Early Years Program
Nursery to Junior Kindergarten
Learning through play in a caring, enriching environment
Early childhood education goes well beyond the ABCs. The Early Years Program at CIS empowers children to explore, experiment, and construct their own knowledge and understanding of the world around them. CIS teachers are committed to developmentally appropriate teaching practice, delivered in an inspiring, caring environment.
CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
We follow Flight: Alberta's Early Learning and Care Framework supported by the Ministry of Education of the province of Alberta, Canada. This framework focuses on broad holistic goals rather than specific outcomes for subject areas. Our educational philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach®.
Curriculum content emerges from children’s fascination with the world. Teachers observe children's interest in exploring nature, people, places, and objects as well as books, print, stories, numbers, shapes, and patterns. In doing so, teachers co-construct the curriculum with their students, ensuring connection with learning goals. The curriculum reflects the children's daily experiences with their families and in their local Phnom Penh community.
CAMPUSES
CIS has two campuses dedicated to students in our Early Years Program: Bassac Garden Campus and Olympia City Campus. Our purpose-built facilities were designed to maximize light and flexibility of spaces. Natural materials and custom-built furniture create comfortable, creative, child-sized environments.
The new Donna Trafford Atelier at Bassac Garden Campus is a space where young children can work on projects, investigate and be creative with the support of teachers. Completed in 2024, the atelier (studio or ស្ទូឌីយោ) includes 13 unique learning spaces, a gymnasium, and an outdoor eating space. The atelier expanded the footprint of Bassac Garden Campus, which already included multiple learning spaces, an outdoor playground, and a shallow swimming pool.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
When you visit us, you will see children at play. Their play is purposeful, joyful, and supported by teachers. At CIS, we know that play is essential for young children. When children are comfortable and having fun, they learn intensely and without hesitation. Our teachers provide sensory-rich environments to further advance the children’s thinking and learning. Teachers make sure to plan a variety of activities that all children can join at their level. Children have plenty of resources to work with.
As children explore their learning spaces freely, they collaborate and communicate with their peers. Our teachers are always very happy to see this happening! Learning how to interact with others and building friendships are very important aspects of the early years experience. Teachers explain behavioural expectations at school and support students in navigating rules and social norms that may be new to them.
All children in the Early Years Program settle into school life gradually. Children see their parents interact with their teacher, and parents are able to ask questions. This provides a trust-based transition so that children and parents are not overwhelmed by the change.
Teachers in our Early Years Program strive to build trusting relationships with families. We greatly respect parents and caregivers as their children’s first teachers. Teachers listen to families’ goals and concerns for their children. They are respectful of each family’s language and culture, and work with our interpreters to communicate in Khmer and Mandarin as needed.
Teachers document each child’s progress with photographs, written notes and samples of their creations. Each child’s progress toward their learning goals is carefully tracked throughout the school year. All families receive regular updates regarding their child’s progress via Seesaw, an online platform used to document learning, and through in-person parent-teacher meetings. Parents are welcome to have conversations with teachers at drop-off or pick-up times.
SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS
Early Years teachers play a crucial role in supporting children's social-emotional needs by providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can learn to express themselves appropriately. At this stage, children transition from independent play to cooperative play, which requires new skills for navigating friendships. Additionally, teachers are equipped to recognize when a child may need extra support, such as speech-language therapy. CIS has a speech-language therapist and health services staff supporting children in the Early Years Program.
MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR DIRECTOR, EARLY YEARS PROGRAM
Welcome to the Early Years Program at CIS, an inquiry and play-based learning environment inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach!
Our students are active participants in their learning with a focus on developing their social skills, independence, and love of learning. Our purpose-built learning environment fosters inquiry, discovery, and wonder. Communication, creativity, and play are at the heart of our program and equip students with the knowledge and skills to create a better future for themselves and the world. Come visit our campus to experience the joy of the early years at CIS.
Ishbel How
Senior Director, Early Years Program