An Educational Approach that Includes School Readiness and the EYLF
A well-rounded educational approach to a child’s education encompasses a range of methods to implement within an early learning environment for young children. These methods can include both theoretical and practical learnings, such as intellectual learning as well as an integrated play-based learning approach with sensory play, imaginative learning, creative problem solving, and physical exercise (in forms such as soccer and Yoga).

These different methods cater to various learning styles of the mix of children in the classroom curriculum plan with foundations for our early childhood curriculum based on the Early Years Learning Framework. The curriculum plan achieves the EYLF five learning outcomes so that children both learn at their own pace while progressing necessarily.

School Readiness
The school readiness curriculum program aims for children to have a smooth transition into kindergarten. School readiness is not only about their early literacy and numeracy skills, but also their interpersonal skills, emotional development, physical coordination, and developing their personality so they shine.

The skills they learn and develop in their early childhood years are crucial for their ongoing development, especially for the life they will eventually lead beyond the classroom. Early education is of utmost importance for children to have a life long love for their ongoing development.

Our school readiness program considers all of the people important in children’s learning journey, from caregivers, early childhood teachers, parents, role models, and other family members.

An effective approach to school readiness should consider everyone involved within the early education system – from caregivers, teachers and early learning centre managers, to parents, role models, and other family members at home.

Early Childhood Teaching Strategies
Our Early Childhood Teaching Strategies include the following:

Play-Based Learning
Inquiry-Based Learning
Intentional teaching
Explicit and Direct Instruction
Event-Based Approach
Project-Based Learning
Blended Learning
Through the implementation of these strategies, a child’s learning can be developed with real-world experiences, with further support from families at home.

Play-Based Learning
Play-Based learning is crucial for children to use their imaginative skills, and have social development to interact positively with other children. This teaching strategy is best for the age groups in an early childhood setting because these children are already experiencing play – therefore incorporating learning through play assists them in understanding concepts more effectively.

Inquiry-Based Learning
Inquiry-Based learning assists with brain development and problem-solving in a more logical way, compared to play-based learning.

Intentional Teaching
Intentional teaching can focus on the different elements of the EYLF framework:

Themes
Principles
Learning outcomes
Practices
All learning and development are structured with the intention of fulfilling these requirements.

Explicit and Direct Instruction
Explicit and direct instruction refers to educators using clear communication to children, to assist them in achieving learning outcomes.

When educators use scaffolds, learning diagrams and charts, clearly explain and demonstrate concepts and expectations, then the child is well equipped with the instructions to master their task. If a child is struggling, educators may trial different instructions.

Event-Based Approach
An event-based approach to learning includes investigation, problem-solving and play. This learning helps children connect their knowledge with practice, equipping them for day-to-day real life in the big world.

Children are encouraged to play, plan, and enact events in real-life situations, drawing on their own knowledge and experiences. Educators can assist by initiating play based on a child’s interests, guide planning and rehearsal, promote the agency for a child to make their own decisions, and teach positive collaboration skills.

Project-Based Learning
Project-based learning is where children learn through engaging in real-world projects that have meaning and purpose. The aim is to promote a deeper learning experience, higher engagement with others and developing critical thinking skills.

When children are focused on completing a question or project for an extended period of time, this teaches them skills they will need as a part of school readiness.

Blended Learning
Blended learning incorporates a mixture of all approaches to learning. Depending on different factors like age, capabilities, interests, different children will learn in a way unique to them. Educators can determine the appropriateness of the various learning techniques and implement those effective for the children to suit their individual needs.

Learning and Child Development Theory
In conjunction with the Early Years Learning Framework provided by the Australian Government, our curriculum considers various learning and child development theories.

The following approaches and theories for learning and development have been drawn upon:
The Reggio Emilia Approach
Jerome Bruner’s Learning Theory
Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory of Cognitive Development
The Montessori Theory
Piaget Theory

NUTRITION & HEALTHY LIVING
5 nutritionally balanced meals are prepared on site using our fully equipped kitchen and served daily by our Qualified Chef’s sourcing only the best meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, dairy and wholemeal products. Our meat comes from a butcher and it is organic, free of chemicals and Halal certified.

Our menu varies daily and is created in consultation with Nutritional Experts and designed to provide your child most of their daily nutritional requirements. We cater for all dietary requirements and our cook has even been awarded the Sydney Local Health District certificate of compliance which is not a requirement in Early Learning Centres.

Our staff also role model Nutritional and Healthy Living and frequently share meals as our children.

Water and milk are provided throughout the day however we do not serve any artificial drinks such as cordial etc.

We are very happy with Raising Stars! Before enrolling my daughter here, I visited four other centers, and Raising Stars was by far the best. From the moment you arrive, you get good vibes—there’s a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The teachers are wonderful and genuinely care about the kids. My daughter is always happy and safe throughout the day. I highly recommend Raising Stars to any parent looking for a nurturing and caring environment for their child.
Isabelle

If anyone is looking for daycare, go to Raising Star!! Staff, educators are fantastic. They offer tons of daily sensory activities and events. Parents can access to child’s activity through the app: pictures, food, sleep, nappy changes. My son has learned so much at the centre. The facilities are great, too. All indoors, but play area is huge, no worry about getting wet in rainy days. Parking is in the basement, again rain proof. Thank you so much, ladies. You guys are the best!! 🙂
Chie

Its never easy choosing a day care for your child but am glad my partner did all the hard yards and found Raising Stars. Throughout the last 3 years the team have demonstrated this by providing a high level of care in a warm and homey environment. It was a pleasure to drop off and pick up our child, having the peace mind whilst being at work. Again thanks to the team at Raising Stars thanks for supporting our child, he will never forget countless memorable moments at Raising Stars.
Arthur

Our School Readiness Program and Activities
When it comes to Raising Stars Early Learning Centres, our school readiness programs are implemented throughout all education and play based learning approaches, at all of our locations.

Our school readiness programs have been designed to ensure that your child’s early childhood education (ECE) and care experience leaves them as prepared as possible for a primary school setting.

Our education program includes everything from english literacy, science and creative ventures, to learning experiences in Italian and Mandarin, dance classes, and even incursions and excursions.

Throughout these ECE activities, we implement a school readiness program that ensures children are always improving on overall early childhood development.

Within the Raising Stars learning and care environment, each early childhood educator is experienced and is always there to ensure that children are learning, developing their self help skills, and becoming prepared for the next stage of their education and life.

All of our educators are qualified and committed to providing the best learning environment possible.

Here are some of the key aspects of our school preparation program:

- Physical skill development that allows children to play and exercise on their own, use writing and craft equipment, and use sports equipment.
- Development of cognitive skills to support kids in being curious and confident in their approaches to learning.
- Development of independence in using the bathroom, getting dressed independently, unpacking their own lunch box, and more.
- A focus on language skills so that children can confidently communicate (including asking questions and listening to others).
- Social and emotional development, so that children can confidently play with others, make friends, show an interest in others, manage emotions, and deal with conflict appropriately.
- A focus on individual children, where an approach is developed and an outcome is measured in partnership with families and parents.
- The use of tailored programs, play based learning and intentional teaching.

How Raising Stars Prepares Children for School

We strive to ensure that your children are as prepared as possible for school – in addition to school readiness, we offer state of the art facilities, experienced and qualified educators, clear communication with parents, a focus on nutrition and health (with an on-site chef that prepares 5 meals a day, morning tea included), and more.

In Australia and internationally, making the transition to school is a significant step for little kids. As parents, providing them with a high quality early childhood education and comprehensive school readiness approach is one of the best ways to set them up for success as students and people.

If you have a question, are looking for advice or want to learn more about how we can meet your needs in preparing your kids for school, get in touch with us today.

Regular excursions: to places such as the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Zoo, Featherdale Wildlife Park, Blackman Park, nursing home, and Concord hospital for the preschool aged children.

Regular incursions: with visitors such as Hatch and Grow duckling program, chicken hatching program, magic show, backyard bugs show, under the sea show, bubble woman show, reptiles show, and kindi farm.

School readiness program: children will be involved within play based learning, focusing on tailored topics surrounding a school readiness program as well as the interests of each child.

Zumba, yoga, meditation & language programs: all included as part of the daily fee. At times the centre will also engage with providers such as Happy Feet, Multi Sport and IFootball Junior. 

Extra support: the centre works closely with families and professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologist and Inclusion Support for children who require additional support.