Core Education Fine Arts (CEFA®) has opened its newest preschool location in Okotoks, under the direction of Julian Beim and Pierre Trepanier.
“An all-new, private, early learning centre for kids 1 to 6 featuring CEFA's award-winning curriculum has opened right here in Okotoks!” says Beim. “Expect fresh new classrooms and equipment in a very convenient location in D'Arcy Ranch on Highway 2A (next to Safeway).
We are excited about our highly trained local teachers who are passionate about their work, and the on-site professional chef who will prepare meals and snacks in a commercial-quality kitchen.”
CEFA is renowned across Canada for its sophisticated approach to nurturing young minds. Since its inception in 1998, CEFA has been committed to fostering a love for learning that transcends traditional childcare. CEFA schools are designed to cultivate great thinkers by immersing children in a rich curriculum that combines literacy, STEM, fine arts, and mindfulness, encouraging them to explore and grow through play.
Founded by Natacha Beim, who envisioned a new standard for early education, CEFA has grown from a single location to over 36 schools nationwide. CEFA's proprietary curriculum is anchored in four pillars of child development: language, numbers, peer social skills, and emotional control.
At CEFA Okotoks, families can expect a comprehensive suite of programs tailored to various stages of early childhood. From CEFA Baby to different levels of Junior Kindergarten (JK1, JK2, JK3), each program is crafted to meet the diverse needs of children and their families.
“As a dad of two kids, both of whom are thriving recent graduates from top Canadian universities, my priority had always been to help them become well-rounded, self-confident young adults. This included academics and arts, but also physical, emotional, and social skills,” says Trepanier. All these skills are critical to help youth lead happy, productive lives. CEFA's childcare environment and programs are designed to develop the “whole child” during the critical preschool period of childhood growth, which is why the program resonates so strongly with me.”
The inclusion of fine arts is very important. “Introduction to fine arts can help children develop early/emerging talent, plant the seeds of a lifelong love of arts, and grow communication skills that have an impact on lifetime learning and open up self-expression abilities,” says Trepanier.
Fine arts encourage children to think outside the box and express themselves creatively, sparking innovative thinking. In fact, studies have shown that students engaged in the arts often perform better in other academic areas and have enhanced skills like critical thinking and problem-solving along with skills such as fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Participating in arts activities helps children build self esteem and confidence as they learn to express their ideas and receive feedback. Arts education supports brain development by engaging multiple areas of the brain, enhancing memory, and improving cognitive abilities, making it a very important part of CEFA’s proven, successful programming.
With its focus on lifelong learning and a curriculum that inspires curiosity, CEFA Okotoks is poised to make a significant impact in the community, providing a nurturing environment where children can thrive. Whether you are seeking a robust educational foundation for your little one or a supportive learning community, CEFA Okotoks promises to deliver exceptional early learning experiences that ignite a passion for discovery.
Learn more online.
