Littlehampton Early Learning Centre

At Littlehampton ELC, we believe in fostering children's natural curiosity and love for learning. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to align with the principles of child-initiated learning, play-based exploration, and the guiding frameworks of Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), National Quality Standards, and Montessori educational theories. This unique blend forms the foundation of our holistic approach to education, aiming not only to prepare children for academic success but also to equip them with essential life skills.

The Montessori Approach

Rooted in respect for each child's individuality, the Montessori approach emphasizes self-directed learning within a prepared environment. At Littlehampton ELC, we integrate Montessori principles into our curriculum to nurture independence, creativity, and a lifelong passion for discovery.

The Montessori Curriculum

Our curriculum draws inspiration from the Montessori method, focusing on hands-on learning experiences that cater to children's diverse interests and learning styles. Through carefully curated materials and activities, we encourage children to explore, experiment, and develop critical thinking skills at their own pace.

Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

Aligned with the EYLF, our curriculum places a strong emphasis on holistic development across the domains of identity, community, wellbeing, learning, and communication. By incorporating EYLF principles, we create inclusive learning environments that celebrate each child's strengths and unique contributions.

Programs Tailored to Each Stage of Development

• Infant Program (Ages 0-2 years old): Our infant program focuses on building secure attachments, fostering sensory exploration, and laying the foundation for future learning experiences in a nurturing and responsive environment.
• Preschool Program (Ages 3-4 years old): Designed to ignite curiosity and inspire a love for learning, our preschool program encourages hands-on exploration, social interaction, and the development of essential skills needed for school readiness.
• Kindergarten Program (Ages 4-6 years old): In our kindergarten program, children engage in purposeful play, meaningful inquiry, and collaborative learning experiences that prepare them for a successful transition to formal schooling while fostering a lifelong love for learning.

At Littlehampton ELC, our curriculum isn't just about what children learn in the classroom; it's about empowering them to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals who are ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of life.

We believe that quality early childhood experiences at home and in early learning centres are critical in contributing positively to the children’s development and wellbeing.

Together we work in partnership with families to ensure a respectful loving, safe and nurturing home like environment, working collaboratively towards achieving all learning outcomes. At Littlehampton ELC, we treat everyone with respect and dignity regardless of their gender, cultural beliefs, socio-economic status or ability.

Our classrooms are designed with real and purposeful activities, to support the child’s learning. Children are constantly encouraged to freely explore their surroundings and to stimulate their learning by connecting with the natural world and growing into active members of the community. Our interactions, experiences, activities, routines and events, planned and unplanned, that occur in our prepared environment, is designed to foster all children’s learning outcomes and wellbeing.

Our primary aim is to provide your child with the building blocks and foundations for good life-readiness and independent experiences, within a safe and home like nurturing environment, with strong relationships being formed between the carer, child and parent through open communication and trust.

My 3yo daughter has been at this centre for over 2 years now, and I'm really glad I chose littlehampton ELC, we both love it! The centre is smaller than others which allows for more flexible and personalised care, and has fantastic outdoors space for both babies and older kids, including veggies, chickens and great adventure play equipment. The carers are fantastic, you can tell they are passionate about their work, and they clearly value my daughter and encourage her interests. It's great that they teach self-help and normal life skills like washing dishes (yet make it fun!), and engage in lots of active, creative and messy play. Even though we moved away from the area earlier this year, there is no way we would have left littlehampton ELC, it is worth the extra 15min drive back up the freeway!

Amelia