Programs

Several children standing at a large easel, painting

Our Pillars

The pillars of our program are loving relationships, a deep connection to the natural world and plenty of opportunities for engagement in creative arts.

Together, these principles create a nurturing, respectful, and inspiring environment that reflects the values of Reggio Emilia pedagogy.

Loving relationships are the foundation of children’s learning and well-being. In a Reggio-inspired program, children are viewed as capable, curious, and full of potential. Warm, responsive relationships with educators help children feel safe, valued, and confident enough to explore ideas, take risks, and express themselves. Relationships among children, families, educators, and the wider community are equally important because learning is understood as a collaborative process built through listening, dialogue, and shared discovery.

Atelier Kids educator playing with child using natural materials

A deep connection to the natural world encourages children to develop curiosity, attentiveness, and respect for their environment. Nature provides an ever-changing setting filled with authentic opportunities for investigation—whether children are observing insects, experimenting with water, collecting natural materials, or noticing seasonal changes. These experiences invite children to ask questions, form theories, and revisit their thinking. This reflects the Reggio belief that the environment is the “third teacher”: a thoughtful, beautiful, and engaging space that actively supports exploration and learning.

Creative arts give children many ways to communicate and make meaning. Reggio pedagogy describes these varied forms of expression as the “hundred languages of children.” Drawing, painting, sculpture, movement, music, storytelling, dramatic play, and working with natural or recycled materials allow children to represent their ideas in ways that go beyond spoken language. When children have time, space, and rich materials for creative exploration, they strengthen their imagination, problem-solving abilities, confidence, and capacity to communicate complex thoughts.

These pillars are deeply interconnected. Secure relationships give children the confidence to explore; encounters with nature generate questions, wonder, and ideas; and the creative arts provide ways to investigate and express those ideas. Together, they support a Reggio-inspired image of the child as a competent learner, an active participant, and a valued member of a caring community.

A Day at Atelier Kids

Morning

  1. Arrival & Free Play

    Children settle into the day through open-ended play, building creativity and connections.

    Healthy breakfast snack available
  2. Project Work & Outdoor Exploration

    Independent and small-group projects invite children to follow their interests with gentle guidance from educators.

    Children explore our natural playground, garden, forest, and neighbourhood community spaces.

    At least 2 hours outdoors, year-round
  3. Tidy Up & Prepare for Lunch

    Children tidy their classrooms, wash up, and gather to share their morning experiences.

Midday

  1. Lunch

    Children and educators enjoy a healthy, delicious meal together, sharing stories and building a positive relationship with food.

  2. Rest & Quiet Time

    Soft music and dim lighting create a calm atmosphere as children settle onto their beds.

    Children who do not nap rest for 30–60 minutes before choosing a quiet activity such as reading or drawing.

Afternoon

  1. Afternoon Snack

    As children wake, they are warmly welcomed and invited to enjoy a nourishing snack.

  2. Projects & Outdoor Time

    Children revisit morning projects or begin new learning experiences before heading outside for more fresh-air play.

  3. Pick-Up & Free Play

    Children wind down with unstructured play indoors and outdoors as families arrive for pick-up.

Below Is a sample of our daily program:

Reggio Emilia–Inspired Child Care in Toronto | Atelier Kids

Reggio Emilia–Inspired Child Care in Toronto

Improve your child’s curiosity, creativity, and confidence at Atelier Kids. Our full-day and part-time childcare programs welcome children aged 0 to 5 years at our High Park and Annex locations in Toronto.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, our child-led approach combines purposeful play, creative exploration, meaningful relationships, and engaging indoor and outdoor learning experiences.

FAQs

Time to Grow,
Time to Thrive

At Atelier Kids, time isn’t rushed—it’s cherished.

Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we value time for the opportunities it brings:

Continuity

Children have the opportunity to build meaningful connections with familiar educators and peers over time due to our low turnover, creating a supportive and consistent community. This continuity fosters a strong sense of security and belonging, allowing children to grow emotionally, explore confidently, and thrive in a nurturing environment.

Socialization

With warm guidance from our educators, children develop essential skills in communication, self-regulation, conflict resolution, and making friendships—setting them up for success by building a strong foundation that allows them to navigate social interactions with confidence and focus more fully on their academics.

A child very focused on dipping her paintbrush in paint

Rich Experiences

Children fully engage in activities, exploring their interests with curiosity and intention. With the freedom to revisit and build upon their experiences at their own pace, they deepen their understanding, form meaningful connections, and develop insights about the world around them—nurturing a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

We understand the importance of a supportive transition into group care, for both child and caregivers. Rooted in research on attachment theory, we have developed a comprehensive family onboarding experience.

Our educators connect with each new family to prepare them and offer visits before starting. When children observe their caregivers at ease in our environment, it reassures them that it is a safe place to be.

As children progress through our classrooms, administrators work closely with families and educators to make thoughtful, collaborative decisions about placement and timelines.

We work to address the needs of each child by honouring friendships, educator relationships and by giving them the opportunity to visit their new classrooms multiple times, ensuring a smooth and confident transition.

A green triangular character with eyes and thin legs jumping up and down

Growing Together, Every Step of the Way

Why Atelier Kids?

  • Woman reading to two children in a cozy setting with children's books

    Nurturing Environment

    Full-day care in a nurturing, creative environment.

  • Child playing with colorful wooden stacking arches on wooden floor.

    Inquiry-Based Learning

    A Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum focused on inquiry and exploration.

  • Four young children wearing bright orange  pinnies walk towards a pond in a forested area, surrounded by lush green trees.

    Indoor & Outdoor Fun

    A unique blend of learning experiences.

  • A woman and a child engaged in using clay and natural materials such as pine cones and leaves, in a bright art studio

    Inclusive Support

    Care that values every child’s journey