Early Learning Centre
A Place of Exploration
By the age of 3½, most children are bursting with energy, enthusiasm and eagerness to learn about the world around them, and our ELC is designed to propagate their sense of wonder and curiosity.
The purpose-built Early Learning Centre provides a secure environment in which students are able to explore and discover in their own way.
Extensive research has demonstrated that children who regularly engage in nature play and outdoor learning have significantly improved academic, physical, social and emotional development. HILLS ELC has embedded nature play not only in practice, but also into the design of play areas and into the development of its curriculum. Outdoor learning and nature play experiences are a part of our daily routine. Our students love to explore the many fascinating natural elements throughout our school campus, which provides vast learning opportunities for children. There are many spaces where they can be creative, learn through inquiry, explore, take acceptable risks, think independently and develop their own sense of being.
We understand each family is different, as are the needs of each child. Our ELC therefore gives families the ability to choose how often their child may attend, ranging from 2 to 5 days per week. This program provides a positive introduction to a learning environment, along with building towards a seamless transition into Reception. The ELC provides a welcoming and safe environment, where we recognise the unique nature of each and every child, viewing them as capable, curious and intelligent individuals.
Planning & Practice
Central to all planning and practice is the children and understanding their interests, strengths, needs and next steps. We offer a balance of child-led and teacher-guided learning and inquiry opportunities.
Learning design is guided by the National Quality Standards and the Early Years Learning Framework: Belonging Being and Becoming. Additionally, we draw on best practice methodologies including Reggio principles and nature pedagogy to inform planning and practice.
Reggio Emilia Principles
Reggio Emilia principles provide a helpful lens for considering how we work with children and approach learning. In particular there are helpful considerations around our image of children, partnerships with families and the wider community, and how we prepare learning environments and document children’s learning. These principles have gained worldwide acclaim for their influence in shaping early years learning.
Early Years Learning Framework
Being Belonging Becoming
The EYLF principles practices and outcomes inform planning.
Nature Pedagogy
We draw inspiration from forest school initiatives in Scotland and Scandinavian countries to enhance our passion and commitment for learning about, in and with nature.
National Quality Standards
Early Learning Centres are assessed against the NQS 7 quality areas for best practice.
Nature Play
As a school, HILLS has chosen to make Nature Play opportunities a priority through the purchase of the adjacent Rivermont Property. The ELC is founded on providing meaningful learning opportunities for its students, so we naturally take every opportunity to bring nature into our program and venture forth into nature as often as we can! The ELC’s daily morning WILD WALKS around the School and Rivermont property allow the children to observe seasonal changes or look for something specific, as well as providing a physical activity that stimulates their brains for further learning throughout the day. Twice a week we engage in our WILD WORK, visiting the Property and venturing into “The Faraway Lands” for extended exploration and learning times in the natural environment.
Sunrise & Sunset Care
The ELC opens for Sunrise Care from 7.30am. We also offer Sunset Care until 6.00pm, supervised by an Early Childhood trained teacher. Parents may choose to collect their children before 4.00pm for a reduced fee. For more information about this service, please contact the ELC Director – Lyndell Gay via email elc@hccs.sa.edu.au.
Vacation Care
Our Vacation Care is open during school holidays. A program of activities is available leading up to holidays and can be booked directly through the ELC Directorf Lyndell Gay via email elc@hccs.sa.edu.au.
Planted in Christ
Develop a personal understanding and application of the Christian Faith, while assisting each student to discover and develop their God given strengths and gifts.
Growing with Nature
Conserve and support a sustainable learning environment, understanding and utilising nature to enrich student wellbeing.
Nurtured to Thrive
Develop a caring school community that respects diversity and values fellowship by celebrating each student, their gifts and their contribution.