About Magic Circle Preschool

33 Years of experience, always being sprinkled with new ideas!

Our approach to learning & play:

For over 30 years, we’ve been designing our program to empower children to make choices to hel build essential skills.

Magic Circle Preschool features two spacious, adjoining classrooms where children come together for shared play and exploration. During Circle Time and age-specific learning activities, children are divided into age groups to ensure a curriculum tailored to their developmental stages.

To create a smooth and focused experience, we minimize transitions throughout the day. When needed, transitions are guided with fun Magic Circle songs to keep the atmosphere positive and engaging.

Long periods of self-directed play allow children to dive deeper into activities, fostering creativity, independence, and concentration.

Children in a preschool environment where they can choose their own activities for a significant portion of the day before transitioning to structured times like Circle Time gain numerous valuable benefits:

1. Autonomy and Independence

Decision-Making Skills: Choosing their activities teaches children to make decisions based on their interests and preferences.
Self-Reliance: They learn to navigate their environment independently, boosting confidence in their abilities.

2. Creativity and Exploration

Imagination: Open-ended play encourages creativity and innovative thinking.
Curiosity: They feel empowered to explore new concepts and ideas at their own pace.

3. Engagement and Focus

Intrinsic Motivation: By pursuing what they enjoy, children are naturally more engaged and focused.
Deeper Learning: They spend more meaningful time on activities, leading to better understanding and retention.

4. Social Skills and Cooperation

Conflict Resolution: Playing with peers helps them negotiate and resolve conflicts.
Teamwork: They learn to share, take turns, and collaborate in group settings.

5. Emotional Regulation

Self-Paced Transitions: Free choice allows children to move between activities at their own pace, reducing frustration or stress.
Confidence Building: Success in chosen activities enhances self-esteem.

6. Personal Responsibility

Accountability: Selecting activities and following through teaches responsibility for their choices.
Clean-Up Habits: Tidying up after themselves fosters respect for shared spaces.

7. Readiness for Structure

Smooth Transitions: After self-directed play, children are more prepared to settle into structured activities.
Balanced Learning: A mix of choice and structure mirrors real-world dynamics, preparing them for school and life.

Why the Magic Circle way
is built on play

Did you know that playing is so important for children that it is at the forefront of the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of the Child? The Quebec educational plan prescribes it too.

Well, we agree! So at Magic Circle, we learn through play.

Play is one of the most important and necessary parts of preschool because it promotes and favors Global Development while having fun!

Play cultivates cognitive development as children’s thinking abilities are stretched. Play encourages new language as they interact with peers, learn new words, and evolve their speech. The physical activity in play helps develop their motor skills.

Play also helps children develop socially and emotionally, learning to work through emotions, learn teamwork, sharing space and toys and learning how to be patient and wait their turn. Since "play" has an inventive nature, it promotes creativity and exploration. Play is spontaneous and there is no expected outcome which means it's all in the childrens’ hands!

Next: We use Thematic Learning in your child's day-to-day activities.

Is Preschool Really Necessary?

yes! Before the age of 5, crucial brain connections are formed, making this time perfect for nurturing curiosity, a love for learning, and confidence This is why incorporating a preschool experience alongside home time can significantly enhance children's essential skills. The social interactions in preschool are invaluable, promoting sharing, turn-taking, and positive behaviors through collaborative play. With guidance from educators, children also develop conflict resolution skills and empathy. Learning through play, especially with proper support, can be both enjoyable and enriching! Many preschools offer the flexibility to enjoy both home and preschool experiences, along with additional activities like music, gymnastics, dance, and karate. Feel free to visit and discover how preschools can support your child's development. Best of luck on your journey!

We are not a Co-oP

Magic Circle is not a CO-OP however, we believe in fostering the relationship between home & school, and to support this belief, each child has a "Special Day" approximately 2 or 3 times a year, including on their birthday! It is a wonderful way to spend time with your child and get to know the program as well as all of their cute friends while allowing you to continue your other responsabilities such as working from home or caring for your other children. To do this, we ask for your availability and work with you to find dates that work!

We have an amazing community and we feel that parents benefit from this special day just as much as the children do. If you can’t be a duty parent, talk to us about it, and we will find a solution!