3-Year-Olds: Morning Program

Schedule: Monday to Thursday, 9:10–11:10 AM

To be eligible for a September start, your child must turn 3 before the end of the calendar year. For a January start, your child must turn 3 before July of that year.

This introductory class focuses on developing communication skills, fostering peer relationships, and helping children adjust to the classroom environment—often their first time away from home. As the year progresses and the classroom dynamic strengthens, the program incorporates more Montessori Exercises and group research projects aligned with our curriculum.

4-Year-Olds: Afternoon Program

Schedule: Monday to Thursday, 12:30–3:30 PM

To be eligible for the 4-year-old program, your child must turn 4 before the end of the calendar year.

This class begins the year with class conversations and group projects, reflecting the increased maturity of the children. Building on the foundations of communication and peer relationships developed earlier, this program emphasizes critical thinking, self-regulation, and confidence. Many parents opt to repeat this program if their child’s birth date leads to delaying kindergarten. The program concludes with a special graduation ceremony, celebrating the children’s growth and achievements.

Class Size

Each morning and afternoon class has a maximum of 16 students, led by 2 teachers, maintaining a ratio of 8 students to 1 teacher.

Part-Time Option

Part-time spots are available in the morning program and include 2 days per week on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.

Inclusion Policy

At University Hill Preschool, we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment. Each class (AM and PM) can welcome one neuro-divergent child, supported by a pre-assigned teaching support aid.

Please email universityhillpreschool@gmail.com to discuss this further and to see if our preschool program is an appropriate learning environment for your child.

At University Hill Preschool, our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to nurture the whole child. We blend the Reggio Emilia approach and Montessori philosophy with a flexible, child-centered framework. While the four seasons provide a general guideline for themes, our curriculum evolves each year, shaped by the interests, ideas, and experiences that children bring to the classroom.

Philosophy:

Our approach emphasizes symbolic representation, encouraging children to express themselves through various “languages” of creativity and exploration, including:

Artistic Modes: Drawing, painting, sculpture, and clay work.

Physical Expression: Movement, dramatic play, and building.

Musical Exploration: Songs and rhythmic activities.

This approach supports children’s intellectual, emotional, and social growth while fostering a love for learning.

Key Concepts We Teach

Problem-Solving:

At University Hill Preschool, problem-solving is at the heart of our learning approach. Through inquiry-based activities, children explore challenges, test solutions, and refine their ideas. Whether building structures, dividing tasks, or solving everyday problems, they develop critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability—skills that set the foundation for lifelong learning.

Collaboration:

Collaboration is encouraged through small group projects that promote teamwork, sharing, and cultural exchange. Children work together on activities like preparing holiday presentations or garden projects, building essential social skills like active listening, turn-taking, and conflict resolution. These experiences foster strong peer relationships and a sense of belonging in our vibrant preschool community.

Free Play and Development

Play is essential to a child’s overall development. It fosters:

Social Development: Children progress from solitary play to cooperative activities, developing essential social skills.

Physical Development: Through playful activities like balancing, throwing, or crawling, children build motor skills and spatial awareness.

Emotional Development: Play builds confidence, independence, and resilience while teaching creative problem-solving and decision-making.

Key Elements of Our Curriculum

Thematic Learning

Projects and themes are inspired by group discussions, anecdotes, and the children’s natural curiosity.

Traditional Events

Our school community enjoys holiday presentations, a Mother’s Day sing-along/tea party, Sports Day, and graduation celebrationsfor the 4-year-old class. These activities foster a sense of community while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and confidence.

Our curriculum reflects our belief in the power of play, exploration, and meaningful engagement to prepare children for a lifetime of learning.

Gardening

Gardening connects children to nature while incorporating lessons in science (life cycles), math (counting seeds), and art (garden design). It also promotes healthful food choices and hands-on learning.

We are fortunate to have access to a community garden right by our preschool, where children plant seasonal seeds and bulbs, watching them grow and eventually harvesting them. This year, the children planted potatoes, which they later enjoyed as homemade French fries—an experience that combined education, creativity, and fun. 

Nature Walks and Outdoor Exploration

Spending time outdoors enhances children’s emotional well-being, attentiveness, and appreciation for the natural world, while also reducing stress and anxiety.

Our preschool is located beside Pacific Spirit Park and within walking distance of multiple playgrounds on the beautiful UBC campus, offering plentiful opportunities for outdoor exploration. When weather permits, children embark on nature walks to experience the park’s beauty, observe wildlife, and engage meaningfully with their environment. These outdoor adventures promote teamwork, physical activity, and observational skills, nurturing curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for nature.