Philosophy
Our Programs
Our curriculum is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
They are based on an emergent curriculum approach and also include intentional teaching experiences. An emergent curriculum develops when exploring what is relevant, interesting and personally meaningful to children. It is called emergent because it evolves based on interests and choices and is open to new ideas. Intentional teaching involves our educators being deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful in their decisions and actions based around the curriculum programs.
When planning the curriculum, our educators consider :
- the children’s interests
- the staff interests
- intentional learning and developmentally appropriate tasks and experiences
- the physical environment
- people working together as a group
- spontaneous learning experiences & unexpected event
- family & community values
Our curriculum is offered via a play-based program that enables children the opportunity to learn and develop via hands on meaningful experiences, in a safe, friendly and secure environment. It is our belief that the children are valuable and capable contributors to our days together and us such, their thoughts, ideas and opinions regarding the program are respected and implemented.
During each session, the educators engage and interact with the children, as well as observing and documenting the learning, explorations and discoveries which take place. Daily documentation and reflections at the end of each week give the staff an opportunity to reflect on how the sessions unfolded and to identify where the interests lie for integration into future learning experiences.
Information regarding the children’s kindergarten journey, as well as their growth and development is available for parents via individual learning journals, sharing of photos, weekly reflection entries and formal and informal discussions with the educators.