Our Unique Curriculum
Our Early Childhood Education Curriculum is unique, and has been carefully crafted to include the best of contemporary educational and care theories and practices. It is a balance of a structured Montessori Program and recognised excellent Early Childhood Education philosophies and practices.
We observe children individually, and program activities to enhance their strengths, and promote their optimal development.
Our priority is developing the skills, dispositions, social and emotional attributes which contribute to a successful transition to school.
We co-ordinate with local primary schools, and the feedback we receive is that children are “more than ready for school”.
Our Centre Philosophy is the foundation of our Educational Program.
Our Educators share our belief in children’s innate abilities and inborn drive to learn. Our picture of the child aligns with the Reggio Emilia philosophy. Each child is regarded as being strong, competent, full of resources and the constructor and co-constructor of their own knowledge and understanding. We believe that children are creative, curious, full of ideas and theories.
Our Education program was rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard. Our commitment to ongoing quality improvement, through research and staff Professional Development, was praised by the Assessor.
We use the Vision, Principles, Practices, and Outcomes of the Nationally mandated Early Years Learning Framework, for programming. The Early Years Learning Framework calls for play based learning, centred around children’s interests. It recognises the crucial role of families in their children’s education.
We plan intentional teaching, but also follow emerging themes and interests of the children. We believe that the well-being of each child in our care is essential for their learning, as children thrive in a happy, friendly, caring environment.
The Learning Outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework are designed to assist integrated learning and development of all children across the birth to five years age range. They are:
• Children have a strong sense of identity
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Children have a strong sense of well-being
• Children are confident and involved learners
• Children are effective communicators
Our Educational Program is additionally enhanced with a Montessori Program, delivered by our Early Childhood Education Teachers.
Montessori Philosophy also aligns well with our own beliefs, and adds value to our learning program. Through using specially designed materials, the children gain hands on knowledge of Mathematics, Language, and Spatial concepts. Practical Life activities, which focus on children’s self help and independence in every day experiences, are built into the Program and activities across the day.
We work with the children with the Sensorial, Language, Mathematics, and Cultural materials. Montessori education is integrated into the holistic program.
Our lovely outdoor areas provide for the development of the full range of physical skills.
The lawn area is a free space to run and play, and the pathways are good for bike riding, which encourages skill development and social play.
The nature in our yard encourages exploration, experimenting, sensory experiences and creativity. The sandpit is popular, as is the digging patch.
We work with the children in planting flowers, fruit and vegetables in the garden areas.
The extensive verandah can be used for quiet activities and pretend and role playing.
The Curriculum is enhanced with dance, music, drama, arts and creativity, physical activities, languages, signing, excursions and visits from community helpers such as visiting the fire station, children’s farm, local primary school, Henley community garden, local library, dental programs and multi-cultural experiences.
We have a special music and movement program which is very popular.
We regularly visit the adjacent school and use their library.
We partner with parents and families, in the care and education of your children. We ask for, and value feedback and comments from parents, and their advice to us regarding their own children.
We send digital records and photos to parents regularly, and give verbal updates on pick-up and drop off. We have regular nights where parents confer with us about their children’s progress.
