Early preschoolers
Ages (2.5 years-4 years)
Montessori Materials & Learning (Early Preschool)
At the early preschool stage, children are naturally curious, independent, and eager to explore. At Golden Minds Academy, Montessori-inspired materials play a central role in supporting this stage of development through hands-on, meaningful learning.
Our materials are designed to engage children through a kinesthetic, sensory-based approach, allowing them to learn by doing. Through touch, movement, and exploration, children begin to understand concepts such as size, shape, sequence, and order—building a deeper connection to the world around them.
Crafted to be simple, purposeful, and engaging, these materials encourage children to:
Explore independently
Make choices and solve problems
Learn through trial, error, and discovery
Build confidence through self-correcting activities
Each material is thoughtfully introduced to support the development of cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. Children are given the freedom to create, experiment, and learn at their own pace within a structured and supportive environment.
At this stage, learning becomes more intentional—fostering curiosity, concentration, and a growing sense of independence.
A Foundation for Lifelong Learning
Our approach transforms natural curiosity into meaningful learning experiences—helping children develop the skills, confidence, and mindset they need for future success.
Join Golden Minds Academy
Support your child’s next stage of growth in an environment designed for exploration, independence, and discovery.
Enroll today and give your child a strong, confident start to their learning journey.
Early Preschool Program at a Glance
Ages: 2.5 to 4 years
Educator-to-child ratio: 1 educator for every 8 preschoolers, as set by Ontario Regulation 137/15
Focus: early literacy and numeracy, problem-solving, social skills and school readiness
Fees: Reduced fees for eligible families through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system
Location: 84 Merton Street, Midtown Toronto, near Yonge Street and Davisville
Building Readiness for Kindergarten
In the early preschool years, learning becomes more intentional. Alongside Montessori-inspired materials, children take part in play-based activities that grow the skills they will carry into kindergarten:
Early literacy: stories, songs, conversation and early print awareness that build vocabulary and a love of books.
Early numeracy: counting, sorting, patterns, shapes and measuring through hands-on materials.
Problem-solving: open-ended challenges that encourage children to plan, try, adjust and try again.
Social skills: sharing, taking turns, expressing feelings and working together with friends.
Independence: self-care routines and choices that build confidence and concentration.
Guided by Ontario's Early Years Framework
Our program follows Ontario's How Does Learning Happen? pedagogy, built on four foundations: belonging, well-being, engagement and expression. Educators plan experiences around children's interests so that curiosity turns into meaningful learning.
How We Support Every Child
Our educators observe and document each child's development and share what they see with families through regular conversations. If a child may benefit from extra support, we share our observations privately with the family, adapt classroom strategies and, with the family's consent, connect them with community specialists such as speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists.
Starting in the Early Preschool Program
Book a tour. Visit our classrooms at 84 Merton Street and meet our educators.
Submit an enquiry. Share your child's age and preferred start date, and we will confirm availability.
Complete registration. Families complete the registration package, including the health, immunization and emergency contact information required for licensed child care in Ontario.
Gradual entry. We plan a gentle transition with each family so your child settles in confidently.
Questions Parents Ask
Is the early preschool program Montessori?
Golden Minds Academy is a licensed early learning academy. Our approach draws on Montessori principles such as independence and prepared classrooms, alongside play-based learning and Ontario's early years framework.
How much does the early preschool program cost?
We are enrolled in the CWELCC system, which lowers fees for eligible children. Fee levels are set by government and can change, so please contact us for current rates.
My child is younger than 2.5. Where do they start?
Children from 18 months join our Toddler program and move into Early Preschoolers at around 2.5 years.
Learn more about our curriculum, our whole-child approach, admissions and CWELCC or read the parent FAQ. Registration for 2026-27 is open and spaces are limited — book a tour or call 416-265-1401.