Jenny's Early Learning Centre - Strathfieldsaye

The philosophy that drives Jenny’s Early Learning Centre Strathfieldsaye is that learning is a part of the fun.  Children are encouraged to explore their own interests while they learn.

The key values are as follows:

1) Educators 

Consistency of care is paramount, and priority is given to nurturing the relationships between educators and children. Many of the passionate educators have been with the centre since it opened. Educators help children develop the skills of independence, confidence, responsibility and connection with others.

2) Community 

Local relationships are a key focus for Jenny’s Early Learning Centre Strathfieldsaye, from primary schools, junior sporting clubs, the country fire authority, to the suppliers for the kitchen. The centre sees these connections as a way to facilitate a sense of belonging and identity for the children, as well as being a way to develop their social skills.

3) Children 

A child is broadly connected to their family, community, culture and place, with the interactions between each providing a sense of self. Children develop and learn through these connections, with family being the first and most influential educators. The centre understands that children learn through play and that they find their own sense of identity and understanding of the world at their own pace.

4) Families 

To ensure the best possible outcomes for children, Jenny’s Early Learning Centre Strathfieldsaye believes that families and educators need to be working closely together. The educators welcome input from families to help guide the curriculum based on each child’s interests and family heritage. The centre is a welcoming and respectful environment which teaches children how to work with others and to value their own independence.

Children are cared for, nurtured and kept safe, while also being challenged to find new ways to learn. The centre’s program is based on their ‘Play – Explore – Learn’ philosophy, which helps children feel challenged and engaged with learning.

PLAY

• Gross motor skills program: organised physical activities such as ball games, parachutes, running, jumping, and other activities that help develop coordination.
• Self-directed play: helps children form friendships, develop imagination and try out new ideas. The centre is filled with natural light, and the indoor and outdoor spaces are open for exploration.
• Outdoor play spaces: all designed to suit each age group. Children can get their hands dirty in the veggie patch, dig in the sandpit, and play imaginary games with their friends.

EXPLORE

• Regular excursions and incursions: the centre is well connected with the community, taking part in regular walks to parks and nature reserves.
• Vegetable garden: children are encouraged to get involved with planting seeds and seedlings, tending to the plants, and helping to pick them for the centre chef to use. They also learn about water conservation and sustainability. The centre follows the Stephanie Alexander Garden Program.
• Nature Play Program: children take regular walks to the nearby Sheepwash Creek to explore and play in the bush. Getting outdoors, playing with sticks, and getting their hands dirty is all part of the fun.

LEARN 

• Technology: children can explore new ideas, problem solve, and work together to find solutions. Some of the technology offered includes computers and iPads, educational apps and games to develop literacy and numeracy skills, as well as digital cameras. 
• Quirky Tales: an interactive storytelling program, which involves singing, dancing, stories, sign language and lots of fun.

Jenny’s Early Learning Centre Strathfieldsaye supports local business by sourcing their ingredients from suppliers in the area, using organic produce where possible. Whenever they can, they use produce from their own veggie garden at the centre.

The in-house chef Melissa uses local produce to create high quality meals and snacks for the children, taking into account any food intolerances, allergies or cultural considerations. Menus are prepared in conjunction with the centre’s own paediatric dietician.

The children are given the chance to help with planting and harvesting produce from the veggie garden. The fruits, vegetables and herbs are then used by the chef to create the food for the centre.

The children enjoy morning tea such as fresh fruit platters, homemade granola and yoghurt; for lunch they can have hot meals such as a Rogan Josh curry, roasted vegetable pasta, or a tasty chicken paella; for afternoon tea Melissa might make some Hummingbird cake, an apple pear and raspberry crumble, or a chocolate and orange cake.

My son loves going to Jenny’s Strathfieldsaye and I cannot praise the carers there enough. They teach him so much and he is becoming such a kind, thoughtful, polite and smart little boy.

Lauren - Parent

The staff at Jenny's Strathfieldsaye are AMAZING! They all treat you and your family with respect, kindness and compassion.

The food program run by the centre is the best I have seen and it comforts me to know that my children are eating the most nutritious food possible.

Teagan - Parent

Highly recommend them to everyone!

Ashley - Parent 

My passion is to create long lasting relationships and to ensure everyone who joins our Jenny's family feels valued.

I believe all children deserve high quality care and education and my team also share this goal. I feel very proud to do the work I do.

Sally Hicks, Centre Director, Jenny's ELC Strathfieldsaye

I love working for Jenny's as we are passionate about the families with us, ongoing relationships with second, third and even fourth children.  We engage the children in a wide range of experiences, including getting out and about which is wonderful for their development.

Ashlee, Educator

It's the centre values, the way we like to be part of the community and value the families.  It's amazing for the high quality care and education we provide and I love being part of this.

Jacinta, Educator 

I love the value Jenny's holds not just for families but also for the educators who work here.  I've always felt very supported in my role, my studies and also as a part of the team.

Brianna, Educator