Our Curriculum

At Connections Early Learning & Childcare Centre in downtown Calgary, our curriculum is a living, evolving reflection of our mission: to guide children in growing with heart, strength, resilience, and connection. Rooted in mindfulness, nature, and whole-child development, our program supports each child’s journey toward becoming a grounded, confident, compassionate human being.

We honour the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—through responsive experiences that nurture emotional intelligence, self-love, curiosity, and confidence. Every moment in our day is intentionally designed so children feel safe, valued, and empowered to explore the world around them and the wisdom within.

A Blended Approach to Early Learning

Our curriculum does not follow a fixed lesson plan. Instead, it emerges from the children themselves. We draw from a blend of respected early learning frameworks—including Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Emergent Curriculum, nature-based learning, and the ELECT framework—to create a flexible, holistic program that meets the needs of every child.

Educators observe, listen, and reflect deeply to co-create meaningful learning experiences that align with each child’s interests, strengths, and developmental needs. This approach ensures children learn at their own pace, in their own authentic way, within a warm, nurturing environment.

Our Programming Supports:

Resilience & Self-Regulation
Children are gently guided to navigate big feelings, embrace challenges, and discover their inner strength through grounding, mindfulness, and co-regulation practices.

Self-Love & Confidence
Through daily affirmations, caring relationships, and reflective routines, children learn to trust their voice, honour who they are, and build a positive self-image.

Emotional Intelligence
We teach the language of emotions—helping children express themselves clearly, resolve conflict, show empathy, and build strong, respectful friendships.

Connection with Nature
Outdoor exploration is part of our daily rhythm. Children explore the natural world, learn Earth stewardship, and develop a deep, lifelong bond with the land and local Calgary environment.

Creative & Cognitive Growth
Children engage in hands-on, play-based activities that build early literacy, numeracy, language development, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

Spiritual Well-Being & Mindfulness
Through meditation circles, breath work, storytelling, gratitude rituals, and quiet reflection, children learn to be present, calm, and connected to themselves and others. 

A Child-Centered, Heart-Led Approach
Our educators are not only teachers—they are co-learners, mentors, and compassionate guides. They design responsive environments that invite curiosity and creativity, set up open-ended provocations, and remain deeply attuned to the needs and rhythms of each child. Each classroom has its own unique flow based on the children within it, but across the centre our Calgary childcare program is unified by a shared commitment to nurturing the voice, spirit, and emotional well-being of every child.

Extending Learning Beyond the Classroom
We weave our Calgary community into the heart of our program. Children engage with guest speakers—local artists, elders, educators, healthcare workers, and Indigenous knowledge-keepers—who help them learn about the world in real, meaningful ways. We honour diverse cultures, identities, and traditions, creating a space where every child feels represented and respected.

Partnership with Families
Families are essential partners in each child’s learning journey. We work collaboratively with caregivers, honouring the knowledge and culture they bring. Through open communication and shared goals, we create consistency between home and centre—helping children feel secure, confident, and supported.