Early Years Program
Nursery to Junior Kindergarten
Offering a leading early childhood education
At the heart of exceptional early years education is the belief that every child is capable, curious, and full of potential. The Early Years Program at CIS empowers children to explore, experiment, and construct their own understanding of the world around them. Through play, inquiry, and meaningful relationships, children develop confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
We follow Flight: Alberta's Early Learning and Care Framework, supported by the Ministry of Education of the province of Alberta, Canada. This framework focuses on broad, holistic goals rather than specific outcomes for subject areas. Our educational philosophy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach®, and our teachers are committed to developmentally appropriate practices, creating inspiring and caring environments where every child feels valued and supported to thrive.
Emerging from children’s fascination with the world, our Early Years curriculum reflects the children's daily experiences with their families and in their local Phnom Penh community. CIS teachers observe children's interest in exploring nature, people, places, and objects as well as books, print, stories, numbers, shapes, and patterns. In doing so, teachers co-construct the curriculum with their students, ensuring connection with learning goals.
CAMPUSES
Our purpose-built facilities at our Bassac Garden Campus were designed to maximize light and flexibility of spaces. Natural materials and custom-built furniture create comfortable, creative, child-sized environments.
The new Donna Trafford Atelier is a space where young children can work on projects, investigate, and be creative with the support of teachers. Completed in 2024, the atelier (studio or ស្ទូឌីយោ) includes 13 unique learning spaces, a gymnasium, and an outdoor eating space. The atelier expanded the footprint of Bassac Garden Campus, which already included multiple learning spaces, an outdoor playground, and a shallow swimming pool.
STUDENT EXPERIENCE
When you visit us, you will see children deeply engaged in hands-on learning, meaningful play, and rich opportunities for discovery. At CIS, we understand that learning in the early years is inseparable from children’s physical, emotional, and social development and that play is fundamental to how young children make sense of the world.
Our educators build strong, trusting relationships with each child and thoughtfully design sensory-rich learning environments that extend thinking, inspire curiosity, and invite exploration. Through carefully planned experiences, children interact with their surroundings, investigate materials, communicate their ideas, collaborate with others, and actively construct their understanding.
Equally important during Early Years at CIS is learning how to build relationships, develop empathy, and navigate social interactions. Our teachers intentionally guide children in understanding behavioural expectations, developing self-regulation, and confidently engaging with the routines, rules, and social norms of a school community, helping every child feel safe, capable, and have a true sense of belonging.
All children in the Early Years Program settle into school life gradually. Children see their parents interact with their teacher, and parents are able to ask questions. This provides a trust-based transition so that children and parents are not overwhelmed by the change.
Teachers in our Early Years Program strive to build trusting relationships with families. We greatly respect parents and caregivers as their children’s first teachers. Teachers listen to families’ goals and concerns for their children. They are respectful of each family’s language and culture, and work with our interpreters to communicate in Khmer and Mandarin as needed.
Teachers document each child’s progress with photographs, written notes, and samples of their creations. Each child’s progress toward their learning goals is carefully tracked throughout the school year. All families receive regular updates regarding their child’s progress via Seesaw, an online platform used to document learning, and through in-person parent-teacher meetings. Parents are welcome to have conversations with teachers at drop-off or pick-up times.
SUPPORTING STUDENT SUCCESS
Early Years teachers play a crucial role in supporting children's social-emotional needs by providing a safe and nurturing environment where they can learn to express themselves appropriately. At this stage, children transition from independent play to cooperative play, which requires new skills for navigating friendships. Additionally, teachers are equipped to recognize when a child may need extra support, such as speech-language therapy. CIS has a speech-language therapist and health services staff supporting children in the Early Years Program.
MESSAGE FROM THE SENIOR DIRECTOR, EARLY YEARS PROGRAM
Welcome to the Early Years Program at CIS, an inquiry and play-based learning environment inspired by the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach!
Our students are active participants in their learning with a focus on developing their social skills, independence, and love of learning. Our purpose-built learning environment fosters inquiry, discovery, and wonder. Communication, creativity, and play are at the heart of our program and equip students with the knowledge and skills to create a better future for themselves and the world. Come visit our campus to experience the joy of the early years at CIS.
Ishbel How
Senior Director, Early Years Program