Latest news with #earlylearning
CTV News
15 hours ago
- Health
- CTV News
Calgary child care embracing sensory learning and playing
Children at The Immigrant Education Society's Little Beginnings Urban Oasis child-care centre have been introduced to a number of sensory tools and materials to assist in their learning development. The Little Beginnings Urban Oasis (LBUO) child-care centre at The Immigrant Education Society (TIES) in northeast Calgary has introduced a number of sensory tools and material to help children learn. The centre has 26 children enrolled from birth to six years old who come from more that 20 countries around the world. Raghda Abouelfetouh, LBUO childcare centre manager, brainstormed with all the educators in the program to choose the equipment they felt would be most beneficial to the children. Abouelfetou says exposing kids to sensory activities at a young age is vital. 'All children have, and even adults, have different learning abilities, different skills,' she said. 'So if you work in advance, you will be most probably be preventing challenging behaviors to occur in the school age children and are setting them up for success.' The sensory tools help kids visualize and hear things but also help with math and learning the language. 'If I don't speak English and I'm here and everyone is speaking English, I will be frustrated,' said Abouelfetouh. 'I want to express, I want to engage, so this way we are letting everyone engage the way they are.' She says that since the program started in March, educators have seen an 80 percent drop in kids who lash out through frustration, and adds that's a positive indicator for the work they're doing. 'A couple of parents, especially in the preschool room, they were sharing that the children now are speaking way more -- (they) are very expressive,' she said. 'I'm like, here we go! We're so happy with that.' Identifying special needs Sensory tools can also be used to identify children with special needs or those with neurodivergent conditions. Abouelfetouh says many children in Alberta are not eligible for any kind of cognitive assessment before the age of three. 'Until we get the assessment, (the child) will be almost four years old -- which is too late, because 80 per cent of the child's development is done by the age of three so we don't want children to lose these opportunities,' she said. 'Why not offer this intervention as early as possible to prevent any learning delays and developmental delays in the school age.? Racheal Ashamu's four-year-old daughter Adesua is in the program. 'I have noticed a lot of improvement and she even wants me to have (the sensory tools) at home,' she said. 'I can confidently say right now she is ready for kindergarten, because when I look at the Alberta curriculum, she knows everything that is expected of her already.' Ashamu says Adesua has now developed a knack for building things that could lead to a career one day. 'I know that she likes stacking things, like creating something,' she said. 'I mean, for her age (she is) maybe some sort of little engineer who wants to create something.' Aboueleftouh is excited at the potential for the program for the current and future students. 'When you're talking about the children, you're talking about next generation, you're talking about the future of Canada.,' she said. Learn more about LBUO here.
National Post
a day ago
- Business
- National Post
Bambini Breaks Ground on Reggio-Inspired Childcare Centre in SW Calgary
Article content A new benchmark for early learning, holistic wellness, and architectural beauty in Alpine Park Article content CALGARY, Alberta — Bambini Learning Group has officially broken ground on its newest early learning centre: Bambini Alpine Park, opening in Spring 2026. Located in southwest Calgary's Alpine Park community, the 12,000-square-foot centre will bring Bambini's renowned Reggio-inspired, holistic approach to families in Alpine Park, Bridlewood, Evergreen, and nearby communities. Article content More than a daycare, Bambini Alpine Park is being thoughtfully designed to honour the joys of childhood, support family well-being, and nurture the natural curiosity of young learners. Article content 'We're not just building classrooms. We're creating an environment where families feel connected, children feel inspired, and nature is woven into every corner,' said Teresa Anselmo, Founder of Bambini Learning Group. Article content A Holistic Approach to Early Learning Article content Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, Bambini's curriculum is child-led and inquiry-based. Each day integrates: Article content Educators guide children's social, emotional, and cognitive development while parents are embraced as active participants. Article content A Purpose-Built Space for Growth and Connection Article content Bambini Alpine Park is being developed in collaboration with Dream, Omada Commercial, Studio ANVA, and the Alpine Park community. Every detail is designed to support child development in an environment of calm, beauty, and belonging. Article content Key features include: Article content Light-filled classrooms with natural materials A central indoor piazza for gathering and movement A parent lounge and indoor garden for family engagement A dedicated art studio (atelier) Outdoor play areas connected to nature Before- and after-school care for school-aged children Article content About Bambini Learning Group Article content Bambini Learning Group is a family-operated, Alberta-based childcare provider with locations in Edmonton and St. Albert. Known for blending Reggio-inspired learning with holistic wellness, art, nature, and nutrition, Bambini is dedicated to supporting the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content MEDIA Megan Riley Article content Article content Article content
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
NSW cracks down on childcare centres after horror abuse with CCTV to be introduced
Weeks after a disturbing video emerged of a childcare worker slapping a baby at a Sydney daycare centre, the NSW government has announced sweeping reform of the sector to prioritise child safety. The installation of CCTV cameras in centres that have already been flagged, a new independent regulator and tougher penalties for offenders are among the set of changes to be implemented following an independent review into the sector. It comes after horrific reports of abuse within early childhood education centres including an incident where an educator allegedly punished a child by dragging them across the floor, and another where an educator allegedly pinched a child's nose and covered their mouth with a hand in an attempt to get the child to swallow their food. Reports of a child being locked in cot room for 7 minutes and an educator allegedly being under the influence of drugs and alcohol while working, were also recorded in the independent review which was released on Thursday. 'There have been some really shocking cases that we've seen,'Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said. 'Parents deserve to know that when they leave their children at an early learning centre or preschool, their child will be cared for, respected and nurtured. 'When educators or operators break the rules and violate that trust, the public has a right to know.' Increased transparency both on the part of the existing regulatory body and the individual centres is a key part of the reform. Parents will need to be alerted every time there is an incident at their child's centre, and performance data will be more transparent so parents can make informed decisions about where to send their children. A new regulator independent of the Department of Education will be established, and laws strengthened to ensure those found guilty of abuse are held to account and penalised accordingly. The changes will also include the development of 100 public, free preschools, which will essentially double the number currently available to kids in NSW by 2027. While still under the umbrella of early childhood education, preschools are distinct from daycare centres in that they generally operate only during school hours and school term, do not provide meals and take only children from about four-years-old. The report released on Thursday was undertaken by former deputy ombudsman Chris Wheeler and included details of 34 serious incidents that have been investigated since 2020 and listed 12 recommendations. The government has accepted all recommendations 'in principle'. 'It will enhance the safety of our littlest learners,' Secretary of the NSW Department of Education, Murat Dizdar said.
Zawya
20-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Taaleem acquires GCC-focused KFG to expand network
Dubai – Taaleem Holdings has signed a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 95% shareholding in Kids First Group Limited (KFG), an early-learning premium education provider in the GCC. The acquisition is expected to boost Taaleem's expansion into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering accretion to both earnings and cash flow, according to a press release. KFG manages a diversified network of 34 nurseries in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands. Subject to regulatory approvals and other pre-completion conditions, the transaction will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt. It is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter (Q4) of Taaleem's financial year (FY)2024/25. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of Taaleem, commented: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education.' Kamil Najjar, Founder and CEO of KFG, said: 'Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education - preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years' All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arabian Business
19-06-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Taaleem gets into early-learning sector with 95% stake acquisition in KFG
UAE's education provider Taaleem Holdings is expanding into the rapidly growing early-learning sector, complementing its existing portfolio of K-12 schools by acquiring a 95 per cent stake in Kids First Group Limited (KFG). KFG is a leading early-learning education provider in the GCC, which operates 34 centrally located nurseries in areas close to business districts and within residential districts in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. It currently serves more than 5,000 students across multiple leading brands and offers four curricula at various price points, enabling the company to offer tailored education solutions that caters to a broad segment of the market. Taaleem expands into early-learning sector The acquisition, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter following regulatory approvals, is expected to deliver a value-accretive expansion for the UAE-listed education provider into the high-growth early-learning segment, offering immediate accretion to both earnings and cashflow. It will be fully self-funded through a mix of equity and debt. Exact financial details of the acquisition were not provided. Khalid Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board of Taaleem, commented: 'This acquisition of Kids First Group represents an important next chapter in Taaleem's growth strategy. By expanding further into the early-learning education segment, we are creating a comprehensive educational pathway that supports children from their earliest stages of development through to K-12 education. 'Kids First Group's proven track record and diverse network of leading nurseries, which receive strong recognition and demand amongst parents, strongly complement our existing market-leading portfolio, while further diversifying Taaleem's offering. This strategic move reinforces our defensive positioning and our commitment to scalable, high-quality education in the region.' Following the completion of the acquisition, KFG will be run as a standalone vertical within Taaleem's portfolio, with the existing management, including the company's founder – Kamil Najjar, who continues as a shareholder with a 5 per cent stake, working with Taaleem's Board of Directors. Najjar, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of KFG, added: 'Since its inception, KFG has been built for one unwavering purpose: the well-being and development of the KFG individual child. For over 14 years, this singular mission has guided the Group's growth and success. 'Today marks an exciting new chapter in KFG's journey. Taaleem's strong educational legacy will enable both organisations to enhance educational standards and accelerate the growth of premium early-learning centres. Together, KFG and Taaleem are committed to setting a new benchmark in early childhood education – preparing children to thrive in an increasingly complex and fast-evolving world, and ensuring they benefit from holistic, world-class learning environments from their earliest years.'
