Babies
0 wks to 2 yrs
Junior Kindy
2 yrs to 6 yrs
Babies
6 wks to 1 yr
Toddler
2 yrs to 3 yrs
Preschool
3 yrs to 6 yrs
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The Learning Cottage Erina follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which understands that children learn and explore through play. Their understanding of the world develops through communication, discovery, imagination, and creation. The educators at The Learning Cottage Erina offer children self-learning activities, routines and rituals to get the most out of the curriculum.
The EYLF aims to develop in children a strong sense of identity, connection and contribution to their world, increase wellbeing, confidence and involvement in learning, and effective communication skills. As well as encouraging children to have a sense of Belonging, to recognise and celebrate their Being, and support their Becoming.
Nursery room (6 weeks --12 months)
In the nursery room, educators encourage development and learning through exploration and play. The educators are qualified and highly-experienced to nurture young minds and ensure correct development.
The nursery room has plenty of space for age-appropriate toys and furniture to encourage development of sensory, motor, and cognitive skills.
Wombat room - Toddler room (12 months - 2 years)
In the toddler room, educators encourage children to develop independence and social skills through play and self-regulation.
Children practice motor skills on the obstacle course, literacy in the silent reading corner, sensory development through playdough and clay workshops as well as imaginative play and social skills through activities with friends.
The team of educators are qualified and highly experienced in early childhood development and ensure children have enough stimulation throughout the day.
Koala room - Preschool room (2 years -6 years)
In the preschool room, children have access to many learning activities including, sensory and construction play, arts and crafts, silent reading, and gross motor activities.
Children can join their friends at an activity table and make clay sculptures together. They learn literacy skills in the silent reading area, develop critical thinking through problem solving, and learn gross motor skills on the indoor obstacle course.
The educators in the room are highly-qualified and experienced teachers who ensure your child develops independence, social, and emotional skills to help them get ready for school.
School readiness program: Prepares children for the transition to school by developing their competence and confidence in the areas of motor development, social skills, independence skills, language skills and the ability to challenge bias.
Munch & Move initiative: Advocates for and supports healthy development of children up to five years of age. The movement endorses a balance of physical activity, a healthy diet and minimal screen time.
Sustainability program: The centre encourages children to think sustainably by encouraging them to grow vegetables and herbs, understand recycling through the compost bins, and look after the worm farm.
Music and dance program: Children celebrate events and different cultures through music and dance. This increases motor function and development.
Art and science program: In accordance with the EYLF, children develop a love of science through arts and crafts, visual learning and by creating artwork about life cycles.
The Learning Cottage is founded on our holistic approach to learning, meaningful relationships and a safe, home like environment. We believe all children should be treated with equality and their linguistic diversity should be embraced and acknowledged. We encourage each child’s uniqueness and strive to provide an environment where children’s interests, creativity, curiosity and sense of agency is provided.
We work closely with our children, families and community to create a program that is meaningful and relative to the children’s interests, strengths and areas of development. Our educators acknowledge this and ensure The Early Years Framework is implemented through quality practices and guidance for your child’s learning. Our team upholds a professional and nurturing approach to early education, using critical reflective practices and strong communication between our children and families.
We’re very passionate about sustainability and educating children on the importance of taking care of our bodies, land, water and other living beings.
We utilise local resources, organisations and events to further our services involvement within the community. Our team will continue to seek opportunities to extend on our existing knowledge of our surrounding land and people, sharing this within our service’s discussions, programs and environments. The Learning Cottage is proud of Lismore’s & Wollongbar’s identity and we strive to celebrate and nurture its unique community.
The Learning Cottage Erina Team
The Learning Cottage Erina undertakes the NSW government’s Munch & Move initiative. This program offers:
Morning
Omar is 12 months old and starting to get big and strong. Omar is practising his motor skills by grabbing and pulling on furniture around the room.
Lunchtime
Omar loves music. The educator hands him a bottle filled with rice so that he can shake it along to his favourite songs.=
Afternoon
Omar is inquisitive and likes playing with the toys. He loves stacking blocks and knocking them down again.
Morning
Edward is 3 years old and likes to start his morning playing on the indoor obstacle course and building up his motor skills.
Lunchtime
Edward is tending the vegetable garden with his educator. They are picking herbs and vegetables to add to lunch. His educator explains to Edward how the worm farm and the compost help the vegetables grow.
Afternoon
Edward loves playing with the playdough. His educator has set Edward up at a table with many different coloured playdough for Edward to explore his sensory and creativity skills.
Morning
Bella is 4 years old and this morning she gets to use arts and crafts to create a picture of a snowman. Bella practices her fine motor skills as she cuts and glues cotton balls onto Frosty.
Lunchtime
Bella decorates her own biscuits for afternoon tea. She adds a smiley face using the icing and some curly hair.
Afternoon
Bella is ready for dancing and has on a red tutu. She loves twirling around to the music and holding hands with her friend Molly. Today they have coloured ribbons to add to their dance moves.
Care for children under school age, on premises especially built or adapted for early childhood education and care services. Private operators, local councils, community organisations, employers and non-profit organisations may run long day care centres.
Occasional, Casual or Flexible CareOccasional, Flexible or Casual Care Services provide short periods of care for children under school age. Families can access Occasional, Flexible or Casual Care on either a regular or casual basis a variety of reasons including, shift or part-time work, respite care, crisis and emergency care, shopping or attending appointments.
Pre-school / Kindergarten / PrepPre-school is a planned educational program for children in the years before a child commences school. Children are usually aged between 3 and 5 years of age. Pre-school may take place in a range of settings including a purpose built building, in a community setting, a school, as part of a long day care centre or a mobile or visiting service.
In January 2012 the National Quality Framework (NQF) came into effect across Australia.
The purpose of the NQF is to improve and standardise the quality of child care through a
range of measures including better staff to child ratios, higher staff qualifications
and an assessment and rating system designed to promote continuous improvement.
Under the NQF child care services are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standards (NQS).
The NQS measures the quality of early childhood education and care in Australia. It will cover
most long day care, family day care, preschool/kindergarten and outside school hours care services.
Under these standards child care services will be assessed and rated against the
seven quality areas, 18 standards and 58 elements that make up the NQS.