Learning Approach
Just as the structure of your child’s earliest education forms the foundation of their relationship with learning, the structure of government and industry guidelines are the foundation of our programs at Knox Childcare and Kindergarten. Our inclusive learning program is grounded in the national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the state Victorian Early Years Learning Framework (VEYLDF) and exceeds National Quality Standards.
These guidelines centre our programs around 5 key outcomes:
- That children have a strong sense of identity.
- That children are connected with and contribute to their world.
- That children have a strong sense of well-being.
- That children are confident and involved learners.
- That children are effective communicators.
Based around the concept of child-directed indoor-outdoor play, our programs make every child an individual learner, working at their own pace to achieve the personal learning objectives identified for them by their educators. In every room, children are encouraged to play just as they would at home – often together with siblings. It’s just that in our “home-away-from-home” they have the benefit of a qualified professional to add learning to that play. From these moments of spontaneous child-initiated play, our staff develop opportunities for intentional teaching – independent learning occurs alongside group activities, exploration occurs inside and out, and opportunities to play together and alone occur seamlessly and naturally.
Based around the concept of child-directed indoor-outdoor play, our programs make every child an individual learner, working at their own pace to achieve the personal learning objectives identified for them by their educators. In every room, children are encouraged to play just as they would at home – often together with siblings. It’s just that in our “home-away-from-home” they have the benefit of a qualified professional to add learning to that play. From these moments of spontaneous child-initiated play, our staff develop opportunities for intentional teaching – independent learning occurs alongside group activities, exploration occurs inside and out, and opportunities to play together and alone occur seamlessly and naturally.
Rooms
The babies caters for children from 6 weeks to approximately 2 years. There is a sleep area for cots along with a kitchenette for heating children’s meals at a time in line with individual children’s routines.
The main focus of this room is to build the child’s independence and make the separation from parents as easy as possible. Children’s programs foster their social, emotional, gross motor and fine motor skills. By the time children graduate to our toddlers’ room, they will be walking, talking, feeding themselves and beginning to take creative artwork home to share.
There will be repetitive experiences for children as, through building confidence in activities, endorphins released help with the children’s brain development, forming links between neurons.
Feeling safe and secure in their environment, children begin to feel that they belong in the centre with the educators. Consistent staffing with mature and confident carers is our priority in the nursery.
Children in this age group still have a low educator ratio of one staff member for every four children.
Those involved with toilet training will be allowed the time and patience to achieve this very important life lesson and once achieved the pride can be shared with all.
In preparation for the over-3-year-old room children begin to take care of their own belongings and independence is encouraged.
Singing, dancing, drawing and painting are all favourite activities of this age group and are a daily part of our programs.
Our Early Childhood Educators develop a program where your child will learn to be more independent and social amongst their peers, and gain more of an understanding of themselves as people, and the environment around them.
Each child will be encouraged to help plan the educational activities, but never be forced to participate in anything they do not feel comfortable with.
The Pre-Kinder room shares the outdoor play area with the Kindergarten and the playground is sure to impress. With large natural areas and surroundings, even the most active child will have lots to keep them busy learning.
Our 3 year old Kindergarten Program is fully integrated within the Pre Kindergarten Room and is run over 3 days and run by our Bachelor Trained Kindergarten Teacher during School Terms.
We have a small and structured Kindergarten area separate from the 3 – 4 year old Pre-kinder room. Our Early Childhood Teacher develops a program with a strong educational content that will have your child ready and prepared for school with a school-readiness program that runs for the whole year. It is also fully integrated 4 year old kindergarten program within the room and run over 5 days throughout school terms.
Children have opportunities to form great friendships and play together in group activities as well as have the opportunity for solo activities. Ample time is provided for outdoor play to develop gross motor skills. Children will gain an understanding of healthy living through activities, cooking experiences and involvement in serving meals.
We have special days through out the year for parents to be involved in our program; to come and share with us special talents, or just come and be part of our cooking or science activities.
Our Kinder programs encourage:
- Your child to build positive relationships with others and to build trust with educators.
- Your child to build resilience and independence skills.
- Parents to come into the centre, and become involved in our weekly programs.
- Your child to develop Numeracy and Literacy Skills.
