Our Programs
Our Early Childhood Education and Care programs are delivered by qualified and experienced educators, following the guidelines of the National Quality Framework, including the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF V2.0) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Children are placed in rooms based on their age and developmental stage.
The Framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning and aims to achieve five overall Learning Outcomes:
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Children have a strong sense of identity
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Children are connected with a contribute to their world
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Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
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Children are confident and involved learners
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Children are effective communicators
Curriculum Statement
At Thornbury Learning Centre, our primary objective is to support every child in developing and extending their knowledge and experiences, enabling them to reach their full potential. We have a team of qualified educators who work collaboratively to plan and implement the curriculum. Our educators consistently engage in discussions, sharing insights, offering assistance, evaluating, and advising one another to ensure that each child receives the highest quality care and education. We believe learning is a collaborative process, built on open communication between educators, children and parents.
Our curriculum is based on Child-Centered Learning and Emergent Curriculum. Educators listen closely to the children, allowing them to lead the way by contributing ideas or stimuli for the curriculum. From there, educators guide the children's learning in meaningful ways that align with their interests and the direction those interests take. Intentional teaching moments are strategically planned and integrated into the educational programs, enabling educators to share their expertise and ideas to build on children's interests and further stimulate their thinking.
We do not rush children through their learning journey. Instead of moving them sequentially from one activity to another, we encourage children to revisit key experiences, reflect, observe, reconsider, and reimagine their ideas. This learning process takes place in a warm, child-focused, healthy, and joyful environment. Above all, the work and creations of children are genuinely celebrated and respected. Their efforts are documented, displayed, and cherished, not for the final outcome but for the learning process and the journey they undertook to achieve it.
Play-Based Learning
Everyday activities offer valuable learning opportunities for children. Through pretend play, creativity, and helping others, they explore new concepts and develop key skills. Play is essential for children to understand themselves and their place in the world, supporting physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth.
Research shows that children learn best when having fun, and play allows them to explore at their own pace. While early education was once thought to be best when highly structured, studies now show that play fosters a love of learning and helps develop the skills needed for lifelong learning.
At TLC, we embrace play-based learning, where children engage in hands-on experiences to build creativity, problem-solving, social skills, and emotional resilience. We also incorporate intentional teaching, where educators observe children's interests and developmental needs, guiding and challenging them to extend their learning and thinking.
By combining play-based learning with intentional teaching, we create an environment that nurtures curiosity, independence, and a love of learning, ensuring children have the right balance of freedom and guidance to thrive.
Benefits of Play in Early Education
1. Physical Development
Play is a natural way for children to develop both fine and gross motor skills. Through activities like building, running, or climbing, children improve their coordination, strength, and overall physical health, supporting the growth of their bodies and brains.
2. Imagination and Creativity
Play stimulates children's imaginations, allowing them to explore new ideas, create stories, and engage in pretend scenarios. This creative process nurtures cognitive development and enhances problem-solving abilities.
3. Social Skills
Through play, children practice and strengthen vital social skills such as cooperation, communication, sharing, and conflict resolution. They learn to navigate social interactions, develop empathy, and build friendships, laying the foundation for healthy relationships.
4. Concentration and Responsibility
Long periods of uninterrupted play help children build focus and perseverance. As they become engrossed in activities, they learn to stay engaged, overcome challenges, and take responsibility for their own learning and decisions.
5. Positive Sense of Self
Play fosters a positive sense of self-worth by allowing children to explore their strengths and express themselves freely. When children experience success in play, it boosts their confidence and encourages a growth mindset, which is essential for continuous learning and development.
Play is not just fun – it’s an essential part of growing, learning, and thriving!
The centre provides four distinct rooms, designed to accommodate children ranging from 6 months to the year before school.
Visitors
As part of our programs, we arrange special visits and experiences based on the children's interests. These activities provide opportunities for the children to engage in exciting learning experiences. Some of the organized visits include the Melbourne Museum Dinosaur and Fossil exhibit, the Responsible Pet Program, Animal Galore, Marine Life, Dream Puppets, and visits from the Police and Firefighters.
The centre provides four distinct rooms, designed to accommodate children ranging from 6 months to the year before school.