Essential Elements
Dramatic Play
Dramatic play happens when children actively experiment with the social and emotional roles of life by using their imaginations to adopt various personas. Children are able to practice self-control and develop innovative conflict resolution techniques through this element that they can apply in a peer group. A vital part of every classroom, which gives children a way to express their emotions and feel free to explore their own ideas and feelings, creating emotional and social competency.
The Building Centre
This space invites children to turn ideas into reality using a wide variety of building materials and loose parts. As they stack, sort, balance, and build, they’re not just creating—they’re developing real-life skills like spatial awareness, motor coordination, measurement, comparison, and problem-solving. Through trial, error, and joyful discovery, children gain confidence and learn that their ideas matter. It’s a place where imagination meets engineering, and self-esteem grows with every creation.
Open Art Centre
At the open art centre, process-based art is the focus—inviting children to explore a variety of materials and techniques at their own pace. With freedom to make choices, ask questions, and investigate their surroundings, children express themselves in their own unique way. When their ideas and observations are valued, they build confidence and develop positive self-esteem. Developmentally appropriate art materials are always available, supporting self-directed creativity throughout the day.
Cultural Component
It is important for every family to feel represented within the center. The classroom materials will reflect the diversity of the community with a larger emphasis on the families within the center. Children's cultural and spiritual identities will be woven into each of the essential elements of all classroom environments. Educators will create inclusive play spaces for the children in their care and will be mindful of being inclusive through their conversations with children, their families and fellow educators.
Spaces of Comfort
Each classroom is warm, natural, and welcoming—with soft light, plants, and a cozy corner to pause and connect. When big feelings arise, calming tools and quiet spaces help them self-regulate and feel safe..
This shared space is where stories are told, songs are sung, puzzles are solved, and ideas are heard.
Sensory Exploration
This is a vital part of our classroom environment. As children explore and strengthen not only their five familiar senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell—but also their sense of balance and body awareness (proprioception), they’re doing more than just playing. They’re building powerful brain connections that support cognitive growth and help them make sense of the world around them.
The outdoor classroom is viewed as an extension of the children’s indoor learning experiences. Playing outside is crucial for a child's overall development. According to studies, playing outside can help individuals with their mental health as well as develop important personal qualities like confidence, healthy risk-taking, a positive body image, curiosity, creativity, etc. At Ready Set Grow Child Development Centre we strive to not only bring the children outside for large portions of the day, but to also bring aspects of nature and natural materials into our classrooms.
Outdoor Play
The outdoor classroom is viewed as an extension of the children’s indoor learning experiences. Playing outside is crucial for a child's overall development. According to studies, playing outside can help individuals with their mental health as well as develop important personal qualities like confidence, healthy risk-taking, a positive body image, curiosity, creativity, etc. At Ready Set Grow Child Development Centre we strive to not only bring the children outside for large portions of the day, but to also bring aspects of nature and natural materials into our classrooms.