Cottage Grove Early Learning

Here, the identity of each child is beginning to emerge and they are starting to see themselves as independent beings. They begin to explore through touch, to see what they like and how things work around them.

This environment is designed around the toddler’s emerging sense of identity. It’s a space where they can feel safe and supported. Educators provide a variety of interesting resources that are familiar to the children, so they can experiment and make sense of their immediate world.

Routines are important for developing independence, so educators provide opportunities to support each child’s individual needs. They encourage children to tackle routine tasks themselves, but still have educators on-hand for one-on-one time to provide comfort and reassurance.

Pre-Kinder children are emerging from their individual bubble and venturing into the world, socialising with others and wanting to develop more meaningful friendships. The Pre-Kinder spaces ensure there are opportunities for children to interact and work together, as well as encouraging their own independent learning. 

Educators provide many familiar activities and spaces for children to explore, as well as introducing fresh and exciting problem-solving activities that will expand their knowledge through experiential play. Interacting with adults and other children exposes children to different ideas, opinions, interests and skills. As a result, their curiosity and knowledge grows. 

Educators provide a variety of different opportunities for children to work alone, in small groups and together, with an educator always nearby to support and guide them. 

Pre-Kinder children are getting stronger and more capable with their self-help skills. The opportunities to practice and care for their own needs is promoted, which encourages confident behaviour and builds independence.

The Kindergarten Room is taught by an experienced and bachelor-qualified, Early Childhood Teacher. In the Kinder Room, children see themselves as part of the wider world, resulting in a deeper exploration of challenging and imaginative topics. All of the play spaces encourage this by providing varied and interesting resources and materials for children to experiment and explore.

Often, small moments of play lead to big moments of discovery. That’s why the team provides a play-based program. The centre’s play spaces encourage this by providing diverse and interesting environments for children to explore. Kinder children are extremely competent in guiding their own play and constructing their own knowledge. Educators help and support children in discovering new information with books, technology and excursions. Familiar elements are included in the Kinder Room to ensure children feel safe and secure while developing new skills and knowledge. School transition is a focus of the program and educators work hard to ensure children are developed enough and have the knowledge to make this a smooth process.