About Our Name
The name “The Willows Collective” was chosen to represent the heart of our preschool. The willow tree symbolizes resilience, flexibility, and deep roots, much like our approach that nurtures children to grow, adapt, and thrive. The word “collective” highlights the strong sense of community we foster, where children, families, and educators work together to create a warm, collaborative learning environment.
Our name reminds us that, like the willow’s branches that bend but never break, we support each child’s journey, embracing their individuality while cultivating strength and emotional well-being.
Our Philosophy
We believe children are competent, capable, and innately driven to learn.
Our days unfold in a gentle, rhythmic flow with time for imaginative play, nature exploration, seasonal crafts, storytelling, nutritious meals, and rest. We follow a holistic, child-led approach combining:
• Waldorf-inspired rhythm and beauty, nature and meaningful integration of music and the arts within all learning areas
• Montessori learning materials and tools for independence and care of self, practical life skills
• Reggio Emilia’s focus on inquiry,
collaboration, documentation, process art, emergent learning and community building
We integrate key learning to support all developmental areas like yoga, art, science, and early literacy and numeracy skills into our inquiry-based programming. These subjects are explored in an organic, interconnected way—allowing children to see the world as a whole and make connections across disciplines.
Children engage with science through sensory activities and exploration of the natural world, art through creative expression with natural materials, and early literacy and numeracy through playful, hands-on learning opportunities. We help children build foundational skills in a way that feels natural, joyful, and connected to their own curiosity and wonder.
What We Offer
• Full-day care: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM for ages 18 months to 4.5 years
• Individual, detailed ongoing portfolios across all learning and developmental areas
• Monthly parent-teacher meetings
• Seasonal community gatherings and special birthday celebrations
• JK alternative (optional for families seeking more individualized education prior to elementary school)
• Small group size for personalized attention
• Hand-crafted and natural learning materials
• Two nutritious snacks and a warm, nut-free lunch provided daily
• Bilingual exposure: English and some French
• Nature education and community outings
• Yoga and mindfulness practices to promote physical awareness and emotional well-being
• Art experiences that foster creativity and self-expression
• Science exploration through nature, hands-on activities, and sensory play
• Early literacy and numeracy skills development through inquiry-based methods
• Toilet learning support (Montessori approach)
• Rest time with individual cots and quiet ambiance
• Social-emotional skill building rooted in respectful guidance
• Conscious parenting support and behavioural insight (if requested)
Marina Matutschovsky | Founder & Lead Educator | Registered Early Childhood Educator | Conscious Parenting Consultant
With over 20 years of experience in early childhood education, Marina is a trusted guide for families navigating the early years. She has taught both English and French Immersion JK/SK programs and supports children with diverse learning needs through her expertise in child development, behavioural therapy, and conscious parenting.
Marina holds a degree in Child Development and Early Childhood Education from Toronto Metropolitan University, earned in 2012 while gaining hands-on experience teaching children from toddlers to grade 6. She maintains her Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) designation and up-to-date CPR and First Aid certifications, ensuring the highest standards of safety and care.
Deeply involved in the community, Marina leads parenting workshops and offers private support, helping families with behaviour strategies and developmental guidance.
At The Willows Collective, Marina blends her knowledge and passion to create a nurturing, preschool experience.
“Marina consistently went above and beyond, whether it was staying late to talk through our child’s progress or creating special activities to match his interests. She made us feel like partners in his learning and that meant the world to us.”
K.L.
Parent of Kindergarten Student