Curriculum

Early Years Learning Framework

Staff at Halifax St Children’s Centre and Preschool use ‘Belonging, Being and Becoming – The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia’ to guide the planning, implementation and reflection of learning programs for every child at our centre. 

The Early Years Learning Framework describes the principles, practice and outcomes essential to support and enhance young children’s learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school.  The Framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning as play is the best vehicle for young children’s learning providing the most appropriate stimulus for brain development. The Framework also recognises the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development.

Researching the Principles of the
Reggio Emilia Approach

Since 2012 we have participated in a range of projects and workshops with Professor Carla Rinaldi, the President of the Loris Malaguzzi Centre, Italy. (The research arm of the internationally renowned Reggio Emilia Educational Project.)

Our relationship with Professor Rinaldi and our research of the Reggio Emilia approach commenced when Professor Rinaldi was invited to participate as one of the Adelaide Thinkers in Residence (ATIR).

The South Australian Collaborative Childhood Project (TSACCP) was established in response recommendations Professor Rinaldi’s report. This involvement has strengthened our knowledge of the principles of the Reggio Emilia Approach and how these principles could influence early childhood education in South Australia. Our research is supporting us to make changes to our environment, equipment, routines and documentation of children’s learning to ensure each child’s learning and development is promoted.

To read more about The South Australian Collaborative Childhood Project please click here

Food Project

In 2016 we used the Reggio Principles to implement a wide ranging “Food Project”, including the growing of food, preparing healthy meals with our chef and involving families and the local community in learning about how to support children to develop healthy approaches and ideas to food and nutrition. The Food Project continues to this day.