Our program planning philosophy takes a simple approach that supports and enhances each child’s learning outcomes. We provide an environment that allows children to feel a sense of belonging. We provide time to allow the children to be who they want to be and through this, they are able to develop their individuality. The program is based on the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework.
Children use play to practice emerging skills, develop relationships and their self-awareness and to act out what’s happening in their world. Each room regularly develops a program of planned experiences that is based on child developmental knowledge, children’s interests and ideas, parent and family input and ongoing evaluation.
All play spaces are set for self-selection, the children are able to make choices for themselves about where they would like to play and what they would like to play with. There is a balance of planned and spontaneous experiences offered through an indoor/outdoor program that includes active/quiet, structured/unstructured, messy and group/individual experiences.
Daily experiences include:
• Language and literature,
• Music and movement,
• Creative arts,
• Dramatic play,
• Science and mathematics and
• Sensory and physical activities.
Routine and self-help opportunities are provided during nappy changing, toileting, transitions times, mealtimes and relaxation / rest periods.
Environmental Awareness
At Barry Beckett Children’s Centre we promote the use of natural materials in the program and aim to foster the naturalist intelligence of children by minimizing the use of plastic and fostering an awareness of nature. The children are involved in caring for their environment through the maintenance of the gardens, re-cycling, re-setting play spaces and helping to prepare tables and chairs for meal times. Staff develop individual portfolios which contain photo observations, written learning stories, art work, parent feedback forms, and any other relevant information that supports your child’s learning. Parents are encouraged to have input into goal setting and this is done regularly through informal conversations, communication books, parent planning input forms and during face to face parent/teacher interviews.
Kindergarten
Barry Beckett has a 4-year-old Kindergarten program, which is run by a qualified kindergarten teacher. This program is developed to help your child transition to school smoothly. We pride ourselves on providing an inclusive and well-resourced program, linking in with local schools and prep teachers. Please ask to speak to our kindergarten teacher for further information.
