Practical aspects of the OMS Casa Program
Each Casa class has 24 children between the ages of 2 ½ and 6 years of age.
The Casa programs are licensed under the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA). A full cycle in a Casa program can be 3 or 4 years in length depending on the age the child enters and the child’s natural maturity.
Children must be at least 2 years 6 months of age but, generally, not yet 4 when entering the program.
Children must be toilet trained and independent in toileting (able to wipe themselves and pull up their clothes).
New children are welcomed into the class one or two at a time after the first week to provide each child with the most positive experience of beginning school. It takes until the end of September for all new children to be welcomed.
Extended Day Casa– Children can arrive as early as 8:00 a.m. and leave as late as 5:30 p.m.
A hot lunch and morning and afternoon snacks are provided.
Younger children rest in the afternoon; children who are older (usually around 5 years of age), who have a full repertoire of Montessori activities, and who will be happy in the Montessori environment for the full day, stay in the class through the afternoon.
All children enjoy outdoor play twice each day, weather permitting.
Half Day Casa– The younger children come to class from 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Children who are older (usually around 5 years of age), who have a full repertoire of Montessori activities, and who will be happy in the Montessori environment for the full day, stay for lunch and outdoor play and are in the class until 3:30 p.m.