Carole Levy
Chris Smith, Centre Director, is chuffed to report that, for the past 12 years, Caroline Springs Child Care and Kindergarten has been providing excellent care and dynamic learning experiences relevant to the individual needs and talents of each child.
She believes it’s the innovation, passion and professionalism of the team that ensure the very best in early education.
“We passionately believe in the Reggio Emilia philosophy that children have a hundred ways of knowing, being and doing,” Chris explains.
“From birth, children have the desire to communicate and interact with others and the environment.
“In 2017, we adopted the Little Flyers Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, which draws from the best of world-renowned learning approaches, including Reggio Emilia.”
What is the Reggio Emilia approach?
“For starters, it’s not a one-size-fits-all curriculum. The Reggio Emilia approach encourages children to form a personality of their own, and respect for others is integral.
“All children are full of potential, with an innate sense of curiosity and endless imagination; they are creative, capable of constructing their own learning and have a natural interest to explore. While children follow their own interests and ideas, they stay connected to others.”
The Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum offers children from nursery to years 3 and 4 kindergarten the chance to describe, explore, experiment, create, discover and communicate in both indoor and outdoor classrooms – in ways both intentional and spontaneous.
An emphasis is placed on continuity of learning as children move between various settings in their early years, including home, early childhood services, kindergarten and formal schooling. Kindergarten programs are led by Bachelor-trained early childhood teachers, and are motivated by project-based learning, employing investigation and research skills.
“Project work is quite social and promotes teamwork and shared thinking. Our kindergarten programs are designed to encourage a love for life-long learning and provide an easy transition to school life.
“Our centre also values our community, from which many learning experiences are drawn. For example, our kindy children regularly visit Arcare Aged Care in Burnside, with residents reciprocating.”
The centre’s team brings a combined 225 years’ experience in the child care/kindergarten sector, with members representing 20 different languages and creating valuable diversity. It’s recently met or exceeded National Quality Standards across all seven assessed areas. Book a tour by calling the centre.
Caroline Springs Child Care and Kindergarten, 1 The Crossing, Caroline Springs. Opens 6.30am-6.30pm Monday-Friday, Inquiries: 9363 7622 or www.littleflyers.com.au
