Kids on Mullum Child Care Centre - Programs
Play-Based Learning Program
We believe that play is a vital component in the development of all children which is why we follow a play-based learning program that is reflective of the Victorian Early Years Learning & Development Framework as well as the Aboriginal 8 Ways of Learning Pedagogy. Through the provision of a wide range of materials, children have the opportunity to explore and extend on their learning and experiences. We believe in letting the children play without interruption from adults and encourage them to take risks and make their own choices. Each child’s learning and development is assessed as part of an ongoing cycle of planning, documenting and evaluation.
Our Educational Leader, in conjunction with our Educators, have worked together to create a program format that encourages freedom of choice, exploration and independence.
The Victorian Early Years Learning & Development Framework (VEYLDF)
The vision and purpose of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework is as follows:
“The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) adopts a comprehensive approach to children’s learning and development.
The VEYLDF recognises children’s wellbeing from birth as both a prerequisite for and an outcome of learning. Supportive relationships and active skill building with adults in their family and community are central to children’s wellbeing.
The VEYLDF upholds the image of the child as a rights holder and competent learner with capabilities to learn from birth.
The VEYLDF sets out outcomes and practices to guide early childhood professionals in their work with all families and their young children from birth.
Supporting children to progress towards these outcomes, in conjunction with their families, is the core of the VEYLDF.” Read More...
Aboriginal 8 Ways of Learning
Story Sharing
We connect through the stories we share.
Story Sharing: Approaching learning through narrative.
Personal narratives (stories) are central
Learning Maps
We picture our pathways of knowledge
Learning Maps: Explicitly mapping/visualizing processes.
Images or visuals are used to map out processes for learners to follow.
Non Verbal
We see, think, act, make and share without words.
Non-verbal: Applying intra-personal and kinaesthetic skills to thinking and learning.
Kinaesthetic, hands on, non-verbal learning is characteristic.
Symbols & Images
We keep and share knowledge with art and objects.
Symbols & Images: Using images and metaphors to understand concepts and content.
Symbol, image and metaphor are central to pedagogy.
Land Links
We work with lessons from land and nature. Land Links: Place-based learning, linking content to local land and place. Ecological and place-based, drawn from the living landscape within a framework of profound ancestral and personal relationships with place.
Non-Linear
We put different ideas together and create new knowledge.
Non-linear: Producing innovations and understanding by thinking laterally.
Nonlinear ways of learning are complementary, not oppositional
Deconstruct/Reconstruct
We work from wholes to parts, watching and then doing.
Deconstruct/reconstruct: Modelling and scaffolding, working from wholes to parts, Begin with the whole structure, rather than a series of sequenced steps.
Holistic, global, scaffolded and independent learning orientations of students.
Community Links
We bring new knowledge home to help our mob.
Community Links: Centering local viewpoints, applying learning for community benefit.
For more information please visit: www.8ways.online
Emergent Curriculum
We implement an emergent curriculum in our childcare and kindergarten rooms, in which the program is planned according to the emerging interests and needs of the children. This curriculum allows each child to develop and learn at their own pace, and engage in learning experiences in their own way. It enables us to extend each child’s individual development through open-ended experiences, and encourages children to engage in activities that have come from their own ideas thus empowering them to become confident and independent learners. Experiences within an emergent curriculum program can be altered regularly to meet the children’s ever changing needs and interests. However, experiences may also stay the same for many weeks to give children an opportunity to master their skills. This flexible approach ensures that children are constantly learning and challenged throughout their time at Kids on Mullum Child Care Centre. They leave the centre well-prepared and ready for the important and exciting transition to school.
Learning Through Play
We believe play is how children learn and is necessary for the development of new skills. Through play, children will explore their independence, develop relationships, take risks and strengthen their self-esteem. All age groups follow an indoor/outdoor program where children can choose where they wish to play and explore.
The Learning Journey
Photos and reflections of the children and educators engaging in experiences are regularly shared with families through the use of our online apps and displayed around the centre to showcase what the children are currently interested in and what they are learning at the centre. Children’s individual learning is documented in their portfolios which families have access to at any time in the year.
Government Funded Kindergarten Program
The Junior Kinder and Kinder rooms both operate a funded Kindergarten Program.
Our Junior Kinder offers a funded 3-year-old kindergarten program on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Our Kinder offers a funded 4-year-old kindergarten program from Monday to Friday.
• Children must attend a 3-year-old funded Kindergarten for at least 5 hours per week in the year before 4-year-old Kindergarten, which can be achieved at Kids on Mullum Child Care Centre by attending at least one day each week.
• Children must attend a 4-year-old funded Kindergarten for at least 15 hours per week in the year before primary school, which can be achieved at Kids on Mullum Child Care Centre by attending at least 2 full days each week.
SunSmart Early Childhood Program
Kids on Mullum Child Care Centre have been recognised as a SunSmart service by SunSmart Victoria for the past 4 years, continually meeting all of the guidelines and recommendations to reduce skin cancer risk.
The SunSmart Early Childhood Program was introduced by Cancer Council Victoria in 1996. By teaching sensible sun protection habits from an early age and implementing sun protection measures, schools and early childhood services can play a significant role in reducing skin cancer risk.
Our current certificate will be valid until August 2024.
Smiles 4 Miles Program
Kids on Mullum Child Care Centre have worked with Smiles 4 Miles to fulfill the criteria set by Dental Health Services Victoria and have achieved the Smiles for Miles award.
Smiles 4 Miles is an award program which aims to improve the oral health of children and their families .
The program assists early childhood services to encourage and promote good oral health habits and healthy eating among children in their care through a variety of fun learning experiences based on the Smiles 4 Miles key messages:
🫗 Drink Well
🍎 Eat Well
🪥 Clean Well
Happy Feet Fitness Program
Kids on Mullum Child Care Centre hosts the Happy Feet Fitness program one day per week. This program is an interactive, themed, adventure class packed full of original music, costumes, props, magic, singing, dancing, games and learning. Classes provide the children with opportunities to connect with the community, improve their wellbeing, confidence, communication, health and fitness. These classes come at an extra cost to the families, paid directly to the company and participation is optional.
Please Note: Funded kindergarten children are entitled to one free Happy Feet class per week.
Kelly Sports Program
The kinder children at Kids on Mullum Child Care Centre are also visited by the Kelly Sports program on a fortnightly basis.
Kelly Sports is a popular multi-sports incursion that teaches children valuable gross motor skills. Kelly Sports’ goal is to help children get active, develop skills and confidence, and gain a lifelong love of sports. They encourage children to have fun while teaching them fundamental movement skills through play that form an important part of a child's development and enable them to learn the skills required for sports and prepare them for a healthy, active life.
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