Rockhampton North Early Learning sees the environment as the third educator, and understands that a quality environment responds to the many ways in which children learn, grow and develop. 

The warm and inviting environment of the centre lets children and families know that they are welcome, with an aesthetically pleasing, ordered, peaceful space designed to support children’s play and stimulate dynamic teaching. 

There is plenty of space for children to run, jump, be loud, enjoy hands-on experiences; as well as spaces of beauty, and quiet areas to unwind and rest.

Sustainability is at the heart of the centre, and research has shown that the earlier children are given opportunities to connect with nature, learn about the environment and their impact upon it, the more likely they will be environmentally responsible as adults. The centre is governed by a sustainability policy with embedded practices demonstrating their respect for nature.

Rockhampton North Early Learning is focused on providing children the space to learn through play.  Through active engagement in free play and structured activity, children employ a range of complex networks of abilities, interests and spoken languages. Engagement in diverse forms of play fosters the development of a spirit of curiosity, experimentation and discovery with children being supported to develop their thinking and understandings, fine and gross motor skills, language, personal and social awareness, emotional well-being and creativity.

The curriculum is underpinned by the Early Years Learning Framework, which ranges from the routines of the day such as rest time and mealtimes through to the experiences and events all of which may be planned or spontaneous. 

To develop an effective curriculum for children, the centre is involved in an ongoing cycle of observation, planning, documenting and reviewing of teachings and practice.  All of their planning starts with observing children to understand and give consideration to their individual and group interests, development and learning preferences.

The educators believe that quality interactions with educators and peers will facilitate experiences that empower children to develop strategies for active exploration, thinking and reasoning as they grow to become confident and competent learners. 

The centre’s aim is to encourage children to promote a positive and proactive approach towards the environment and a sustainable future. With a vision of providing only the best in education and care, the centre offers a high-quality educational program and educational environment, based on a policy of child-centred learning. 

Educators are inspired to collaborate with families, colleagues, company, and community to create villages whose strength lies in unlocking the unlimited potential of each child. 

Inclusion and diversity is something that the centre is proud of and celebrates. They enjoy experiencing and learning from their team and families' multinational origins. Working with families and community partners, the educators co-design strategies and approaches to remove barriers and enhance the experience for all children. 

Over the last five years here at Rockhampton North Early Learning, I have professionally grown to become the Centre Manager of a service that I love. I take pride in working alongside our educators and families to provide the highest quality of care and education. 

Watching our service grow over these years has been inspiring. I love meeting all the families that we welcome with open arms. I am passionate about providing play based experiences for children that allows them to explore and investigate in their own ways.

Bianca Sara, Centre Manager, Rockhampton North Early Learning.