the centres: blocks, art, books, dramatic play.
- 9amMorning meeting. Calendar, weather, a story, and the plan for the day.
- Long outdoor block. Building, observing, running, and looking closely at the season.
- 11:30amLunch, family-style.
- 12:30pmRest and quiet time.
- Small-group work: early literacy, numbers, fine-motor practice, and projects.
- A second outdoor stretch and free play.
- 6pmPickup.
A rhythm, not a stopwatch. The room flexes to the children in it on any given day.
What to pack
- Indoor shoes
- A full change of clothes
- Outdoor gear for the season, including boots and splash pants
- A labelled water bottle
- A sun hat in summer, warm layers in winter
Questions parents ask
What is the preschool ratio?
One educator for every eight preschoolers, in a group of up to twenty-four. This is the ratio set by Ontario's Child Care and Early Years Act for children 2.5 to 4 years.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
We build the skills kindergarten actually asks for: sitting with a group, listening, taking turns, early literacy and numbers, fine-motor control, and self-help skills. We do it through play and projects, not worksheets.
Is my child too young if they are not yet toilet trained?
Most preschoolers are toilet learned, but children develop at their own pace. Talk to us. We will tell you honestly whether the timing works for your child.
How much outdoor time will my preschooler get?
Most mornings include a long outdoor block, often around two hours, weather permitting and dressed for it. Outdoor learning is central to how we teach.
Do you offer part-time preschool?
Availability depends on the room. Tell us the days you need on the waitlist form and we will let you know what is possible.
Is preschool covered by CWELCC?
Yes. Preschool is an under-six room, so the CWELCC reduction applies. See the Tuition and CWELCC page for the current daily rate.
Come see it for yourself
The best way to know if we are right for your family is to walk through during a regular day. Your first visit is free.