Program

Our Centre plans and runs exciting educational programs to encourage a child’s development. The program provides a balance between indoor and outdoor play, as well as times for relaxation.

An ‘emergent curriculum’ is a style and philosophy that works with a child focus and involves teaching in a creative and stimulating manner. The focus of learning is from the child’s perspective, so topics of learning are about the things the child finds interesting and stimulating. It focuses more in observing the child on a very personal level and then incorporating aspects identified as being of interest into the daily experiences.

This style of teaching is not based on the ‘wrong’ or ‘right’ answers to the questions that may be posed to the child. It focuses on the process rather than the product.

Often questions start with:

• ‘what do you think about...’
• ‘what can you tell me about...’or
• ‘do you know something about...’

Children learn a wide range of skills and concepts (including social skills, pre-reading, pre-writing etc) through exploring topics that interest them.

Our transition to school program is incorporated into our interest based program, and throughout the centre the children are given the opportunity to learn the life skills that will assist in their transition into many environments, including school, sporting groups and other social settings. We also involve older children in the information gathering process, giving them the skills to be active and interested learners.

An Emergent Curriculum works towards the teacher enjoying the uniqueness of the child without looking for weakness or faults in the child. A typical daily routine includes small and large groups and a process of documenting the child’s learning. Family involvement is also strongly encouraged through the daily diaries, portfolios and face to face interaction - it is helpful for parents to share their feelings about their child’s learning and progress.

Within our programs we incorporate the development of strong moral values in each child. Our shared values are reinforced with every child throughout the their learning and development.

Our programmed activities are displayed each day within the rooms – outlining the indoor and outdoor activities we have planned. Also displayed within the rooms is the daily routine, a broad outline of how each day unfolds for the children. At the end of each day the children’s experiences are communicated via our Day Books, into which parents have the opportunity for input and feedback on their child’s interests. We also have a daily photo display in each room – sharing some of our candid moments of the day!

Each child also has the opportunity for us to develop a Portfolio, or Journal. These folders document the child’s experiences and development throughout the year. They are available to take home at the end of the year as a keepsake.

Please feel free to call the centre for further information, or better still, come down and have a look around yourself.

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