When a child starts at our ELC, we welcome and encourage the whole family to become a part of their learning journey. Two-way communication between teachers and parents is a key feature of the Centre, as little people grow, learn and change at a rapid pace. Individual learning programs are constructed that identify their strengths, needs and interests, and articulate particular learning goals. Play experiences are then planned to enable each child to progress, with their development documented in their individual portfolios. Specific attention is given to building numeracy and literacy skills and all ELC children attend weekly specialist sessions in Performing Arts and Library, while our Pre-Preps also attend Physical Education, Swimming Lessons, AUSLAN and The Bush Program.
Our children are supported to feel comfortable, confident, and embraced as they begin their education on our beautiful campus, which is also home to Yarra’s Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. This creates a wonderful sense of community that they and their families will treasure.
The children may not realise it but their program is highly intentional and intensively planned to ensure they are engaged, learning and safe. It is designed to incorporate concepts such as diversity, inclusion, wellbeing and sustainability to encourage good character.
Our early childhood educators work closely with families, acknowledging each child’s individual personality, experiences and abilities. We understand how important the early years are and build strong relationships with the children, enhancing their personal growth and confidence. They also develop strong friendships and connections with each other.
Words and letters are displayed around play areas in English and other languages, and Indigenous perspectives are incorporated across our programs. Sustainability is underlined through a vegetable patch, compost and worm farm that the children tend to.
Our Pre-Preps (four-five year olds) spend three hours a week engaged in our Bush Education program, where they learn about the environment, animals, and First Nations culture. Here they experience controlled risk taking activities such as climbing trees, traversing slopes, learning about flora and fauna and wildlife safety.
Our ELC program is rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard on all seven national measures of quality for early childhood education and care. Our teachers also hold parent teacher interviews and provide reports to keep families fully informed about their child’s progress.
Comprehensive systems that ensure children are ready for and enjoy a seamless transition into school begin as soon as they enter the ELC. All aspects of their development are covered.
As well as encouraging their independence, exploring the School grounds and exposing them to foundations in literacy and numeracy, teachers they will have in Junior School regularly visit prior to school commencement. The children have a strong sense of connection to the broader school community and a sound transition to school.
All of this provides rich learning experiences and ensures that when they do enter Junior School, our students are ready to problem solve, engage socially, understand social justice, express their feelings and find their own path and interests.
Children are learning from the time they enter the world. From the time they enter Yarra Valley Grammar, we work in partnership with parents to continue to foster that sense of wonder and awe. We believe that relationships, interactions and attachments, as well as the development of a child’s self-confidence, are fundamental elements that underpin children’s learning. We know that if we respond sensitively to children’s emotional needs and build their confidence, they will go forward with willingness and enthusiasm for learning.
Full and part time programs are offered with each day running from 8.45am - 3.00pm
The School provides an Out of School Hours program in partnership with Camp Australia. Find out more about our Out of School Hours Care program
| 3 Days | Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday |
| Full Time | Monday to Friday |
| 4 Days | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday |
| Full Time | Monday to Friday |
Our Early Learning Centre also makes for a seamless transition to primary school when you choose to continue your child’s education at Yarra Valley Grammar’s Junior School. The development of school readiness skills commences from their time of commencement whilst a more formal program begins towards the end of the Pre-Prep program, building the foundation for school. Inclusion in many School events throughout the year ensures our children feel a part of the wider School community.
The curriculum is underpinned by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, which has been adapted by our staff so that each component of learning can be delivered through stimulating play experiences. Our Early Learning Centre has been awarded the highest rating of Exceeding the National Quality Standard on all seven measures of Quality by the Department of Education and Training.
The program was engaging and developmentally appropriate for all children, maximising each child's learning and development opportunities. (Department of Education and Training)
Our ELC children are nurtured by creative teachers who immerse themselves in play with the children. Play enables children to develop all their skills – social, emotional, physical, language and intellectual thinking. We continually evaluate children’s play to discover what they are learning and to help shape and extend their learning further.
“We’re building the foundation skills that can set them on the right path for lifelong learning” (Nicky Callow - Head of Early Learning Centre)
Literacy concepts are developed through book sharing opportunities; re-enacting stories; playing with rhymes and songs; looking at, using and making signs; talking about experiences; making lists, invitations, cards and letters; and drawing, painting and playing with print.
Numeracy concepts go beyond the development of counting to include awareness of shape, size and positional terms; sorting, matching and ordering; and early measurement understandings.
Each of our ELC rooms has a technology area where regular exposure to engaging, age-appropriate software helps expand childrens' ability to acquire information, solve problems and communicate with others.
Outdoor play encourages the children to use their bodies and to test and challenge emerging skills. Our outdoor area is a creative, open-ended space with plenty of sensory stimuli. Children are encouraged to engage with nature and to explore the garden beds, sand and gravel areas, rock pools, dirt and water.
