Core Knowledge curriculum
Used with children in the Preschool and JK/SK programs, Core Knowledge is a sequential learning model that is content and language rich created within a thoughtfully planned and vibrant learning environment. It is a collaborative approach to learning that is specifically designed to provide children with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, while leaving space for freedom of expression. It strengthens children’s natural creativity, delivers opportunities for socialization and fosters emotional intelligence in addition to building academic capabilities.
The Core Knowledge curriculum encompasses a variety of different activities and learning models, which include (but are not limited to) the below learning outcomes.
Personal & social development A key aspect of the Core Knowledge curriculum is fostering personal and social development. Activities are designed to support children in developing a positive attitude towards themselves and others, identifying the emotions of others and having an awareness of the world around them. Building empathy is an outcome of the curriculum. An example is The Second Step program which enhances self- regulation and social-emotional development. This program guides children as they develop new relationships in the classroom. Understanding feelings and building positive friendships have always been the core goal of the program. Activities about conflict resolution, managing strong emotions, calming oneself, listening and paying attention are covered in small group gatherings. | ![]() |
Open-ended materials The Core Knowledge classroom includes open-ended materials that can be manipulated in a number of ways. This allows children to problem solve and develop their critical thinking skills as they consider all of the ways that the items can be used. Loose parts are a common example, which offer endless ways to identify, categorize and explore the materials. Another example is creative expression. When presented with artistic activities and materials, children are encouraged to let their imagination take the lead and express themselves through art, however that may look for each unique child. To support socialization, these activities will also be encouraged in small groups to engage problem-solving and social skills. | ![]() |
Jolly phonic Our literacy program utilizes different approaches to fully immerse our children in language and ensures different types of learners are provided with an opportunity to grow and succeed. Jolly Phonics is an example of one of our learning approaches. The program focuses on learning systematic phonics and is socially driven, associating each phonic with a different sound and action to create a multi-sensory experience. This method engages children and supports their language comprehension and oral competency, which is vital to understanding the nuance of the English language. This method is especially helpful for children learning English as their second language. | ![]() |
The Core Knowledge curriculum encompasses a variety of different activities and learning models, which include (but are not limited to) the below learning outcomes.
Personal & social development
A key aspect of the Core Knowledge curriculum is fostering personal and social development. Activities are designed to support children in developing a positive attitude towards themselves and others, identifying the emotions of others and having an awareness of the world around them. Building empathy is an outcome of the curriculum. An example is The Second Step program which enhances self- regulation and social-emotional development. This program guides children as they develop new relationships in the classroom. Understanding feelings and building positive friendships have always been the core goal of the program. Activities about conflict resolution, managing strong emotions, calming oneself, listening and paying attention are covered in small group gatherings.
Open-ended materials
The Core Knowledge classroom includes open-ended materials that can be manipulated in a number of ways. This allows children to problem solve and develop their critical thinking skills as they consider all of the ways that the items can be used. Loose parts are a common example, which offer endless ways to identify, categorize and explore the materials. Another example is creative expression. When presented with artistic activities and materials, children are encouraged to let their imagination take the lead and express themselves through art, however that may look for each unique child. To support socialization, these activities will also be encouraged in small groups to engage problem-solving and social skills.
Jolly phonic
Our literacy program utilizes different approaches to fully immerse our children in language and ensures different types of learners are provided with an opportunity to grow and succeed. Jolly Phonics is an example of one of our learning approaches. The program focuses on learning systematic phonics and is socially driven, associating each phonic with a different sound and action to create a multi-sensory experience. This method engages children and supports their language comprehension and oral competency, which is vital to understanding the nuance of the English language. This method is especially helpful for children learning English as their second language.
“The Core Knowledge classroom is often lively and bustling with collaborative activity. Each classroom has dedicated learning centres that provide opportunities for children to engage in activities tied to an element of our curriculum, such as dramatic play, science and French.”
-Margaret Czajkowski, Head of Curriculum
Rooted in children’s natural desire to learn, this structured curriculum model empowers children to learn at their natural pace in carefully curated environments that stimulate multi-sensory learning.
The Virtues Project is a global initiative that has been in existence for 30 years. Positive experiences in a diverse environment will have significant long-term effects on a child’s world view.
The CV food program is founded on the philosophy that good nutrition is the fuel that powers active minds. Each of our academies include a professional chef who freshly prepares all meals on-site.
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As Head Chef, John is responsible for the development and implementation of CV’s food & nutrition program, managing the culinary team across all 8 CV academies. With his extensive expertise in the field John develops the quarterly CV menus to ensure they are nutritionally dense, seasonally appropriate, nut-free, nutritionist approved, locally sourced and made from scratch whenever possible. All while being delicious and child approved. Orchestrating nutritional food that children will enjoy can be a daunting task, but John is up to the challenge!
Unlike many childcare centres, CV has a Registered Nutritionist on hand that specifically focuses on paediatric health and supporting families in raising well-nourished children right from the start. Stacey’s role at CV is to work with our head chef in developing the quarterly menu to ensure that each meal is nutritionally dense so that our children remain healthy, happy, (full!) and optimized for learning. With 15 years experience, Stacey’s career has been dedicated to nourishing babies, toddlers and children. While working as a paediatric nutrition consultant for CV, Stacey also works at The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto as a paediatric dietitian, specializing in neuroscience.