Curriculum Lowood Little Gems Child Care Centre

Little Gems Early Learning & Childcare, Lowood, aims to provide an enriching curriculum that extends and enriches children’s learning. The Early Years Learning Framework says that a curriculum is – “all the interactions, experiences, activities, routines and events, planned and unplanned, that occur in the environment designed to foster children’s learning and development” (source – EYLF document, pg 9). Our curriculum encompasses all of this and much more. We collaborate with families, guide children’s learning and extend on the children’s own interpretations and imaginary play. This is a continuing process of collecting evidence and information, identifying the development of learning and reflecting upon our daily practices.
Little Gems learning stories are designed to encourage children to be actively involved in their own learning process. This will enable them to experience a variety of developmentally appropriate activities. The learning stories are displayed daily and weekly for all parents to see, each child also has their own learning journal that is available for parents to see at any time.

Little Gems offers a Queensland Government approved Kindergarten Program. The program offers parents and children a program that enriches and fosters their learning whilst still having the flexibility of days and hours to suit each families requirements.
The Kindergarten Program:

• Implemented and run by a University Qualified Early Childhood Teacher
• Curriculum is based on the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines – QKLG
• Program offered is for a minimum of 15 hours per week. We run our program for 48 weeks of the year.
• Provides greater flexibility for families, as the centre operates 52 weeks a year from 6.00am to 6.00pm
• Kindergarten program runs from 8.00am – 3:30pm each day

For more information on the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines, please click here
Please see our centre director or early childhood teacher for more information in regards to our current curriculum and learning outcomes.

At Little Gems Lowood, we operate under the belief that each child is an integral part of their family, and we strive to cultivate trusting, respectful, and secure relationships with every child, family member, and educator. Our goal is to create an atmosphere where children feel a deep sense of belonging, affection, and safety, which in turn fosters their confidence, self-esteem, and positive self-image. We highly value family and community involvement, recognising it as a means to directly connect with each child’s life, thereby helping them feel at ease and confident in exploring new opportunities and reaching their fullest potential. Open communication with families is paramount to us, and we provide regular feedback on their child’s progress while actively seeking and appreciating their insights and expertise to forge strong partnerships. Our approach emphasises creating environments that ignite children’s curiosity,
excitement for learning, and sense of wonder, allowing them ample time and space to learn through play. Through play-based learning, children are encouraged to discover, investigate, problem-solve, and learn from their mistakes, fostering imagination, social skills, and a sense of belonging. We ensure a safe yet stimulating environment where educators actively participate, seizing every day as an opportunity for children to acquire new knowledge. We recognise the importance of risky play in fostering children’s social, emotional, and critical thinking skills. Educators facilitate such experiences while encouraging
children to reflect on safety and well-being decisions. Embracing the diverse cultural backgrounds of our families, we take a holistic approach to ensure that learning is comprehensive, child-centred, and seamlessly integrated across the curriculum. Children are viewed as dynamic participants in their learning journey, and we set high standards tailored to their individual needs, abilities, and interests. Educators employ intentional teaching methods to scaffold each child’s growth and education,prioritising the process over the end result. Incorporating the Abecedarian Approach into our curriculum supports language
development and fosters positive relationships among educators, children, and peers. We prioritise outdoor exploration and engagement with nature, nurturing a deep appreciation for the environment and promoting sustainability through the use of natural materials and eco-friendly practices. Our doors are always open, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with families to support their children’s growth and development at Little Gems Lowood.