Frequently Asked Questions 

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What is your curriculum based on? Does it focus on something in particular? 
 Our curriculum is based on the development of the whole child and their emerging capacities. Young children are developing their self-concept and an awareness of the world. We aim to provide experiences and opportunities that develop their skills and increase knowledge, nurture their creativity and curiosity, form strong self-awareness, healthy expression, self-regulation skills, appropriate attitudes and work habits. 
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Opportunities for individual as well as group play are provided - sensory, explorative, pretend, dress-up and role-playing, fantasy and imaginative, constructive, manipulative, art, music and movement, large motor activities, structured and unstructured – with a clean and prepared environment presenting a range of well-curated materials.

 Their daily activities, projects and circle time integrate experiences and opportunities for literacy skills in the areas of listening, speaking, writing, as well as in numeracy, pattern and order, measurement and quantity.
 
What are the school beliefs and educational philosophy?
 We apply a child-centered approach to learning where we acknowledge every child’s skills and interests.We take time to provide an individualized approach, understanding where each child is at developmentally. We provide a purposeful education with the child’s academic and socio-emotional development in mind.

We believe that children play an active role in their learning. Children understand the world around them through play. Spark Discovery Center™provides them with a safe and encouraging environment where they can experience things for themselves and build skills such as independence, curiosity, and responsibility very early on. We also value listening and adapting to the specific needs of each child.
 

As a parent, what will my involvement be like?
Children thrive in environments that are consistent and reliable. Parents and teachers work together to do just this in order to understand the child’s profile and adapt according to the child’s specific academic and socio-emotional needs. 

The Home-School partnership is strongly encouraged in setting and meeting developmental goals. 

Families play an integral part in the education experience. We welcome parents and family members in our classrooms who wish to volunteer by sharing an interest with the children. We also encourage families to sign up for committees and attend events at the center.


What are your teachers like? What are their backgrounds? 
Our teachers are lifelong learners who are excited to teach and learn with our students, who believe in collaboration, and recognize that they are part of a community. They are trained in the areas of Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Child and Family Life, and bring with them years of experience in teaching and working with children.
 

Do you accept children with special needs?
 Spark Discovery Center ™ children whose developmental challenges can be reasonably addressed in our Center, with the current available resources and services.
 If necessary, Spark will provide the child additional 1:1 supervision (i.e. an educational assistant/learning support teacher/specialist) to ensure optimal engagement and participation in the Spark Kids Program™. An additional monthly fee will be required on top of the regular Spark Kids Program’s fees.


 How are children assessed and how often?
We view children as individuals born with their inherent traits and personalities, belonging to their families who have their unique characteristics, experiences and culture, developing and responding emotionally, cognitively, socially, and physically,  at their own pace, and with their own internal rhythm. 

Teachers observe and monitor children in their daily activities across a substantial length of time while using and generally referring to established child development scales and inventory of skills for children 0-6 years old. Individual progress is documented over time including evidence of learning through their activities, works and reflections. 


How are children disciplined?
The Spark Kids Program™promotes children’s self-awareness and independence while sustaining a compassionate and trusting environment. Discipline begins with our caring staff who set a good example, set clear and appropriate behavioral expectations, and use active feedback and, when needed, gentle redirection.

We recognize that children are not born knowing right from wrong and with a set of social and behavioral skills. Therefore, we make sure that the space is organized, parameters are identified, routines are set and step-by-step directions are clear so that children learn their boundaries, and how to be confident and caring members of the Spark community.

Our foremost goal is to create a learning culture and space that is safe, dynamic and happy for each and every child and hence this is also the motivation we provide for children’s behavior. If they feel safe and happy then they will desire this for their peers. If they are safe and happy then learning and growth happens.
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