About us
HighScope An international leader in early childhood education for over 50 years
The HighScope Educational Foundation has been a leader in early childhood education since 1970. Through its National Institutes that span the globe, it empowers children and educators the world over through a high-quality, active learning approach and curriculum.
Established in 1963 in Michigan by Dr. David P. Weikart, the HighScope Foundation is an independent non-profit organization engaged in research and the development of tools and training programs designed primarily to support educators, and optimize the development of young learners.
The HighScope educational program grew from the work of the Perry Preschool Project, a research study conducted in the 1960s at Ypsilanti’s Perry Elementary School in Michigan.
The findings of this ground-breaking, multi-year research study revealed that children who were introduced to the HighScope pedagogical approach achieved positive life-course outcomes—gains that impacted their children and their children’s children, as well.
HighScope program participants performed significantly higher on assessments measuring cognitive skills, initiative, social relationships, motor skills and overall development.
Additionally, results have shown that, as adults, study participants were more likely to achieve greater academic success, higher incomes, and demonstrate a stronger sense of social responsibility.
Today, educators trained in the HighScope pedagogical approach are equipped with a reliable and complete program and the latest tools validated by research, enabling them to assume a professional role with children and parents.
Our history
In 2011, l’Association Québécoise HighScope (AQHS), commonly known as HighScope Quebec was founded by France Cartier, Daniel Savaria and Marielle Castonguay as a non-profit organization acting as an agent under HighScope Canada.
In 2023, following the passing of HighScope Canada’s mentor and National Institute licensee Moya Fewson, AQHS obtained the National Institute licence. As a National Institute, we are authorized to provide HighScope training, tools and support across Canada in both official languages.
Under the licensee agreement, l’Association Québécoise HighScope is the only organization in Canada authorized to offer services and training related to the HighScope Foundation’s educational program.
Who we are
Our vision
At HighScope, we believe in offering an enriched Early Childhood Experience by creating a stimulating environment with positive adult-child interactions that allow every child the opportunity to realize their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
We believe that high-quality early education has the power to change the trajectory of the world, one child at a time.
Mission
Values
Our research
At HighScope, our curriculum is built on research that advances early childhood education.
This research proves that high-quality early education improves a child’s chances for long-term success and that the positive impact of high-quality early education goes beyond the child to improve the lives of future generations.
Children who receive high-quality early education compared to those who do not:
- Are more prepared for school
- Are more emotionally mature and self-regulated
- Have higher graduation rates and college attendance
- Have more stable employment and higher salaries
- Create more stable home environments for children
- Are healthier adults
- Are more civically engaged
Our people
At HighScope Canada, we are a diverse team of trainers and passionate professionals with a shared common goal — the belief that every child deserves the highest quality education. Each team member brings a unique skill set and expertise to supporting and advancing early childhood education. Our people view each day as a rich, learning experience and opportunity to empower educators with classroom solutions that help children thrive and be their best selves.
Administration
Caroline Bonin
Executive director
Caroline joined the AQHS team in 2020. She has worked in Early Childhood Education since graduating from Concordia University with a major in child studies in 1993. She has occupied the functions of executive director, pedagogical consultant, educator, kindergarten teacher and ESL teacher in Early Childhood settings and schools in the public, private and private-subsidized sectors in Quebec and Ontario.
Dominique Séguin
Admin. Assistant and COR Advantage coordinator
Dominique joined the team to support members in administrative and customer service functions. She has worked as a marketing and administrative assistant acquiring several years’ experience in customer service. With a passion for child development, Dominique has embarked on a new adventure, bringing her solid and varied administrative expertise to our organization.
Trainers
Amélie Lambert
HighScope certified consultant
Amélie has been working in the early childhood education for over ten years, first as an educator, then as a CPE director. Currently completing her master’s degree in education, she is a lecturer in the Department of Education and Pedagogy and in the Faculty of Education at UQAM. She has been a certified HighScope trainer since 2017. She holds certifications for infants and toddlers as well as the preschool and family care programs.
France Cartier
HighScope certified consultant
With a background in psycho-education and special education, France Cartier has been the director of CPE les Trottinettes in Montreal for over 15 years. The CPE les Trottinettes favours the HighScope pedagogical approach providing an educational environment where active learning is at the heart of its interventions. A certified trainer of the preschool program since 2013, she is also trained to teach programs for infant and toddler educators as well as for family childcare providers.
Marie-Diane Trottier
HighScope certified consultant
Marie-Diane Trottier holds a Bachelor’s degree in preschool education and a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, business management and social work. She has worked in early childhood education for over 28 years, and is recognized for initiating several educational project innovations. A born communicator, she shares her passion for early childhood with ease. She implemented the HighScope program in a CPE in the Montérégie region. She is a certified instructor for family care, infant-toddler and preschool programs.
Norma Ouellette
HighScope certified consultant
Norma holds a background in early childhood education with over 10 years of experience as an educator. She also holds a diploma in Human Resources from Concordia University and has accumulated over 15 years of experience as both a center and pedagogical director at CPE Abracadabra. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Management at Université Laval to further strengthen her leadership and management skills.
Since 2014, Norma has earned multiple certifications from the HighScope program, covering infants and toddlers, preschool-aged children, and family child care settings. In 2018, she also became a certified CLASS observer for the preschool level. Deeply passionate about pedagogy, she is committed to supporting educational quality within the early childhood sector.
Karine (KJ) Johnston
HighScope certified consultant
KJ Johnston holds a diploma in Early Childhood Education and has been a certified senior field consultant for the HighScope Educational Foundation since 2006. Her vast experience with the Foundation includes providing professional development for teachers and administrators, curriculum development online, virtual classes and in-person classes, mentoring and coaching, as well mentoring other HighScope trainers. She retains certifications for the infants and toddlers, as well as the preschool programs.
Board of directors
Amélie Lambert
President
HighScope certified trainer
France Cartier
Vice-President
Certified HighScope trainer and Founding member, AQHS
Aggie Papdimas
Administrator
Executive Director, CPE Mont-Royal
Mélanie Carle
Administratrator
Teacher and RAC Content Specialist
Administrator
coming soon
Administrator
coming soon
Administrator
coming soon
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