Curriculum

Curriculum

Penguin Childcare centres follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). There are three concepts that come from the Early Years Learning Framework and that is Belonging, Being and Becoming.

  • Belonging acknowledges children’s independence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities.
  • Being recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives.
  • Becoming reflects the process of rapid and significant change that occurs in the early years as young children learn and grow.

The EYLF provides teachers with a structure on how to effectively plan and assess learning activities and how to monitor your child’s progress. This framework recognises the importance of communication and language, including early literacy and numeracy and acknowledges a child’s social and emotional development.  The EYLF has a strong emphasis on play based learning and our centres encourage and facilitate this wherever possible. Throughout our programs each child’s knowledge, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the focus and the basis to ensure they have an interest in and a want to participate in the exciting experiences.

Our curriculum is one that builds upon the interests of the children. Topics for study are captured through discussions with the children, through community or family events, as well as the known interests of the children. Educators see children as full of potential, competent and capable of building their own theories with support and guidance. We aim to provide a holistic approach to education and create learning environments that promote curiosity, inquiry and a sense of wonder.

Children’s learning is made visible by the curriculum plan, children’s portfolios, Reflections journals, newsletters and project displays.

Physical activity is also a key component to children’s learning and this is promoted through planned and spontaneous experiences that are age appropriate for each child.

Routine is good for children and can be a way of teaching your child healthy habits, such as hand washing. Daily routines can help promote a feeling of safety and create an organised and predictable home environment. Our routines are organised in a way that maximises opportunities for greater learning. We value and encourage parental involvement and support this with our Open Door policy.

We place a high priority on the environment and sustainability at Penguin Early Learning, and we teach children to ensure that “there is enough for all, forever”. We have a range of sustainable practises throughout our centres to teach children about preserving the environment, encouraging them to become environmentally responsible and teaching them to show respect for the environment.

School Readiness Program

We provide a specialised Kindergarten program that is aimed to offer you and your child a smooth transition from pre-school to school. This program will assist in the development of confidence, independence, social skills and learning ability; making the adjustment to school life a little easier.

Our Penguin Kindergarten program is led by a University trained Early Childhood Teacher and our programs are Government Approved.

Our qualified and caring educators plan detailed and specific programs that are relevant to the individual child’s interests, family, culture and local community. Our program promotes social, physical, emotional, linguistic and cognitive growth and focuses on language and literacy, the visual arts and crafts, music, singing and dance, stories, mathematics, science, social studies, writing and reading, games and play.

Developmental portfolio

Our educators collect and keep your child’s artwork, photos, paintings and other materials to build a personal developmental portfolio and at the end of each year each child receives a personal development portfolio as a record of their achievements at the centre. The portfolio includes a collection of observations, learning journals, photos, art pieces and other examples of the child’s learning and development towards each of the five learning outcomes in the Early Years Learning Framework.

This gives families the opportunity to witness what their child has completed throughout the year and to have as a keepsake for years to come.

Developmental Portfolio

Age appropriate services

At Penguin Childcare and Early Education Centres, we offer age appropriate resources and materials aimed to advance the development and skills of your child.

Our centres are respectfully decorated with a children’s art gallery and we have incorporated plenty of natural play spaces for children to explore.  We place a high emphasis on the environment and use this as the third teacher; alongside parents and educators. Great attention is given to the look and feel of each classroom to ensure it has organised areas to promote learning.

The goals of these areas are to inspire delight, curiosity and inquiry. In doing so, educators will build intrinsic motivation (coming from within the child) and a long term love of learning.

Children have the opportunity for both indoor and outdoor play at their leisure, as the outdoor area is an essential part of the learning environment for children to encourage risk taking, negotiation and investigation.  All age groups utilise our specifically designed playgrounds to test their coordination, balance, skills and strength.

The Nursery room is specially designed for children aged six weeks to two years. Positive and encouraging language is used to communicate with your baby and plenty of cuddles ensure your baby’s emotional wellbeing is a priority.

The Toddler room is specially designed to encourage and support toddlers to increase their self-awareness, self-recognition and independence. We focus on their social, emotional and physical growth. When your toddler displays signs of readiness we are happy to commence or assist with toilet training.

Our educators are equipped to calm even the most challenging situation, such as a toddler tantrum or separation anxiety, by providing consistent and caring guidance and effective methods of communication.

Our Pre-Kinder and Junior Kinder rooms offer social interaction, playing and co-operative learning with friends. Days involve drawing, movement, singing, problem solving and speaking skills. Here, children learn to form and express their own ideas, thoughts and feelings.

In our Kinder Room children benefit from our specialised Kindergarten program. This aims to prepare children to make a smooth transition from Kindergarten to School. In the Kinder room, qualified educators plan quality programs that are relevant to the individual child’s interests, his/her family, the local community and culture.

Early Childhood professionals

Penguin Childcare centres boast qualified early childhood professionals and carers who provide educational learning programs based on children’s interests, strengths, abilities and choice.

Our dedicated team of educators are experienced and understand the importance of extending on children’s home-life experiences. Individual programs are developed for each child in order to assist with this.

Our qualified educators carefully listen, observe and document children’s work and progress; they guide, co-construct, and stimulate children’s thinking and children’s collaboration with peers to achieve meaningful and desired outcomes for each individual child.

The Penguin Childcare family has great rapport with each other. They work as a team cultivating trust, truth and thankfulness. Our educators are respected and rewarded. Therefore they are happy, which flows onto the children and parents. We aim have one of the highest staff retention rates in the industry and to attract, hire and develop quality educators we encourage, support and fund ongoing professional development and further education and training to ensure that we continue to provide the best service and build on our reputation for excellence.

We invest heavily in our people and commit to a range of professional development opportunities to ensure that our educators remain at the top of their game and are able to give your child the very best start in life.

Parent teacher communication

We believe that fostering collaborative partnerships with families is one of the foundations to ensure we achieve the best for every child. All learning journals and information regarding your child’s day will be documented daily for you to view. This includes details of sleeping habits, toilet practices, your child’s response to the day and any health and safety issues that may have arisen.

Our educators will also speak with you informally upon collection of the child or through phone calls if any issues arise during the day.

At Penguin Childcare, we have a range of links with community and support agencies in our services to ensure that we support every child’s learning and development to ensure that they are prepared for the next stage.

Throughout the year we also offer parent/teacher interviews as a more formal time for a parent and a teacher to talk. They are often held shortly after report cards are sent home so that achievements and concerns can be discussed

Just like every child is different, so is each parent/teacher interview.  This will reflect that individuality. However, the following matters are often discussed:

  • All areas of development for the child – samples of work may be shown.
  • The parent’s and teacher’s expectations for the child.
  • How the teacher evaluates progress.
  • Joint development of a plan to help the child overcome any problems and to continue important accomplishments; and how parents and teachers can work together on a continuing basis to encourage the child to do well.We are also here to support you in your role as a parent, so if at any time you wish to learn more about our service and how you can be involved in our child’s education and care please feel free to speak with one of our friendly qualified educator’s.