Hi, my name is Niki and I have several years of experience in the Early Years Learning Industry and am continuing to keep up to date with the latest learning whilst completing my Early Childhood Bachelor Teaching Degree. I am excited to be part of the team at Kidscape Early Learning Ballarat and I don't mind the cold. I have a big passion for creating learning environments that children are able to learn from allowing them to build on their knowledge as they learn about the world around them. I have an open-door policy which means my door is always open not just for my team but for my families as well. I love to build strong relationships with families and engage them in their child’s learning. I look forward to meeting you all and welcoming you to our Kidscape Ballarat family.

Music

Bonkers Beat Music & Wellbeing Program makes learning a joy, but above all else it enhances children’s multiple intelligences, helping them to become better learners in the early years of their primary schooling.

Languages

The children take part in an Italian language program, where they learn the basics of the language as well as the culture and history. This takes the form of fun games, songs and even cooking.

Yoga & Meditation

Yoga is a wonderful tool that helps children become more conscious of their bodies, gain flexibility, build up their strength, improve posture, self-control, concentration and good coordination. The “Yoga with Bonkers the Monkey” and Bonkers Gym Program assists children and the whole family in uniting, practicing and benefiting from a range of wellbeing routines.

Creative Arts

Children love drawing or any way of creatively expressing themselves. At Kidscape, Creative Art is an important part of the daily curriculum. The educators work with parents to provide all suitable opportunities for art making in formal and informal learning environments.

Technology

Today’s children are being raised as ‘digital natives’ in a world dominated by popular culture and technology. The technology program allows the children to be introduced to the world of digital where technology is used to seek answers to questions and reach out to the world.

School readiness

The educators understand that preschool is an important stepping stone before commencing school. The program is designed by qualified Early Childhood Teachers who address all key aspects of a child’s development before entering Primary School. Educators help children to prepare for school socially, emotionally, physically as well as academically. 

Sustainability

The centre is committed to protecting the environment to ensure a sustainable future, and the children are active participants in caring for the environment. Sustainable practices include using recyclable materials, using the half flush on the toilets and conserving water use on taps, educating the children about recycling and energy use, and teaches them about growing their own food in the centre’s garden. 

At Kidscape Early Learning Centre the educators respect, value and accept each child as an individual. The educators believe that children learn through play, and they have a flexible program that is responsive to the evolving nature of the early childhood environment and that provides for different learning styles. 

The educators observe the children and document their work to form the basis of the program. They use both the indoor and outdoor environment to encourage the children’s ability to observe, perceive, explore, investigate, imagine, make choices and problem solve.  

The team provides experiences for children to learn about and respect their natural environment. They provide attractive, well maintained play areas, with the thoughtful use of furnishings and displays; and introduce children to a wide range of social and cultural experiences.

Nursery: 6 weeks - 2 years

The nursery room caters for children from 6 weeks to 2 years old providing high quality care in a nurturing environment designed with the parent and child in mind. Developmental goals and objectives for children in the nursery room are supported by Kidscape’s tailored programs and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

At Kidscape Early Learning Centre Ballarat, fresh meals are prepared daily by the centre’s qualified Chef. Their menu was designed in conjunction with the Munch & Move program.

The centre understands the importance of health and nutrition for children, and  provides fresh, nutritious and balanced meals. The educators also promote sustainability by educating children and having them participate in ‘garden to plate’ activities, such as seed sprouting, weeding, vegetable gardens, cooking and more.