Airport West Early Learning Co-operative

About Our Cooperative 

Established in 1988, Airport West Early Learning Cooperative (AWELC) is a small, not-for-profit community centre.
We pride ourselves on our highly experienced and passionate educators, as well as our inviting, engaging and relaxed setting.
​We are run by our Centre Manager, and a voluntary Committee of Management, made up of the parents of the children enrolled at our centre

We provide both 3yo and 4yo Funded Kinder Programs..

Our Philosophy

The Child
We see children as capable and competent learners who have the tools to spark their curiosity, and questioning toward their own learning and wellbeing. The child should be supported as an active participant within their community, exploring and indulging in their learning environment through their own intended curiosity, engagement, and discovery of the world around them.

The Teacher
We believe the teacher is a facilitator of children's learning through providing opportunity to grow by catering for their individual needs and interests. The Teacher role-models behaviours and skills, and continually uses reflective practice to refine their abilities and learning opportunities. The teacher encourages and supports diversity by creating a sensitive and understanding environment for children, families, and community. A child should be taught with kindness, acceptance, and understanding.

The Environment
We aspire to create an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming environment, that evokes a sense of belonging, ownership, and respect within the children; promoting these values not only within, but outside the centre also. The physical environment is to be created through educators observations of the children’s day to day exploration; this is with the purpose of creating further opportunities for child-led investigation. The learning environment feels welcoming, warm and nurturing, allowing children to feel secure, and safe; creating a home away from home feeling.

The Families and Caregivers
We understand that families and Caregivers are strong partakers in children’s education and wellbeing; actively participating in facilitating the child's understandings and curiosities of the world around them. Daily, they continue to role model and share life skills and knowledge with their children to further develop their individuality and values.

The Community
We ensure the environment and wider community play influence towards children’s learning and development. As children indulge in the learning benefits of being involved with ‘the real world’ they become connected with their individual existence, and contribution within their community locally and globally.​