Our Philosophy

Our education philosophy is based on the premise that young children learn most effectively through play with active participation in a variety of physical, social, emotional and intellectual experiences rather than passive acquisition of "taught" knowledge. At Lansdowne Cooperative Preschool each child is valued and respected as a unique individual.

The program is designed to satisfy individual needs at a pace favorable to the age group. Play is a natural device for learning. Through play children learn to solve problems, increase knowledge and skills, and explore their environment.

Play helps children learn who they are and how they relate to the world in which they live. We provide a warm and non-threatening environment to enable all children to develop to their full potential. The preschool environment stimulates growth in the child's intellectual, emotional, social and physical development through enjoyable and educational activities.

What we value

Lansdowne Preschool has been part of the Fernwood community in Victoria BC for almost 50 years. Some of our alumni are now bringing their children to Lansdowne, and many families return with 2nd, 3rd and 4th children, even cousins! What brings them back? We believe it’s because we share some core values:

• We value children as individuals who have the right to be listened to and respected for who they are right now.
• We value community building. We believe relationships between families, educators and children strengthens us all.
• Parents are partners in learning. They are active in every aspect of the operation of the school, and act as assistants in the classroom.
• We value play. We believe play is a means for learning on many levels and that children have a right to space and time for play.

What we believe

We believe early childhood education is about creating an environment rich with possibilities. We listen, observe and thoughtfully consider individuals and groups. Based on what we see, we bring ideas to the children. Just as often, we follow the children’s ideas (the children’s ideas are usually more interesting!)

In fact we believe listening is a fundamental principle in our work with children. We listen to all their "languages", to all the many ways they communicate. We listen to children in order to know them, and try to understand their perspective of the world. We listen because we value their knowledge and value our relationship with them. And we listen so we can respond, support and expand on the ideas they bring to us. Read about a typical day at preschool.