Have You Ever Wondered?

At Little Steps we believe every child is full of intelligence, curiosity, and wonder. I Wonder is our in-house curriculum that is built on our foundation of developmentally appropriate practice, play, and relationships.

We don’t rush learning or push children to meet timelines that don’t feel right. Instead, our educators follow the children’s lead, offering support, materials, and guidance as interests unfold throughout the day.

What Is it?

At its core, I Wonder is how we explore and learn at Little Steps. Educators pay attention to what children are interested in and use play, everyday experiences, and thoughtful invitations to support exploration and discovery.

Children are given time each day to create, move, sing, discuss, observe, read, and play as these are all seen as “languages” children use to express themselves and explore their environment. Educators guide and support learning, but children are free to choose activities, move through the classroom, and follow their own interests.

Learning at Little Steps isn’t rushed or linear. It unfolds naturally, building over time through curiosity, play, and real experiences that matter to children.

Mirrors & Windows

At Little Steps, we work hard to create spaces where every child and family feels they belong. We celebrate different cultures, traditions, and beliefs, and make inclusion a natural part of everyday life in our classrooms.

You’ll often hear us talk about “mirrors and windows.” Mirrors help children see themselves, their families, and their communities reflected in their classroom and experiences. Windows help children learn about the wider world—different people, cultures, and ways of life they may not encounter every day.

When children learn together in inclusive spaces, they gain understanding, empathy, and respect for one another.

The Role of Our Educators

At Little Steps, our educators focus on building strong, genuine relationships with each child. They take the time to get to know who they are, helping children feel safe, supported, and confident in their environment.

They meet children where they’re at, supporting them at their own pace and encouraging curiosity through play, connection, and everyday moments. You’ll often see our educators right alongside the children—joining in, guiding gently, and being present in what matters to them.

Our classrooms are set up to invite exploration, but it’s the relationships within them that truly shape each child’s experience. By observing, listening, and responding, our educators create meaningful moments that support growth, confidence, and a love of learning.

The Role of Our Environments

Our learning environments play a key role in our approach. We know children thrive in environments that are tailored to their needs, interests, and abilities, and that are warm, welcoming, aesthetically pleasing, and culturally representative of community. Children are more likely to feel they can be themselves and feel a sense of belonging when their environment feels like home.

All Little Steps classrooms are child centred and reflective of the children who learn with us. Upon visiting one of our programs, you will see space for large and small group activities, quiet areas for self-regulation, soft furniture, plants, soft lighting, cozy cushions, blankets, family photos of our children and staff, small decorative touches such as rugs and lamps, and neutral, organic paint colours.

We want our students to feel comfortable and safe, and have the independence to explore their interests freely. Our goal is to create a relaxing, homelike environment for the children who spend several hours a day with us, so we can be their home away from home!

“There is joy and wonder everywhere when you see the world through the eyes of a child.”