Eltham North Child Care

Little Flyers Learning Centres adopt a Reggio Emilia approach to learning which believes that each child develops their own unique knowledge, beliefs, culture, learning style and values. We acknowledge that families are the child’s first teachers and they are central to their child’s learning. 

Our educational programs ensure each child is respected as an individual within a group and is encouraged to reach their full potential. We believe that children should develop connections and relationships with their communities and that everyone has the right to belong. Children, families and staff in our Centres will develop cultural competence and in the process, create a shared culture where everyone feels safe, included, respected and valued.   

Our environments and learning experiences aspire to create positive and trustful relationships, courage, resilience, empowerment and well-being. Children are encouraged to be empathetic and caring. They will experience success, joy and celebration, by taking risks in their learning, accepting and embracing diversity, developing confidence in themselves and learning from their mistakes.   

We know that children learn best when they are interested, curious and motivated. Educators will have high expectations of children and will work with them to co-construct knowledge through learning strategies such as play, inquiry, investigation and research. Educators will scaffold children’s learning, through a responsive curriculum and a commitment to assist children in their search for meaning.   

We acknowledge the many ways that children express themselves and communicate. We afford children a hundred ways to express their ideas: imaginative, symbolic, cognitive and metaphorical.  Educators listen, document and assess children’s theories and knowledge and share these through documentation to families and the community.

Little Flyers team

• Creative expression: the children are encouraged to express their ideas and creativity through art, music and movements. This helps them to develop their emotions and self-esteem and learn important communication skills. 
• Culture and community: cultural events are celebrated at Little Flyers to help the children develop stronger connections and relationships with their communities. This helps to create a shared culture of inclusion and respect.
• Excursions and incursions: these are planned around experiences and activities such as farmyard visits, wildlife shows, dance programs, community outings or school visits. 
• Literacy and numeracy: the educators encourage the children’s natural curiosity through learning strategies such as play, enquiry, investigation and research. They are empowered to question the meaning behind concepts and to develop a love of learning.
• Sustainability: from a young age, the children are taught about their responsibility as custodians of the planet. They are given opportunities to explore the natural environment and to learn about recycling and water conservation.

The children at Little Flyers receive all meals and snacks each day, prepared by a team of experienced chefs. The monthly rotating menu is endorsed by Nutrition Australia and provides the children with 50-75% of their daily nutritional needs. The menu can also be tailored to cater to allergies and dietary requirements.