Children aren't sponges just waiting to be filled with knowledge, according to local mother and caregiver, Maya Magee. Magee said she believes kids are full of knowledge and it's the job of teachers and caregivers to help explore a youngster's curiosity rather than instruct on what has to be memorized next.
Magee, an early childhood education student at Capilano University, said she believes in a child-centred approach to learning, commonly referred to as Reggio Emilia, so much so that she has decided to make a family business out of it by launching the Discovery Kids Childcare in the former Gospel Hall at 2120 Diamond Road.
Magee spent the last year running a daycare out of her own home, but wanted to offer a Reggio Emilia inspired approach for more local youngsters.
"I chose to open up a bigger daycare centre in Squamish because I knew there was a need for it. My husband and I were both born and raised here in Squamish and we've dedicated our lives to children," she said. "We have four of our own."
With three early childhood educators and one volunteer, Discovery Kids Childcare can facilitate up to 25 youngsters, between the ages of two-and-a-half and five, at one time.
Discovery Kids Childcare will be hosting an open house on Sunday (Nov. 8) from 10 a.m. to noon, and is scheduled for a grand opening on Wednesday (Nov.11).
Much of the Reggio Emilia approach, which started in the northern town of the same name during the 1940s, focuses on creatively encouraging children to explore their interests.
"The teachers are there to inspire and be co-creators of knowledge, but really you're always thinking about what the children are interested in and working towards that," Magee said.
The Reggio Emilia school of philosophy believes children are knowledgeable and capable citizens who need encouragement and guidance from instructors.
"What you do in your classroom revolves around that image of the child," Magee said.
In a Reggio Emilia centre, when students show an interest in bugs, it's the teacher's job to help gather information on critters and share it, said Magee. In a typical daycare centre, a teacher typically decides what will be discussed and how they children have very little input if any on what they learn, she said.
"There's a million things you may do but it's all related to what the children's interests are."
The unconventional teaching methods at a Reggio Emilia-inspired facility might raise a few eyebrows, but Magee assures parents there's no need for alarm. Children will learn the rudimentary skills they need to prepare for entering the school system, they just might not learn them the same way other kids might.
In fact, Magee said, a Reggio Emilia-inspired approach may give children the individual attention they often lack at a typical daycare facility.
"I think that it really gives children a sense of belonging and they feel very respected, very capable and very much welcomed.
"Children really are learning lots of very valuable skills in a Reggio Emilia centre."
Anyone interested in finding out more information on the Discovery Kids Childcare can contact Magee directly at: discoverykids@telus.net or call the facility at 604-898-5656.
