Alkira ELC Curriculum
Recent research and theories around play-based learning has rapidly emerged within the early childhood education field. Leading psychologists, medical professionals, early childhood teachers and theorists in the sector provide childcare educators with an overwhelming amount of evidence that suggests a child learns and develops best in an environment that promotes purposeful play and is of meaning to them. The research demonstrates that skills used during play greatly influence and advance neural pathways which is essential to children’s brain development. Current research, in conjunction with the National Quality Standards and Early Years Learning Framework have been the driving force behind Alkira ELC’s educational program.
Our unique program is just one of many attributes which saw Alkira ELC rated as “Exceeding the National Quality Standards” after six months of opening our doors and more recently in March 2020, receiving Exceeding in all seven areas. Having six rooms throughout the centre allows the educational program to be adjusted to the needs of all age groups, while maintaining the beliefs stated in our philosophy. One of these beliefs is viewing children as active participants in their own learning which allows educators to focus on children’s individual development, their dispositions, and interests, rather than placing emphasis on preconceived expectations of what children should be learning. Our program allows for a flexible rhythm and an abundance of uninterrupted play.
Each educator within the service contributes to the program in a variety of ways to support and aid the development of children in our educational setting. The educators at Alkira ELC create an enjoyable and challenging play-based learning environment which provokes children to investigate, problem solve, explore ideas, engage their imagination, and express themselves in many different ways. We do this by inviting open ended interactions for risk- taking, exploration, discovery and spontaneity. Educators provide opportunities for children to be authors, inventors, scientists, and artists in an unhurried, playful environment. Educators use scaffolding and intentional teaching strategies that are planned and purposeful, to build on the children’s skills and knowledge.
Alkira ELC’s learning environment has been influenced by educational pioneer Loris Malaguzzi of Reggio Emilia who suggests that the learning environment acts as the third teacher. Each room, along with the outdoor environment is thoughtfully planned to engage and enhance each child’s growth and development. The spaces are aesthetically pleasing and abound with an endless amount of learning opportunities.
In addition to Reggio Emilia, our play spaces and practices have been strongly influenced by nature pedagogy and leading international education consultant, Claire Warden. Nature Pedagogical practices place an emphasis on the importance of nature and its ability to facilitate learning. Further expanding on our love for nature and our belief in its overwhelming contribution to a child’s development, Alkira ELC incorporates a “Beyond” program which provides children with the opportunity to explore a beautiful nature filled space beyond the gates of Alkira ELC. These adventures see the children bushwalking, building campfires, wood whittling, using authentic tools, stretching their minds to be resourceful and having the opportunity to simply be within nature.
Alkira ELC places great importance on children gaining the social and emotional skills they need to thrive when they get to school and for life beyond. Doctor John Irvine, renowned Central Coast psychologist, chose Alkira ELC to be part of a trial introducing a social and emotional program called the Worry Woos to assist children with their emotional intelligence and transition to formal schooling. The Worry Woos are an array of plush toys and books that explore different emotions children may be feeling and how they can learn concepts of empathy, self-confidence, appreciation and mindfulness. Worry Woos are now used throughout the day for both our 3-4 and 4-5 year-old rooms to assist the children to be in tune with different emotions.
We believe that a love for reading is such an important part of children’s growth and development. By providing a print rich environment, language and literacy are embedded in children’s everyday learning. We see our children immersed in literacy throughout the day, not just through reading but also making their own stories and illustrating them. We assist parents to continue this love for reading at home by utilising our own lending libraries where children help choose their own special books. Reading books aloud to children stimulates their imagination and expands their understanding of the world. It helps them develop language and listening skills and prepares them to understand the written word.
Our educators are advocates for early childhood education and are committed to providing rich learning environments to aid children’s growth and development. We are constantly reflecting on and evolving our teaching methods and practices in line with current global research by continual professional development.
At Alkira Early Learning Centre we are proud of the opportunities our program provides children for their lifelong and meaningful learning. We recognise the importance of education in the early years and strive to continue to provide children and their families with an exceeding service and a place to shine.
