35 Years of Early Learning Programs
Established in 1986, Garneau/University Early Learning Centre Society (GUELC) is a licensed and accredited non-profit program in Edmonton offering high quality early learning programs for preschool and kindergarten aged children. As a Centre, we remain up to date with current research and practices in early childhood development to create welcoming and educationally stimulating classrooms and experiences.
Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and working within the Flight Curriculum framework, we strive for a unity between the child, their home and the Centre. Because children learn first and foremost from their home life, our team works alongside the families to draw inspiration from their values, cultures and traditions to create a cohesive transition between Centre and home.
Our team is a warm, professional, certified and enthusiastic group of educators that are committed to the growth and development of each child in our preschool and kindergarten education program. Each member of our teaching team is university educated and required to participate in ongoing professional development to ensure their ability to maintain excellence in their early learning practices. In our classrooms, the educators are co-learners with the children, they explore, question and research together.
In the Reggio Emilia philosophy, environment is a child’s third teacher. We strive to create a calm and nurturing environment for the children to engage with and explore. Small class sizes allow children to interact in a variety of group sizes amongst their peers as well as engage in one on one interactions with their educators. We use low lighting, soft music and natural elements to create a cozy and secure feel to our classrooms. Because the classrooms are the children’s space, we feel that it is important that our learning materials and documentation are at child level and our furniture is child sized. The centers are created through close observation of the children’s play and interactions and our shelves are full of open-ended materials to stimulate children’s natural curiosities.
Community and parent involvement is very important to our children’s educational journey. We have an open-door policy regarding community visitors and parent volunteers and encourage both to be active participants in the classrooms. Whether it be sharing a special talent or hobby, cultural celebration or simply to read a favourite book, we welcome it all. We enjoy community excursions and will take adventure walks regularly to explore our natural surroundings, local businesses and amenities.
