The centre’s program is based on the core values and guidelines of The Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standards and The Montessori Method of Education. The core Principle Ladders and Practices are embedded into the Learning Spaces.
The program emphasises play-based learning while recognising the importance of communication, language, social and emotional development. The centre’s reading program will be the highlight of developing children’s entry to early literacy development.
- Quality Area 1: Educational program and practice
- Quality Area 2: Children’s health and safety
- Quality Area 3: The physical environment
- Quality Area 4: Staffing arrangements
- Quality Area 5: Relationships with children
- Quality Area 6: Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
- Quality Area 7: Governance and leadership
The Montessori Curriculum covers five key learning areas, including: Practical Life, Sensorial, Mathematics, Language and Culture, delivering a holistic education program that is tailored to the unique developmental needs and interests of each individual child.
Family input, children’s individual and group interests, educator initiated learning and hands-on experiences along with the centre’s own core principles make up the program for the day.
Reading Ladders
Developing early literacy skills makes it easier for children to learn to read. The centre understands that children who enter school with these skills have an advantage that carries them throughout their school years. Reading Ladders is a reading program comprising 12 books focusing on concepts of print, sounds, blending and sight words, spelling, speaking, comprehension and listening. Each child will be introduced to a world of literacy, delivered by qualified teachers who understand literacy teaching and early childhood development.
Active Ladders
Physical education teaches young children skills to enhance the quality of their life. Active Ladders is a physical activity program compiled with guidelines from Munch & Move. Munch & Move is a NSW Health initiative that supports the healthy development of children birth to 5 years by promoting physical activity, healthy eating and reduced small screen time. This program will help them develop vital movement skills such as balancing, running, jumping, catching, hopping, throwing, galloping, skipping, leaping and kicking.
Nature Ladders
Children instinctively reap great benefits as they grow a connection with and appreciation of the natural environment. Nature play significantly improves all aspects of child development – physical, cognitive, social and emotional. Playing outdoors grows resilience, self-confidence, initiative, creativity and more.
The centre’s purpose-built natural play spaces with sand, rocks, tree stumps, garden mulch and water provide children a variety of spaces to explore, investigate and discover. Children will participate in ongoing programs enhancing their understanding of nature while developing connections to the natural environment.
Confident Ladders
The Montessori Method of Education is an approach to supporting the full development of the human being, offering a broad vision of education as an ‘aid to life’. Based on self-directed activities, hands-on learning and collaborative play, children will be guided by educators to facilitate the learning experience.
The Montessori Method of Education offers children a sense of order that teaches self-discipline and caters to a young child’s instinctive need for an orderly environment. When children work and play in an area that is neat and predictable, they can unleash their creativity and focus fully on the learning process.
Wellness Ladders
Positive mental health in early childhood is important for children’s wellbeing and development in the present (being); and it also has important connotations for their future (becoming). Children who are supported in their mental health and wellbeing in early childhood have a strong foundation for developing the skills, values and behaviours they need to experience positive physical and mental health as an adult. Children will engage in a wellbeing program of 20 minutes daily in the centre’s purpose built ‘Wellness & Wellbeing’ room, enhancing holistic development of the mind, soul and body with simple stretches, yoga, music and quiet activities.
Inclusive Ladders
All children learn differently. This is a principle of inclusive education. In an inclusive environment, educators weave in specially designed support systems that can help each child make progress and learn at their own pace. An important aspect in today’s world is teaching children that it is okay to be different. From learning abilities to additional needs and health conditions, the centre’s educators want children to understand and be accepting of all differences. Ongoing emphasis will be placed on building children’s understanding of inclusiveness, diversity and respect for all cultures and communities.
STEM Ladders
Teaching STEM in the early years enables children to make those vital connections between everyday life and the STEM disciplines. It also lays down the foundations for future academic success because the skills learned are transferable to other subjects.
At Climbing Ladders, the educators aim to educate children with a curriculum based on four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. With a little guidance from educators, children can enhance opportunities to engage in STEM learning and develop their critical thinking skills. While building with blocks, children can build bridges and ramps, incorporating engineering and mathematics.
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