Early Learning Centre
We endeavour to provide a welcoming, caring, inclusive environment for all families and children with a strong commitment in the following areas:
"Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand." - Benjamin Franklin
Relationships
Building strong, confident relationships is central to creating a successful experience and is the heart of learning. Making a connection that fosters a sense of identity, wellbeing and belonging to our service and the broader community is paramount. We aim to acknowledge and value each family and child’s uniqueness, culture and diversities and actively collaborate to create an environment that is safe, secure, respected and supported.
Learning
We encourage challenge, discovery and adventure in every child’s learning and offer the opportunity to explore both their built and natural environment. We offer age appropriate developmental opportunities for all children across our programs. Adopting a Reggio Emilia approach which values the child as strong, capable and resilient, rich with wonder and knowledge. Our focus is on play based learning as it guides children to make sense of their lives and their wider world. It supports creativity, problem solving, self expression, social skills and independence. We promote each child’s agency enabling them to make their own choices. Empowering them to value their own worth and that of those around them.
Sustainability
We are committed to implementing a holistic and integrated approach of sustainability into learning and practice through natural and recycled materials, vegetable gardens, nude food, compost, bug hotels and water conservation. Caring about self, caring about others and caring about the world we live in ensuring each child can be a leader in sustainability in some small way and collectively we can make a difference.
Curriculum
We are committed to providing a quality program guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework to meet the National Quality Standards that promotes opportunities for family, children and educator input. Allowing for spontaneity and extensions of play that reflects children’s interests as well as modelling through intentional teaching.
We Offer both indoor and outdoor play spaces with a focus on natural play by utilising natural resources throughout. We aim to support each child as an individual and respect that all children learn at a different rate. Understand that children’s play is unhurried so that learning is a process of discovery and a way of building an understanding.
Educators will use continual professional development to upskill, observe, document and regularly engage in reflective practice to improve on the best outcomes of all interactions with families, children and peers.
Wellbeing
We are committed to providing a safe and supported environment for families, children and educators. Ensuring that The United Nations Convention on the rights of the child are upheld and respected. All children have the rights to equitable learning opportunities that help them achieve their full potential. All educators are aware of and abide by the Code of Ethics to comply with appropriate and expected behaviours.
Our Coonara Early Learning team believes that a child’s learning is an evolving journey. Our commitment is to embrace each individual journey with passion, experiences and care.
Free Kinder 2025
Kidzfun 3-Year-Old Kindergarten at Coonara Community House
Our program is developed from an understanding that children learn best through play and repetition. The Early Childhood professionals caring for your child will focus on strengths-based learning, embracing the key concepts of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework.
Activities will revolve around 'constants' or base areas of play that will emerge and change with the addition of resources based on the children's interests and needs.
These areas include construction, creative arts, sensory play, dramatic play, literature areas and self-selection. These constant areas will support all areas of the child's development.
Through observations, planning and reflection our program offers a quality preschool education to children aged 3+.
Session Times
We will be offering a 15 hour per week program in 2025:
Tuesdays 9.15am - 2.15pm
Wednesdays 9.15am - 2.15pm
Thursday 9.15am - 2.15pm
Fees
Coonara Community House is a not-for-profit organisation.
In line with Free Kinder Government funding eligible families are not required to pay fees.
A deposit of $50 is payable upon application which will be refunded upon the child’s commencement and completion of the first 4 weeks in 2025.
We are currently taking applications for places. Please call Coonara Community House on 9758 7081 or email us at enquiries@coonarahouse.org.au
Occasional Child Care 2024
Our Occasional Care is a semi-structured indoor/outdoor program with excellent facilities and a range of play
equipment for children from 0-6 years of age. Each session is conducted by qualified and experienced Early Childhood Educators.
Session Times
Fridays 9.15am - 12.15pm
Session Costs
$37 per session per child - Non Members $38
$1 discount for 2nd child
Membership $10 per year
Fees must be paid at least one week in advance.
Coonara's Early Learning Centre is on Facebook
Please like our Coonara Early Learning Centre Facebook page to keep up with the wonderful activities and explorations of the children and staff at the centre.
