Play-Based Learning for Holistic Growth

We believe that play is a fundamental part of learning. Our play based learning experiences are designed to be both engaging and educational, encouraging children to explore their natural curiosities while developing essential life skills. Through these playful activities, children build meaningful friendships and develop a strong foundation for future learning.

Please CLICK HERE  to view the Early Learning Centre Parent Information Booklet.

Our Philosophy

The Family

We view families as the child’s first and most influential educators. We actively build strong partnerships with families regarding the ongoing care and education of their child. We practice and encourage open and positive communication with children, families, colleagues and the wider community, in order to increase the sharing of perspectives, ideas, skills, knowledge and resources. We acknowledge families come in all shapes and sizes and stem beyond ‘parents’.

The Child

All children are viewed as capable and competent learners. We value children as active ‘citizens’ and that children make a significant contribution to the world. Children’s rights remain central to the operation of our Early Learning Centre and are embedded in educators’ philosophies and practice.

The Program

Our play based learning program is underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework and My Time Our Place, designed to give children a range of opportunities to explore, investigate, observe, question, experiment, try new things and interact with people and the environment around them. Our program provides children with a wide range of interactive and meaningful experiences, building on strengths and interests as children make sense of their world. We embed learning inside and outside, where children are provided with extended periods of uninterrupted time to simply play and have fun. We value the spirit and joy of learning through play in early childhood and delight in all experiences shared with young children.

The Community

All who use the ELC and After College Hours Care service are valued and respected without bias. We empower and enable all individuals to become advocates and activists in everyday practice as we encourage and support diversity.

We value Indigenous knowledge as important for all people living in Australia. Embracing this opens up opportunities for discussion about the many different kinds of Indigenous knowledge there are across Australia. We value local Indigenous collaborations and will continue to learn about Bundjalung cultural traditions and knowledge as we respectfully acknowledge pre colonial Australia.

We are learning to think in a more sustainable manner, placing a lens over all thoughts and actions and in doing so choosing nature as a learning resource and embracing nature pedagogy.

The Educators

Collegial collaboration and cooperation is priority as we come together with a wide range of worldviews, theories and philosophies that have helped to inform and define our everyday practice. We encourage ‘a lively culture of professional inquiry’. Our educators are keystones in the quality and effectiveness of the overall early childhood learning and development that occurs in our Early Learning Service.

Our ELC Team

Our team at the Early Learning Centre is committed to providing a warm, safe and positive learning environment where children feel valued and supported. Our educators bring diverse perspectives and philosophies to their teaching practices, ensuring that each child’s unique needs are met.

All our staff hold a variety of qualifications in Early Childhood Education and First Aid certificates and they participate in ongoing professional development to enhance their skills and knowledge.

The Early Learning Centre has two qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educators to deliver a quality early learning program.