Canada’s first school to pass the International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) accreditation has officially been recognized in York Region, Ontario. Grace Christian Montessori School (GCMS) recently received IEYC certification, becoming the first school in Canada to meet this international standard. This marks an important milestone in the advancement of early childhood education in both curriculum quality and global recognition.

The certification ceremony was held on October 18 at the GCMS campus, with numerous political and educational leaders in attendance. Among them were Canadian Member of Parliament Sandra Cobena, Newmarket Mayor John Taylor, York Region District School Board (YRDSB) Chair Ron Lynn, Christian Schools Canada Executive Director Derrick Mueller, International Curriculum Association (ICA) consultant and Global EDGEucation founder Catherine Copeland, and Pastor Timothy Kwok from the United States, Pastor Emeritus of Chinese Bible Church of Greater New York.

During the ceremony, Catherine Copeland presented the official IEYC accreditation certificate to GCMS board member Angelica Ng and Principal Lisa Fung, formally recognizing GCMS as the first IEYC-certified school in Canada. Copeland shared, “On the global IEYC map, Canada has long been a blank space. Today, a new marker has finally appeared. This is highly significant for early childhood education in Canada.”

YRDSB Chair Ron Lynn praised GCMS for its innovative contributions, stating, “GCMS has set a new standard of excellence for education in our community, and we are proud of this achievement.”
Derrick Mueller, Executive Director of Christian Schools Canada, delivered a speech titled “Organic Growth in Christian Education.” He emphasized that education should cultivate both knowledge and values, providing students with a holistic environment for growth.

Pastor Kwok also shared his views on education and faith, stressing that education should guide students toward wisdom, purpose, and a grounded worldview.

GCMS board member Angelica Ng and Principal Lisa Fung expressed gratitude for the support from all sectors. Principal Fung noted that receiving IEYC accreditation is a major milestone in the school’s development: “This is not the end, but a new beginning. We will continue to focus on the whole-child development of our students—encouraging them to explore the world with curiosity and grow into future leaders with wisdom and empathy.”

Source: New Link