Our Curriculum
Our Approach
At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre, we are proud to embrace an approach inspired by the renowned Reggio Emilia curriculum at our Illawarra-based centre. Grounded in the belief that children are capable, resourceful, and full of wonder, our approach places a strong emphasis on fostering creativity, exploration, and collaboration. Inspired by the principles of respect, responsibility, and community, we view children as active participants in their own learning journey. Our curriculum is designed to provide rich and meaningful experiences that ignite curiosity, spark imagination, and encourage critical thinking. Through hands-on projects, open-ended exploration, and documentation of children’s ideas and discoveries, we create an environment where every child’s voice is valued and celebrated. By nurturing a sense of belonging and engagement, we empower children to develop a lifelong love for learning and a deep respect for themselves, others, and the world around them.
Our Programs
Our commitment to the Reggio Emilia approach extends beyond the classroom walls. We are dedicated to embedding this philosophy into every aspect of our educational program, making it accessible to families online and in our Illawarra-based centre. Through our online portal, families have the opportunity to engage with our curriculum, view documentation of children’s learning experiences, and collaborate with educators to support their child’s development. Additionally, our centre features displays showcasing children’s projects, reflections, and inquiries, inviting families to immerse themselves in the learning journey alongside their children. We believe that by fostering strong partnerships between educators, children, and families, we can create a vibrant learning community where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to the educational process.
At Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre we understand that the transition from preschool to school can be an exciting yet daunting time for both children and their families. Our Transition to School program is designed to ease this transition by providing a supportive and nurturing environment that prepares children for their next educational journey.
Our program focuses on developing essential skills and knowledge to empower children to thrive in school. By providing structured activities, play-based learning, and individualised attention, we aim to build confidence, resilience, and independence in each child.
Through activities focusing on early literacy, numeracy, problem-solving, and critical thinking, we equip children with the academic skills and confidence they need to excel in the classroom. Our curriculum is aligned with the Early Years Learning Frameworks and the service School Readiness Program to ensure that children are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Our program emphasises the importance of self-help skills, decision-making, and taking initiative, empowering children to navigate new environments and situations with confidence. Through hands-on experiences, collaborative projects, and opportunities for leadership, children develop the self-assurance and independence necessary to thrive in a school setting. We believe that by fostering a positive sense of self and a willingness to explore and learn, children can approach the transition to school with excitement and enthusiasm.
In the year prior to formal schooling, all children at Tiny Graduates Early Learning Centre will actively be encouraged and provided the opportunity to participate in a specialised program known as “PreLit.” PreLit is a systematic, skills-based program that lays a sound foundation for children to learn to read. It provides early childhood teachers with the tools necessary to teach pre-literacy skills and concepts in a fun and engaging way. structured storybook reading.
The program is systematic, skills-based and taught in a hierarchical sequence, and designed to complement a play-based learning environment. 108 short, clearly prescribed lessons incorporate different types of phonological awareness activities and oral blending and segmentation activities.
For further information on our PreLit program, please see here.
While our PreLit program is a fundamental aspect of our curriculum, we pride ourselves on offering a diverse array of extra curricular activities throughout the year. From music and arts to outdoor exploration and STEM initiatives our centre provides a holistic approach to early childhood development. Families can expect a rich tapestry of opportunities tailored to each child’s interests and abilities, fostering well-rounded growth and exploration beyond literacy.
Join the Waitlist
To Waitlist your child at our Illawarra-based Early Learning Centre, please complete our online form and one of our friendly staff will contact you shortly to discuss your childcare requirements and how we can help.