CEFA Early Learning

CEFA’s proprietary curriculum originates from the French standards of junior kindergarten which begins at ages 2-3, and remains a strong element in the program today. It features a unique blend of core subjects, such as Literacy, STEM, Fine Arts, & Mindfulness to provide children with the freedom to learn and grow through play.

The methodology behind the curriculum is based on early childhood education research that demonstrates how experience-based brain development sets a course for future learning, health, and behaviour. The CEFA methodology goes beyond child care by incorporating best practices from Early Learning programs around the world. 

Teachers have the dual role of presenting activities to the children (as they would in Montessori) along with keenly observing children, documenting their interests, and following the child’s lead (as they would in Reggio Emilia schools). The methodology focuses on teaching children to learn from all circumstances, and to question and reflect on their learning. In teaching children how to learn, CEFA Teachers focus on building the habit of lifelong learning and curiosity.

Teachers document children’s social and educational development throughout the year, and sit down with families to review regularly. 

Through an open-source learning model that encourages educators to continually contribute to curriculum development, CEFA has created a contemporary, creative, and advanced program that incorporates the most up-to-date philosophies on early childhood education and Early Learning.

CEFA’s founder Natacha Beim realized that age-specific curricula aimed at engaging and teaching the whole child were needed, so she searched for a school doing that. When she couldn’t find one, she created a curriculum of her own which incorporates four key pillars, now known as: Innovators, Masterminds, Creators, and Change-Makers.