City Kids was established in 1984. Our educational philosophy is based on the UK Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) and incorporates 7 key areas of learning.
Through play, children feel confident to behave in many different ways, experiment with their physical, emotional, and cognitive selves, and develop their imagination and creativity. This curriculum guides adults to understand and support each child's development pathway. With progression to the older preschool class, the curriculum becomes more structured, preparing children for entry into primary school. The children’s play becomes more rule-oriented and develops autonomy and cooperation.
From playgroup through to preschool, our children are encouraged to explore at their own pace, to make their own choices and discoveries, and to develop a lifelong love for learning. We value the precious time of childhood and believe that children who have the opportunity to develop strong self-concepts and social and emotional skills are most successful both in school and later in life. Teachers, children, and parents all play important roles in the educational process.
Our children leave us as confident achievers, well prepared to tackle the next steps in their education.
Our playgroup is staffed by Playgroup Supervisors. The supervisors are nurturing, caring, experienced and community-focused. They are well trained to prepare the sessions and help the children have their first experiences in a very positive way.
In the preschool, we have qualified, registered, and early years teachers in every classroom. City Kids is committed to recruiting and retaining experienced teachers. Supporting our teachers in the classrooms are educational assistants. Our teachers and assistants are supported with in-house training and professional development. We have a maximum adult-to-child ratio of 1:8 in each classroom. The staff comes from different nationalities which makes it an interesting place to work.
Our preschool caters to children who are beginning their first independent schooling experience. Initially, the main goals of the program are independence, confidence, and the development of a positive attitude towards preschool. Gradually the children are introduced to a more structured timetable and a combination of play-based and teacher-led activities that will help them develop the skills necessary to successfully transition into the next phase of their education. As this is an unaccompanied program child must be of the requisite age and be fully toilet trained before commencing preschool.
Preschool children move through developmental ages at differing speeds. The preschool is organized into three different age/developmental groups and children move through the program accordingly. City Kids follows the EYFS curriculum (Early Years Foundation Stage). In addition, through whole school assemblies, the children are introduced to different virtues (cooperation, resilience, compassion, respect, enquire, communication). We believe that introducing virtues across the school community, including parents, staff, and children creates a positive attitude early on in life.
Ll members of staff contribute through open, positive, and supportive relationships where young children feel that they are listened to, promoting a climate in which young children feel safe and secure, using the language of encouragement to raise self-esteem and modeling behavior that promotes effective learning and wellbeing within the school community.
The preschool is contained in a historic building listed by the Hong Kong government, with spacious and bright classrooms and is well resourced with quality toys, activities, and equipment. One of the greatest features of our space is our covered back balcony where children have water, sand, and water play, sensory equipment, easels, balls, role playhouse, and climbing equipment.
