Kids U

Meet Ms. Nahla (Kidsu Braeside campus) How long have you been with Kids U and what is your role? I have been on the campus working on my fourth practicum since January 29th. I was hired to be part of the team and I am the Cohort A team leader, and I am Ms. Fiona’s assistant in the right brain room. ... What led you to choose a career path in childcare/education? I have always enjoyed growing and learning alongside children. After studying more about early childhood education, and learning how important these early years are, I decided to be part of this and I am dedicated to being a positive example in their lives. What is your favourite part of working with children? My favorite part of my job is when I plan provocations based on their interests, needs, and abilities and I see their imaginations take them to a completely different way of exploring then I expected. I enjoy observing their explorations as it helps me to extend their play. Tell is about a silly childhood memory. My silly childhood memory is around my love for messy play at home. This play was always prohibited and as a culture, we didn’t have big parks to play and explore in nature. Instead I used to play with water and kitchen utensils every time we visited my grandma in the village and make a big mess. What do you think is the most important thing we teach children at Kids U? After observing children at kids U, I love how we see each child as a mighty learner who is capable of doing everything. The way the educator views the image of the child affects the way she deals with them. The most important thing that we teach at kids U is that children are learning through play, which is very important as they have the freedom to play, and choose what they want to do and at the same time learn and wonder. As stated in the Alberta curriculum framework Children flourish in environments that are beautiful, joyful, and rich with opportunities for sensory stimulation, social interaction, language, exploration, manipulation, and representation ( Makovichuk, et. al, 2014, p.55). Where would you like to see yourself in five years? I know I'll still be working with children, I don’t mind the position as long as I am doing the work I love. I could be the the owner of my program, or coach to help other teachers through their journey, or a lead teacher and I know I'd be happy. If you attend Kids U Braeside, make sure you stop by and say hi to Ms. Nahla. And stay tuned for more teacher spotlights, so you can get to know a little bit more about the early childhood educators who are helping your children learn and grow

I think every #BoyMom out there can agree that having two boys is definitely boring. overheard at Kidsu Centennial

One of the most wonderful things that the children at Kids U Walden get to experience is the interaction with their neighbours at the AgeCare Continuing Care home. Pre-covid, they would do weekly visits, where both the senior residents and the children would take part in musical and art activities, ice cream socials and more. Over the last year, the children have been missing their grandmas and grandpas, and today they got to do something special for them, by singing songs... through the window and writing them messages of love and hope. It is so heartwarming to see that even though they have not been to see each other in person for over a year, the bond between the children and the seniors is still as strong as ever. These pictures truly made our day; we hope they make yours too!

It's been over a year since we began navigating the waters of life during a pandemic, and as teachers and parents who have tried multiple platforms in order to keep the children's learning continuous, we have truly seen how important early childhood education is. Check out this thought-provoking read that explains why early learning in a social(ly-distanced) setting, is more important than ever: https://nationalpost.com//generation-c-why-investing-in-ea

We sure love #MovementMondays around here! There’s nothing quite like getting the blood pumping, the heart racing, and scoring a few baskets to start the week off on a positive note!

An inspirational quote to get you through the day Happy Friday everyone!

Constructing towers, engineering machines, and building brains throughout the summer! Check out our Young Innovators and Engineers camp, as well as many others, on www.kidsu.ca/summer-programs Spaces are limited, so if you're interested in one of our 8 camp themes, contact us now at [email protected] or call 1-855-80-KidsU

Spring is in full force and the toddlers are going duck-spotting! Did you know that our New Brighton campus has a ton of natural outdoor areas in the vicinity to explore? Whether it’s duck-spotting at this pond, nature walks around the pathways, or picnics on the grass, our students have much to see, learn and experience in the beautiful outdoors

Meet Ms. Kaitlyn (Strathmore KidsU campus) How long have you been with Kids U and what is your role? I have been working for KidsU Strathmore for 4 years in February. My role at the campus is Lead Teacher/Acting PS... What lead you to choose a career path in childcare/education? I have always had a passion for working with children, and was never sure if I wanted to be a daycare educator or work with older children in a school, but I am happy that I chose to work in a daycare environment and go back to school for the rest of my levels. Working with children inspires me to help them, the way children teach us adults even at such an early age really shows you the potential that you have to inspire them in their learning. What is your favourite part of working with children? My favourite part about working with children is learning from them, they are always showing me new things and showing me how they make different connections and put that into their play. Another part that I love about working with children is that no matter what they will always be able to put a smile on your face, and that feeling is amazing. Tell us about a silly childhood memory? When I was younger we used to go to Fernie every year to go Snowboarding. One year, we went and my cousin came with me, and it was only her second time snowboarding, but once we got to the top of the hill she was too nervous and forgot to get off of the chair lift. What do you think is the most important thing we teach children at Kids U? The one thing that I love about Kids U is that we do not make the children do anything that they don't want to do. They are the educators when it comes to their interests, and we as educators help enhance what they want to leave. Where would you like to see yourself in five years? My hopes in the next few years is to further myself in the Kids U company, and push myself to learn more about children. If you attend Kids U Strathmore, make sure you stop by and say hi to Ms. Kaitlyn. And stay tuned for more teacher spotlights, so you can get to know a little bit more about the early childhood educators who are helping your children learn and grow Kaitlyn Brock

#TFW you’re thinking about good food and then someone hands you a bowl of good food #myhero #healthybodieshealthybrains

More proof that everything moms do is magic overheard at Kidsu Centennial

Happy Easter to every bunny in our Kids U family! We hope you have had a wonderful weekend full of love and laughter!

Searching for a summer camp that appeals to a variety of children's interests? Look no further - Kids U Summer Camp registration is now open, and we've got a camp for everyone! Check out this year's themes for the aspiring athletes, the art lovers, the budding scientists, and the stage stars of tomorrow. Spaces are limited, so register online or contact us at [email protected]!... https://www.kidsu.ca/summer-programs/