We offer an innovative play and inquiry based curriculum, designed and delivered by qualified teachers and educators, to support children with developing skills for lifelong learning. Collaborative learning focuses on the children’s current theories, knowledge, abilities, culture and strengths. Educators observe, listen and document children’s wonderings and ideas, then plan with the children for possibilities of learning.
We value responsive relationships, believing children learn best in a safe and nurturing environment where they can develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of emotional and physical wellbeing. Our teachers and educators, supported by our centre Educational Leaders, establish respectful and caring relationships with children and families, to co-construct curriculum andexpand your child’s knowledge and understanding of their world.
Our curriculum is informed by the Early Years Learning Framework, Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines and My Time Our Place, National Quality Framework, Code of Ethic and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Power of Play
At Kids ELC we believe play and learning occur simultaneously. Children’s learning is dynamic, complex and holistic. Physical, social, emotional, personal, spiritual, creative, cognitive and linguistic aspects of learning are all intricately interwoven and interrelated through play.
Play is a context for learning that:
- allows for the expression of personality and uniqueness
- enhances dispositions such as curiosity and creativity
- enables children to make connections between prior experiences and new learning
- assists children to develop relationships and concepts stimulates a sense of wellbeing
“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.” -O. Fred Donaldson
Wellbeing and Connection
A strong sense of wellbeing is demonstrated when children are strong in self and culture; active and healthy; happy and resilient; capable and connected; learning and exploring; and have a sense of agency.
At Kids ELC we nurture responsive relationships. Educators are responsive to all children’s strengths, abilities and interests. They value and build on children’s strengths, skills and knowledge to ensure their motivation and engagement in learning.
Educators respond to children’s expertise, cultural traditions and ways of knowing, the multiple languages spoken by some children, and the strategies used by children with additional needs to negotiate their everyday lives.
Responsive learning relationships are strengthened as educators and children learn together and share decisions, respect and trust. Responsiveness enables educators to respectfully enter children’s play and ongoing projects, stimulate their thinking and enrich their learning.
“Our image of the child is rich in potential, strong, powerful, competent, and most of all connected to adults and other children.”- Loris Malaguzzi
Sustainable Futures
At Kid ELC we are dedicated to ensuring children learn the importance of treading lightly on our earth. Through embedded sustainability practices led by our Sustainability Leaders, the children are actively involved in taking responsibility for the environment. We nurture empathy and curiosity in the natural world, viewing children as global citizens with rights.
The time children spend engaging in outdoor environments is valued for empowering a sense of responsibility about their world. Through participating in our sustainability practice and experiences, the children learn respect and appreciation of the natural world around them.
All our centres are involved in the Small Green Steps Enviro Programs which are designed for Early Childhood Education centres, supporting with embedding sustainable direction and a love of nature.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Creating Communities that Inspire
At Kids ELC we build authentic and respectful community connections to create communities that inspire. We recognise and embrace the value each family brings to the rich tapestry of culture in our centre communities. We promote a strong sense of social justice and equity, recognising children as citizens with rights.
We recognise and respects the unique place of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders as this nation’s First Peoples. We believe that through listening to each other and engaging in dialogue, we can ensure voices are heard, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and language is sustained for future generations.
Following your Child’s Learning Journey
Families are the primary source of knowledge, so together with children and educators we believe a holistic journey of learning can be accomplished.
- You can follow your child’s journey at Kids ELC through Storypark, conversations, sharing stories, studio projects, learning journal viewing evenings, summative assessments and viewing the displays of learning in their studio environment.
Kindergarten Program
At Kids ELC our play-based Queensland Kindergarten Programs are designed and delivered by qualified Early Childhood Teachers, to support your child with developing skills for a successful transition to school.
As a Reggio Emilia inspired centres, we pride ourselves on creating learning environments and playscapes to invite curiosity, wonder and a lifelong love of learning. Early literacy and numeracy skills are meaningfully woven into our research projects to provide rich foundations for learning.
We believe children learn best in a safe and nurturing environment where they can develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of emotional and physical wellbeing.
Our Kindergarten Program is informed by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG). The EYLF focuses on children from birth to five years, while the QKLG aims to specifically enrich children’s learning in the Kindergarten year. The QKLG describes a set of five learning and development areas.
During your child’s Kindergarten year teachers will be supporting your child to:
- take part in rich inquiry and play-based learning
- expand their physical abilities
- build their confidence
- enhance their social skills
Our centres offer the Australian Government Ella Program or language immersion in everyday contexts. ELLA is a proven method of language discovery for Kindergarten children. ELLA develops children’s social, thinking, and digital skills. It supports their literacy and can improve memory and concentration. Teachers incorporate language and technology into their curriculum.
We look forward to welcoming your family to our Kindergarten Program and supporting a successful transition to school for your child
Following your Child’s Kindergarten Learning Journey
Families are the primary source of knowledge, so together with children and educators we believe a holistic journey of learning can be accomplished.
You can follow your child’s journey at Kids ELC through Storypark, conversations, sharing stories, studio projects, learning journal viewing evenings, summative assessments and viewing the displays of learning in their studio environment. We invite you to read, respond and share.
- At the end of the Kindergarten year, we celebrate your child’s learning journey and transition to school with our Kindergarten Graduation Ceremony.
- We plan visits for your child to our local schools, to support with developing confidence and ensuring a smooth transition into their first year of school.
- Teachers complete a Transition Statement at the end of the year about your child’s achievements and progress to share with your child’s school.