Learning through play

Inquiry taps into the natural way children learn, so the educators unpack children’s questions, help them make discoveries, evaluate problems and draw conclusions. Through play, children are provided with resources which actively support learning outcomes through planned educational experiences.

Curriculum from 6 months

The educators recognise that a child’s brain is rapidly developing during the early years and have a curriculum which supports their holistic educational experience from 6 months to 5 years. The curriculum includes literacy, numeracy, arts and expression, STEM, social and emotional development, spirituality, ecology, movement and sensory experiences.  

Incursions to the School

Children go on regular incursions to the co-located St Francis de Sales College so they are familiar with a school environment no matter which school they transition to after Preschool. The educators utilise the knowledge and experience of the School to enhance the children’s learning experiences including participating in School activities such as Book Week, Science Week, assemblies and other significant events throughout the year. 

Incursions and excursions

Children participate in community incursions and excursions which support the investigations and inquiries that are happening in each learning space.

Bush Kindy (Preschoolers only)

Children participate in a Bush Kindy experience twice a week during school terms. Children venture into nature, observing changes within the environment. Using real world experiences and observations supports the centre’s curriculum areas such as numeracy (counting, measurement, capacity, problem solving), sustainability (how do we care for our environment), social and emotional development (confidence building, sharing, working with peers), literacy (communication skills) and movement and sensory (gross motor skills, physical development).

(6 months plus)

At Alive, the team believes that children are highly capable learners. With a personalised program that involves working in partnership with parents, educators can really know and understand each child. The dedicated team of educators are focused on building connections with children and their families as they know that relationships which enable children to feel safe and secure, lay the foundation for lifelong learning. The programming is informed by research which shows that responsive, reciprocal relationships support a child’s developing brain architecture and the neural pathways that are created. 

The children’s daily routines are viewed as a rich learning opportunity that allows the educators to connect and engage with babies and toddlers in meaningful ways. Educators observe the young learners intently and listen carefully as the babies and toddlers explore, expressing themselves in many different ways. This allows educators to respond in a way that is nurturing and supports their learning and language development. 

Children use their senses to learn about their environment, so the team provides lots of sensory opportunities both indoors and out to support all areas of development. The focus is on learning through play, with resources dedicated to enriching children’s learning through activities which concentrate on their holistic development. For more details about how the curriculum is embedded through everyday play and learning, please see the link below.

At Alive Catholic Early Learning Mount Barker, the educators are committed to ensuring that each child is receiving the best education possible, using contemporary methodology and practices that support each child’s personalise learning journey. For this reason, they only employ qualified educators who are passionate about working with children and families to achieve the best learning outcomes possible. 

The centre also employs a qualified teacher in the babies area (Joachim) in addition to the Early Childhood Teacher in the Preschool (Kindy) room. Investing in each child's learning and development from the very beginning ensures that the centre is delivering on their commitment to provide all children with educational excellence.

The educators work in partnership with parents to provide a learning program that ensures each child can thrive and reach their full potential. With educators who are warm, inviting, experienced and passionate about supporting the brain development of our children, Alive Catholic Early Learning Mount Barker has a strong focus on cultivating relationships with both children and their families.

As well as their holistic curriculum, the educators acknowledge the importance of children’s social and emotional development, the importance of relationships, and feeling connected to their educators and peers, so as to create a foundation for life-long learning. 

Alive Catholic Early Learning Mount Barker the children can enjoy morning tea, afternoon tea and a cooked lunch, all prepared by the centre’s onsite chef.

Nutritionally balanced menu 

The centre’s menu includes a wide variety of different food groups within a seasonal menu. The fruit and vegetables are a combination of being locally sourced to support the community and from their own gardens.  

Cooking classes

Cooking classes are incorporated as part of the everyday learning program with Educators drawing upon the expertise of the on-site cook. Cooking classes support the development of a range of skills from numeracy and fine motor skills thorough to knowledge about health and nutrition. 

Family style dining

Children sit together at tables as a group with their Educators which provides a rich learning environment by building relationships, providing an opportunity for social interaction, encouraging communication and language development, and increasing sensory development.

Menu planning

The children are budding food critics whose voice is included in menu creation and planning. Alive follows the Australian Dietary Guidelines when planning each of their menus. 

Promoting a garden to table experience

By growing fruit and vegetables on site, the children are familiarised with the process of garden to table which allows the educators to encourage conversations about health and nutrition. This also supports children to be curious about different foods and more adventurous with the food they are eating. 

Prayer before meals

As a group, the educators and children show gratitude through prayer and song before lunch each day. This helps make a connection about the food they are eating and where it comes from.