Our mission is to offer parents and guardians a safe, supportive, and high-quality child care environment that is developmentally appropriate. We are committed to creating a nurturing and stimulating experience that fosters the holistic growth and development of every child.
Our program is fully licensed by the Government of Alberta, meeting all provincial standards for quality, safety, and early childhood education. Since its launch in 2007, Halpern Akiva Academy has been providing care and learning for children aged 12 months to 5 years through its licensed preschool and daycare programs.
Mrs. Kizhakke Vendekkan
Director of Early Education
Mrs. Vendekkan, affectionately known as Mrs. V. by her students, has been leading the Early Education program at Halpern Akiva Academy as its Director since 2017. She brings a strong academic background, holding a Bachelor of Education, a Master’s degree in Mathematics, a Montessori Certificate, and a Child Development Supervisor Certificate. Her diverse qualifications reflect her commitment to providing high-quality, research-based early childhood education that fosters curiosity, creativity, and growth in every child.
As a dedicated Montessori educator, Mrs. V. is passionate about fostering a nurturing, creative, and engaging learning environment. Her teaching philosophy centers on sharing her love of education, guiding children with care and respect, and upholding the highest standards in early childhood education. She strongly believes in respecting children’s rights at every stage of development.
Montessori is a unique educational approach that emphasizes self-directed activity, hands-on learning, and collaborative play. Based on the pioneering work and research of Dr. Maria Montessori, this method creates a carefully prepared environment designed to nurture each child’s natural curiosity and foster a lifelong love of learning. The Montessori philosophy aims to develop not only academic skills but also independence, confidence, and leadership qualities in young learners.
At our daycare and preschool, we have integrated the five essential areas of Montessori learning: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Culture. Each area is thoughtfully designed to support children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development through meaningful, engaging activities.
Key Montessori principles guiding our approach include fostering independence by encouraging children to take initiative in their learning, cultivating a strong sense of order through structured environments, and promoting hands-on learning experiences that make abstract concepts concrete and accessible.
By embracing these principles, we create a nurturing space where children can explore, discover, and grow at their own pace, building a solid foundation for future academic success and personal growth.
