Nanaimo Innovation Academy
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A unique educational program to inspire life-long learning.

PROGRAM DETAILS




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Daily schedule with room for flexibility.
At Nanaimo Innovation Academy, we recognize one size does not necessarily fit all. We have a general schedule for how the day should go but value a lot of flexibility to follow natural curiosity and progression of exploration, as directed by the children. The children need a relaxed pace with ample time to explore. We aim to help children make connections between various topics and activities that they are interested in, without having a pre-programmed curriculum or prescribed schedule to follow. This also means that teachers are not planning elaborate projects or learning points in advance – they’re allowing projects to emerge based on the interests of the children while still meeting learning outcomes and goals. Teachers will introduce new topics or ideas to a group, typically based on natural seasonal activities and changes. These new ideas will be explored further if the children show an interest.
Basic Info
At Nanaimo Innovation Academy, we utilize the best practices from various educational pedagogies-- Waldorf, Montessori, Reggio, Whole Child Education, Forest School Theory, and Play-based Learning-- without being limited by the rigidity of ascribing to just one philosophy. By being flexible and in constant evaluation of what is best for child development and learning, we innovate and create a program designed for our student’s current needs, interests, and growth.
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Some key aspects of our program:
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Gentle guidance
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Small, intimate learning environment
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Teachers are co-learners
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Following the interests of the children
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Social and emotional learning is more important that academic
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Respect for nature and environmentally sustainable practices
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Use of natural materials and mindful class setting
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Loose parts play (with no set way on how a toy should be played with)
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Lots of outdoor time
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Creative play and free play encouraged
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Many varieties of ways to explore with arts and materials
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Respectful and mindful expressions
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Learning self-regulation tools, self- expression, and how to identify feelings
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Problem solving, collaboration, and conflict resolution skills
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Exploring our community
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Valuing differences and diversity
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Please read more about:
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Infant/Toddler class #1
In this class, there are 10 children age 16 months -3 years to three ECE Teachers each day. At least one of the teachers each day will have their Infant/Toddler designation.
Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Nap is from 1pm-3pm in our designated nap room
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
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There is a large outdoor play space with sand box, mud kitchen, ride on toys, and climber with slide.
Infant/Toddler class #2
(OPENING OCT 1, 2023)
In this class, there are 7 children age 16 months - 3 years to two ECE Teachers each day. At least one of the teachers each day will have their Infant/Toddler designation.
Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Nap is from 1pm-3pm in our designated nap room
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
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There is a roll up garage door for indoor/outdoor play.
Forest School Program
In this class, there are 14 children age 4-6 years old to two ECE Teachers each day. Only full time options.
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Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Twice a week we take the bus to the forest. The rest of the week, we go on walking excursions to forests or parks.
Napping is optional but most will likely not nap in this program. We do not have a separate nap room.
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
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Pre-K Program
In this class, there are 16 children age 3-5 years old to three ECE Teacher each day.
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Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Quiet time is from 1:00pm-2:30pm in a dimmed area in the classroom (while the other non-napping children play outside). Napping is optional but all children are asked to rest or play quietly during this time.
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
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There is a large yard for indoor/outdoor play.
Pre-K Program
(OPENING OCT 1, 2023)
In this class, there are 7 children age 3-5 years old to one ECE Teacher each day.
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Drop off is between 8am-9am.
Quiet time is from 1:00pm-2:30pm in our designated nap room. Napping is optional but all children are asked to rest or play quietly during this time.
Pick up is between 3pm-5pm. We close at 5pm.
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There is a roll up garage door for indoor/outdoor play.