Early Learning & Care

Vancouver Hebrew Academy proudly provides its Early Learning & Care Program, for 2.5 to 5 year old children, Monday through Friday from 8:25 am to 4:00 pm.

Our goal is to foster a lifelong love of Torah Judaism through an early learning program that supports learning, exploration, and wonder.

Our incredible team of educators provides a warm, caring, engaging, and inclusive learning environment for the children as they grow and develop socially, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and cognitively.

We blend tradition with emotional growth and preliminary academic development.

VHA Early Learning & Care provides an integrated and well-balanced curriculum of Judaic and General Studies that offers many opportunities for the children to explore, learn, and further strengthen their Jewish identity.

Play-based Program

VHA Early Learning & Care offers a play-based program that promotes open-ended, inquiry-based learning. The children’s contributions are both valued and shared. VHA Early Learning & Care follows the guidelines of the Early Learning Framework of BC, which supports a rich learning environment and enhances the overall experience of the children. Our program and approach are aligned with VHA values and Torah philosophy, respecting children’s individuality and uniqueness.

Inquiry-based Learning

Our day is designed to deepen understanding of our core values, embrace play as a means to build social-emotional learning, and offer opportunities to explore and expand our understanding of the world around us. During the planning and implementation of the curriculum, the children’s individual and group needs and interests are recognized, valued, and nurtured.

VIEW OUR DAILY SCHEDULE

8:25 –8:35 am

Arrival + Welcome

Activities such as books, puzzles, manipulative activities are provided.


8:35 – 9:25 am

Indoor Free-Play

A variety of learning/play activities and experiences are available for children to explore and engage (fine motor, sensory, art, drama, blocks, science exploration, language, music, etc.).

Children are also encouraged to develop their social skills of sharing, turn-taking, cooperation and communication.


9:25 – 9:30 am 

Clean-up time

Children are encouraged to participate in cleaning up to develop their independency and self-help skills.


9:30 – 9:50 am

Davening + Group Time


9:50 – 10:00 am

Washroom and Hand Washing Routine


10:00 – 10:20 am

Snack

Children are encouraged to have a healthy snack and join in a social conversation with the group.


10:20 – 10:40 am

Gym

Free-play, movement activities, playing games.


10:40 – 10:55 am

Circle/Group Time

Parsha and Jewish holidays, General Studies learning

Balanced and interesting activities are available such as music, movement, singing, science experiments, math, language, drama, story, art projects, discussions and sharing experiences.


10:55 – 11:05 am

Washroom Routine, Get Ready for Outdoors


11:05 – 11:50 am

Outdoor Free-Play

A variety of outdoor activities and play experiences are provided for children to improve their gross motor and balance abilities as well as enjoy the outdoor play with their friends.


11:50 am – 12:00

Washroom and Hand-Washing Routine


12:00 – 12:40 pm

Lunch

Children enjoy having a meal with their friends.


12:40 – 12:55 pm

Washroom, Hand-Washing, Tooth Brushing


12:55 – 1:10 pm

Quite Time: Reading Story Books on Mat

All children have a quiet time to relax in a comfortable environment.


1:10 – 2:30 pm

Nap Time


1:10 – 2:30 pm

Activities and Play Centres

For children who don’t need to take a nap, a variety of extended experiences and play (sensory, art, drama, blocks, math, science exploration, stories and language, music and movement, etc.) are provided following children’s needs, interests, curiosity and imagination.

Many enriched curriculum opportunities are available, both in Judaic and General Studies, to strengthen children’s development in all areas of social, cognitive, physical, emotional, language and communication and spiritual.


2:30 – 2:40 pm

Washroom Routine       


2:40 – 3:05 pm

Snack

As children enjoy their snack they are encouraged to interact positively with their friends. Learning about healthy nutrition is promoted as well during this time.


3:05 – 3:50 pm

Outdoor Free-Play

Children continue enjoying their free-play in the outdoor environment expanding their learning, exploration and connection with nature.


3:50 – 4:00 pm

Pack-up and ready for Home


4:00 pm

Dismissal