The Conseil des écoles catholiques du Centre-Est (CECCE) is very proud to introduce Explor’A, a brand-new, flexible approach to learning for junior and senior kindergartners. In March 2020, the CECCE launched its first alternative learning format, the Virtual Learning Academy, and it is innovating once again by making this third learning format available to families.
Explor’A provides a framework and support for parents who choose home-based rather than school-based education for their junior and senior kindergartners. This learning format honours children’s and families’ rhythms and interests and reduces screen time significantly.
The Explor’A program features several live and pre-recorded classes per week, but parents can also use the CECCE’s independent learning kit to support their child’s learning. The kit includes a selection of activities that families can choose to integrate into their daily routine to stimulate their child’s learning.
Explor’A also offers a nature school option that is sure to delight many children. Students enrolled in this option will attend a unique weekly learning opportunity in a forest or other natural setting.
The CECCE is proud to be the first francophone school board to partner with Andrew Fleck Children’s Services (AFCS), which has an excellent reputation locally. Nature school will be facilitated by CECCE educators in collaboration with AFCS in the magnificent surroundings of Wesley Clover Parks. More locations in central and east Ottawa will be announced soon, as well as other areas within the CECCE territory.
CHEO pediatric infectious disease specialist and CECCE parent Dr. Nisha Thampi is excited about the new program. “I’m happy to hear that the CECCE has developed an outdoor learning program. One of the reasons we decided to enroll our children at École élémentaire catholique Au Coeur d’Ottawa is that it offers classes in a natural outdoor setting.
“The CECCE has always been a leader in education, and the pandemic prompted our experts to take a fresh look at what we offer and come up with more options that are adapted to families’ needs, including great programs like Explor’A. We heard from families with young children that neither in-person nor online learning suited their particular circumstances. They need an alternative, and this brand-new learning format will address that need,” said CECCE Chair Johanne Lacombe.
“We’re proud of this initiative to add a third format for our youngest students because a stimulating introduction to learning is key to building a strong foundation that prepares them for elementary school. I am confident that parents and guardians will appreciate the nature school element because it gives children an opportunity to learn, develop social skills and make new friends in a natural outdoor setting. The nature school aspect and the flexibility of this learning format will no doubt be a winning combination,” said CECCE Director of Education Marc Bertrand.
For more on the program, please visit the Explor’A website. A virtual information session will be held on Wednesday, June 2, at 6 p.m. To register for the information session or apply to the program, click here to fill out the Explor’A application form.
The CECCE is the largest Canadian network of French-language schools outside Quebec.
