Early Learning Centre - Jarjums Program 2  -  5 Years

Children are often developing autonomy at this stage and feel the need to assert their independence. Our long term goal is to increase their skills of independence.

Staff do this by observing and listening to children, encouraging them to take initiative and helping children deal with, and express the anger and frustration that often accompany difficulties in communicating and solving problems experienced by this group.

Learning experiences are planned to be responsive to the individual differences in learning styles.  The program emphasis is on planning a range of activities including sensory experiences to support children's development in the cognitive/creative, social, emotional, physical and language domains. 

Much of this learning happens through play and exploration, therefore we focus on the process involved in activities rather than on encouraging the child to produce a 'product'.

Opportunities are provided for small group play, one-to-one interaction with adults as well as time for each child to play and explore independently.

Pre-schoolers are naturally curious about their environment.  During this period children are rapidly developing an understanding of concepts, and are highly motivated to explore and set challenges for themselves.

We encourage children to act as initiators, investigators, explorers, problem solvers and creators.  They are also guided into developing a spirit of cooperation and a caring and responsible attitude towards everyone in the centre.  To support children in this, the program emphasis is on fostering self esteem, emotional wellbeing, communication, socialisation and self help skills. 

Curriculum areas such as art, music, science, mathematics, language development, literature, drama and movement are provided for on a daily basis.  These are, however, not necessarily presented as 'separate activities', but are integrated throughout the day.  Curriculum planning is individualised and children are supported and guided in decision-making about the experiences they wish to explore both indoors and out.

The staff work with the children in small groups and on a one-to-one basis.  A key focus throughout the day is on guiding children to present their ideas through various symbolic means such as drawing, painting, claywork, verbal description, physical movement, storytelling, writing and socio-dramatic play.