CURRICULUM AT LITTLE GEMS EARLY LEARNING MARYBOROUGH

Click here to read our Education, Curriculum and Learning Policy.

Little Gems Early Learning & Childcare, Maryborough, 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 online for parents, caregivers and families to see.

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
• 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 6.30am to 6.30pm
• Kindergarten program runs from 9.00am – 4:30pm 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 Maryborough we aim to provide a warm, safe secure and nurturing environment. We believe that when the journey begins here with us at Little Gems we give the children an environment where each child feels love, security, a sense of belonging and time to “just be”. We Believe that children learn best when there is engagement with families and communities. That the children and families feel they all belong and their culture is valued and included.

We welcome all backgrounds and cultures, and value each family input and knowledge. We have a great diversity within our centre with our families and staff. Family involvement allows us to connect directly with the child’s life, which allows them to feel comfortable and confident to try new things and grow and develop to their full potential. We encourage each child’s individuality, which increases their self-confidence and positive self- image. As a team we have great confidence that children learn best through ‘play based’ activities.  This allows children to discover, investigate, explore, problem solve, imagine, improvise, and make mistakes. Having the freedom to play encourages children’s imaginations and allows the children’s thought process to grow and develop, giving them
opportunities to come up with their own ideas, solve problems, improve social relationships, and build a sense of belonging.

Every child is unique, an individual with their own interests, strengths, abilities and back grounds. Children develop and learn at their own pace and in their own way. There is no right or wrong way its whatever is best for that child and it is important that we understand the child’s needs and interests to help and support their growth. Here at Little Gems we take great pride in understanding our children through observations and family communications that we create amazing spaces for them to grow and develop in.   At Little Gems we encourage children to be active in their own learning process, so we observe, listen, and
participate.  A program is tailored to the individual needs, levels, and interests of each child. Whilst playing and learning together educators use intentional teaching methods by encouraging, questioning, extending, and reflecting on experiences shared. We will scaffold the development and education of each child as an individual who is able to develop their own identity and qualities, but still contribute and interact within a large group.  The process is often more important than the product.  Our speech therapist believes its very important for children to be read to and encouraged to speak.

At Little Gems we know the importance of being outside in nature investigating and exploring. We aim to help children develop a love of nature and the environment and use natural materials and sustainable practices wherever possible.  Our outdoor and indoor areas engage children in experiences which promote play and learning by stimulating the senses.

We believe that giving the children the freedom to choose where they play is important therefore we provide an inside /outside opportunities when possible.

Building strong positive relationships with families is important to us at Little Gems. The door is always open, and we look forward to working in partnership with you and watching your children grow and develop.