Exploring Our World
Children are born to discover. At After The Bell, we empower every child to make choices through inquiry-based learning and creative expression. By observing their interests, we capture and share the unique stories of their growth and learning.
After the Bell Curriculum
Children are, by nature, explorers with boundless curiosity.
After the Bell’s curriculum defines learning as a joyful journey, thoughtfully tailored to children’s innate curiosity. Through self-directed inquiry and diverse forms of expression, children are given the autonomy to make their own choices and decisions. We closely observe and document the moments when they explore, create, and discover, capturing the depth of their engagement. Our play-centered philosophy further strengthens inquiry-based learning, as children actively explore the world around them, interact directly with their environment, and enrich their own unique learning journeys.
Through this process, children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and others, cultural diversity, the global environment, their local community, and the natural world. This becomes a strong foundation for them to grow into well-rounded individuals with open minds and healthy self-esteem, ready to thrive in an ever-changing, diverse global society.
PreSchool Program
Our Preschool curriculum is structured based on what children already know about each learning topic and what they are curious about or want to learn.
In the After the Bell program, children:
- Develop healthy and safe lifestyle habits.
- Develop problem-solving skills.
- Cultivate curiosity, imagination, and creativity.
- Respect nature.
- Develop an attitude of consideration and communication towards friends.
Teachers help children participate in play and learning with interest and initiative. They help children adapt to all surrounding environments and find ways to solve problems on their own.
Teachers use theme-appropriate toys, tools, and props in classrooms and outdoor activities to spark children's interest.
Content by Area, Physical Activity and Health, Communication, Social Relationships, Artistic Experience.
Exploring Nature, Listening and Speaking, Enjoying Books and Stories, Living Together, Exploring Daily Life, Play Using Art Materials.
The program utilizes various natural and artificial materials and art tools to stimulate children's curiosity and interest, helping them experience the joy of expression.
Creative Sensory Play Program Using Sand Play
Through sand play, this program relieves frustration, provides opportunities to express the world of the latent unconscious, and offers emotional stability.
Creative Play Program Using Wooden Blocks
Develops spatial perception, balance, and aesthetic sense through free spatial composition using various geometric shapes.
We value active play both inside and out. Our classroom features inviting spaces for imagination, including role-play corners, building blocks, and creative arts for emotional well-being. To keep the atmosphere joyful, children participate in daily reading and singing circles together.
Toddler Program
After the Bell's Toddler program supports children's overall growth—including
problem-solving,
cognitive abilities,
physical development,
language development—by fostering their natural curiosity alongside their teachers.
As children grow, their activity levels increase, they establish regular sleep and eating habits, and their desire to explore the world around them grows.
Toddler Classroom
We design our curriculum around this curiosity.
The Toddler program is structured to allow children to discover and engage in activities on their own, including rich experiential learning, music and art, and play activities.
During this period, children's curiosity about their surroundings and their desire to take on challenges increase rapidly. To satisfy these needs, After the Bell's program is meticulously designed so that our classrooms engage children's interest and promote practical, play-based learning. The learning spaces in our early childhood classrooms include:
Role-play area, Block play area, Table play area, Art activity area, Relaxation area
Toys and learning materials in each space are regularly refreshed to reflect and deepen our current curriculum focus. During a short daily group time, we share favorite books and songs together. Children are warmly encouraged—but never forced—to join group activities, in a way that respects each child’s individual readiness and comfort.
The After The Bell Way
We combine high-quality childcare with meaningful play to provide children with the comfort of a true 'second home'. At After The Bell, children find a warm sanctuary to rest, socialize with friends, and grow. This place helps children adjust to a comfortable and stable environment before returning home after a long day.
Power of Play
Play is a vital learning tool for children. Through play, they develop problem-solving skills and unleash their creativity. By interacting with their peers, they build essential social skills. The ATB curriculum is specifically designed to honor the value of play and respect children's initiative.
Emotional Growth
We foster social skills and self-confidence through cultural exchange with a diverse group of friends. By engaging in daily drawing activities, we aim to understand each child's psychological state and developmental progress.
Fostering Independence
We guide children to speak actively to help them grow into independent individuals. We encourage them to express their own thoughts and intentions at the center, using phrases like "no" or "I'll do it myself". By discussing and deciding on even small matters with teachers and friends, they improve their communication skills.
Our Heartfelt Oath
The Difference
We believe in nurturing great character by teaching kindness and integrity every single day. Through collaborative play and caring guidance, we help every child grow into a confident, thoughtful, and helpful member of our local community.
As a fully certified Nova Scotia facility, your child’s safety and growth are our primary focus. Families rely on our dedicated team for years, knowing their children are thriving in an environment built specifically for their needs.
The After The Bell after-school program at the Cole Harbour centre supports children's emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development. Our program operates based on five core values—respect, trust, honesty, consideration, and self-expression—and helps children develop competencies they can utilize throughout their lives.
Our after-school program offers a variety of educational and self-directed activities. Educational activities include outdoor games such as basketball, dodgeball, soccer, and obstacle courses, as well as indoor activities such as board games, cooking, and science activities. We focus on creating an atmosphere where children can do their best and participate joyfully without pressure or forced competition.
Self-directed activities provide children with time to relax and express themselves. Children can spend time reading in a comfortable reading space, selecting their own projects, or talking and sharing thoughts with friends. Activities may include the following:
➤ Projects involving measurement, mixing, and fabrication
➤ Making science robots and favorite 3D models
➤ Science and art projects such as creating personal artwork, designing houses
Many children also participate in sports and activities outside the center. We support children in trying new things, giving their all, and playing happily in a non-competitive environment.
At Cole Harbour, everything we do is built on five simple values: being honest, kind, open, caring, and true to yourself. We help kids prepare for the future by mixing active play with plenty of chances to learn new things. From team sports to exciting science projects and cooking, we offer a welcoming home where every child is encouraged to be themselves, discover what they love, and reach their full potential.
