Vaucluse Little School

All of the educators at Vaucluse Little School have had training in Montessori and are experienced in early childhood education. The educators develop a daily program, observe the children in their care and plan their programs around the needs and interests of the children. The centre implements the National Early Years Learning Framework as part of the National Quality Reform.

The four main areas in the Montessori Program are: Practical Life, Sensorial, Language, and Mathematics. Considerable emphasis is also placed on Creative Arts, Music, Science, Geography and Cultural Studies. Educators bring the world to the child through globes, maps, songs, land forms, collections of pictures of life in different cultures and much more, which are offered with the aim of helping the child to grow as an individual appreciating the world around them.

A carefully chosen selection of small-motor activities designed to develop the child's independence, coordination, concentration and sense of order and care for the environment. Once these skills are acquired children can advance to more complex Montessori equipment. 

The sensorial Montessori materials assist the child in refining their ability to accurately judge and compare size, shape, colour, sound and texture to enable them to become more analytical in their observations. These materials also prepare the child for mathematics. 

The language activities enable the child to learn the phonetic sounds for each letter. As the teacher presents the Alphabet symbols to the child they will not only hear and see the sounds but they will feel them by tracing the sandpaper letters. When they are confident with these sounds they begin to read starting with small phonetic words. 

Children are introduced to the functions and operations of numbers, arithmetic, algebra and geometry. Through the use of Montessori counting beads children learn to add, subtract, multiply and divide, giving them a sound understanding of the concepts of mathematics before entering school.

Montessori is an education for independence, preparing children for school and life.  At Vaucluse Little School, the educators have a specially designed curriculum to activate each child’s learning, inspired by the educational philosophy of Maria Montessori. In each of the classrooms children are actively engaged and working independently using the unique Montessori materials. 

12 months - 3 years

This is a warm positive space ideal for up to 14 young children who are spending time away from home for the first time. Divided up into a range of play areas, this room is filled with educational materials, books and puzzles as well as plenty of art supplies to encourage self expression. This spacious open plan design of the room allows children the opportunity to be independent, whilst still under the supervision of their educators. 

3 years - 5 years

A maximum of 10 children are exposed to more complex Montessori materials and activities are designed to challenge them as they advance developmentally.

In this room sociological and environmental consciousness is fostered, with children encouraged to make their own decisions.

At Vaucluse Little School the educators are committed to forming genuine nurturing relationships with each child. The team of qualified educators have worked together at Vaucluse Little School for over 10 years, and are dedicated to providing each child with the best start in life.

The educators aim to build and foster each child's self-esteem by developing strong feelings of self worth. They understand that the best way for children to learn is through experience and making their own choices. Educators recognise every child is an individual, with their own abilities, interests and needs.

The team is committed to developing strong relationships with the families and children in their care. They offer a loving, secure, and stable environment which is an extension of the home. Vaucluse Little School employs childcare professionals who truly understand the emotional and developmental needs of young children and encourage them to extend their skills. The teachers are sensitive, caring and dedicated to the welfare of children and parents. They always provide a positive workspace and good working conditions for the staff, and high standards of hygiene and care. The team knows that effective communication is the bedrock of a happy childcare centre.

At Vaucluse Little School we believe that childhood is a unique and valuable stage of life.

Vaucluse Little School Team