In the world of early childhood education, FLIGHT—Alberta’s Early Learning and Care Framework—stands as the backbone of early development in the Alberta educational system. Designed to guide early learning and child care practices across the province, FLIGHT is centered around a play-based approach that recognizes every child’s unique potential. At Adventures Child Care, we are proud to embrace this innovative framework, ensuring that our programs are aligned with the best practices in early childhood education.
As a leading child care provider in Calgary, Adventures Child Care is dedicated to creating an environment where children can explore, grow, and thrive. By integrating the principles of FLIGHT into our daily routines, we are not only meeting the educational standards of Alberta but also setting the stage for each child’s lifelong learning journey.
We will delve into the way in which we have seamlessly incorporated this approach at Adventures Child Care, shaping the experiences and development of the children in our care.
Understanding FLIGHT
At its core, FLIGHT is about recognizing the uniqueness of every child, and the importance of creating an environment that nurtures every aspect of a child’s growth. The framework emphasizes the importance of play-based learning, viewing play as a primary tool for children to explore, learn, and make sense of the world around them.
The core components of FLIGHT include play-based learning, observation, and reflection. Play-based learning is central to the framework, as it allows children to engage in activities that are both enjoyable and educational. Through play, children develop critical cognitive, social, and emotional skills, that form the basis of a successful future. Observation and reflection are equally important, enabling educators to understand each child’s unique needs and interests, and to tailor learning experiences that support their individual development.
FLIGHT adopts a holistic approach to early education, focusing on the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of children. It recognizes that these areas are not mutually exclusive, and that growth in one area often benefits others. By implementing the principles of FLIGHT, Adventures Child Care ensures that each child is supported in their journey toward becoming confident, capable, and curious learners.
Observation and Documentation
In the FLIGHT framework, observation plays a crucial role in understanding and supporting each child’s unique learning journey. By closely observing children, educators can gain valuable insights into their interests, strengths, and needs. This process allows educators to tailor their approach to suit the individual child, fostering an environment where every learner can thrive. Observation is not a passive act; it is an intentional and reflective practice that helps educators identify how children engage with the world, what excites them, and where they may need additional support.
At Adventures Child Care, educators consistently observe and document children’s learning experiences in alignment with FLIGHT. For instance, a child might show a keen interest in building with blocks. Educators will observe how the child interacts with the materials, document the process, and later reflect on how this activity supports the child’s cognitive and physical development. This information is then used to create personalized learning plans that align with the child’s interests, ensuring that each child receives the support and encouragement they need to flourish in their early learning environment.
Creating a Responsive Environment
The physical space where children learn plays a crucial role in their development, influencing how they explore, create, and engage with the world around them. In FLIGHT, the environment is seen as an active participant in the educational process, guiding and shaping children’s interactions and learning experiences.
At Adventures Child Care, we are committed to creating learning spaces that are as engaging and responsive as possible within the settings provided by our partnering schools. While our ability to modify these spaces is limited, we thoughtfully utilize the areas we are given to foster curiosity, imagination, and diverse learning styles. Our play areas are designed to encourage movement and creativity, with an emphasis on flexibility where possible to adapt to the evolving interests of the children.
Incorporating FLIGHT principles into our environment design, we strive to make each space a reflection of the holistic approach of the framework. These carefully arranged environments support children’s exploration and creativity, helping them to develop a strong sense of autonomy and engagement.
By aligning our spaces with FLIGHT, we aim to ensure that every area we utilize contributes to the growth and learning of each child, even within the constraints of our school-based settings.
Engaging Families and the Community
In the FLIGHT framework, family engagement is recognized as a vital component of a child’s learning and development. At Adventures Child Care, we view parents as essential partners in the educational process. By fostering strong connections between home and our center, we create a consistent, supportive environment that nurtures each child’s growth. We actively encourage parents to participate in their child’s learning journey, offering opportunities for regular communication, involvement in activities, and collaboration on developmental goals.
Community involvement is another key element of FLIGHT, and Adventures Child Care embraces this by integrating local resources and experiences into our programs. Whether it’s participation in community events, or field trips to nearby parks, we enrich our curriculum with diverse, real-world experiences that broaden the children’s understanding and connection to their community.
To align with FLIGHT’s emphasis on family engagement, we embrace an open-door policies that welcome parents to observe and participate in daily activities. By working closely with families, we ensure that the educational experiences at Adventures Child Care are holistic, reflective of each child’s home life, and supportive of their individual development. This partnership creates a cohesive and nurturing environment where children can thrive both at home and within our center.
Conclusion
FLIGHT has significantly enhanced the quality of early childhood education at Adventures Child Care by fostering a holistic approach that supports the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development of every child.
Through observation, responsive environments, and strong family partnerships, we create a nurturing space where children can explore, learn, and grow.
We invite parents to learn more about how FLIGHT is seamlessly integrated into our programs. Visit us or contact our center to see firsthand how this innovative framework is shaping the future of our young learners and helping them soar to new heights.
