Daycare Curriculum in Regina SK — Play-Based Learning at Daisy Days

What children actually do all day matters. This page explains the curriculum at Daisy Days Daycare, a licensed Regina SK centre — how play-based learning builds early literacy, numeracy, motor skills and social-emotional development, and how our educators plan experiences with real learning underneath the fun.

What We Mean by Play-Based Learning

Play-based learning is not the absence of teaching. It is teaching that follows how young children actually learn — through hands-on experience, curiosity and interaction.

When a child builds with blocks, they are learning about balance, size, planning and persistence. When they play house, they are learning language, roles and negotiation. Our educators recognise the learning in play and extend it.

This approach is supported by decades of early childhood research and by Saskatchewan’s early learning framework.

Early Literacy Foundations

Literacy in the early years looks like songs, rhymes, stories, letter play and rich conversation. Children learn that print carries meaning, that words are made of sounds, and that books are enjoyable.

We read aloud daily, sing together, and fill the room with language. Children who hear language all day arrive at school with larger vocabularies and stronger pre-reading skills.

We follow each child’s readiness rather than pushing formal reading.

Numeracy Foundations

Numeracy in the early years looks like counting, sorting, patterns, shapes, measuring and comparing. We build these into everyday routines — counting children at circle time, sorting toys, comparing sizes.

These concrete experiences give children the conceptual grounding that formal maths later depends on.

Maths is everywhere in a good early childhood room.

Motor Development

Fine motor skills — holding a pencil, using scissors, threading, drawing — prepare children for writing. We build them through art, dough, threading, puzzles and everyday self-help.

Gross motor skills develop through running, climbing, balancing, throwing and dancing. Daily movement and outdoor play give children the physical activity they need.

Children who move well and use their hands confidently start school with an advantage.

Social and Emotional Learning

Children learn to manage feelings, make friends, share, take turns and resolve conflict. These skills matter as much as letters and numbers.

Our educators coach children through social situations, name feelings, teach strategies and celebrate kindness and cooperation.

Children who can regulate themselves and get along with others settle into school far more easily.

Language and Communication

Language develops through conversation. Our educators talk with children constantly — narrating, asking open questions, listening and responding.

We support children who are learning more than one language, and we work with families when a child needs extra support with speech or communication.

Read our guide to language development at daycare.

How Educators Plan the Day

Our educators observe what children can do and plan experiences that extend them. Planning is intentional, even when the activity looks like simple play.

We follow children’s interests, because interest drives engagement. If children are fascinated by dinosaurs, we build language, counting, art and movement around dinosaurs.

We review and adjust constantly, based on what we see each day.

Outdoor and Nature Learning

Outdoor time is learning time. Children explore weather, seasons, plants, animals and physical challenges in the fresh air.

In Saskatchewan, outdoor learning means experiencing all four seasons, from summer heat to winter snow. We plan for both.

Read our guide to winter outdoor play at daycare.

How the Curriculum Differs by Age

Our curriculum is tailored to each age group. Infants need responsive care and sensory exploration. Toddlers need language, movement and independence. Preschoolers need Kindergarten-readiness skills.

As children move up, the curriculum builds on what came before, so learning is continuous.

Read about our infant, toddler and preschool programs.

Curriculum, Philosophy and CWELCC

Our curriculum reflects our philosophy: children learn best when they feel safe, are known well, and are given rich experiences to explore. CWELCC enrolment keeps that quality care affordable at approximately $10 per day for eligible families.

Read more about our curriculum and philosophy.

Come and see the learning in action on a free tour. Call 306-807-3233, email info@daisydaysdaycare.com, or book online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What curriculum do you use?

We use a play-based approach that builds early literacy, numeracy, motor skills and social-emotional development through hands-on, interest-led experiences.

Do children learn academics at daycare?

We build the foundations of literacy and numeracy through play — songs, stories, counting, sorting and conversation — rather than formal drilling.

How do you support children learning English?

Our educators support children learning more than one language and work with families when a child needs extra support with speech or communication.

Is outdoor play part of the curriculum?

Yes. Outdoor time is learning time, and we plan for all four Saskatchewan seasons.

How does the curriculum change with age?

The curriculum is tailored to each age group and builds continuously as children move from infant to toddler to preschool.

Related Reading for Regina Families

• Our Programs at Daisy Days Daycare
• Daycare in Regina SK
• Daycare Meals and Nutrition in Regina SK
• Preschool Daycare in Regina SK
• Book a Free Daycare Tour
• Contact Daisy Days Daycare