Play Based Learning Programs

Our learning programs are play based, appropriate to different age groups, fun, challenging and educational.   It allows all children to explore, discover,  take risks, create meaning and solve problems – all the important foundations for developing literacy, numeracy, self-help and social skills. A strong focus on play as an important component of the day means children enjoy numerous opportunities to be both creative and active.

Our learning programs are inspired by several learning approach such as:

The Early Years Learning Framework EYLF

Our main objective for children learning relates to each child’s “Belonging, Being and Becoming”, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) for Australia. This is the Australian Government’s National Quality Framework (NQF) for early childhood education and care which is designed to encourage continuous improvement of education and care services across Australia. The EYLF defines the principles, practices and outcomes essential to every early learning program and is designed to ensure all children, from birth to five years of age, receive high quality learning experiences.

The Framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning and aims to achieve five overall Learning Outcomes:

  1. Children have a strong sense of identity.
  2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
  3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
  4. Children are confident and involved learners.
  5. Children are effective communicators.

You can find more information about the National Quality Framework  at http://acecqa.gov.au

Refer to Summary_of_EYLF_2_Changes.pdf for more information.

Accredited and Funded Pre-Kinder and Kindergarten Program

At Wonderland, a state-funded and accredited kindergarten program is available for all children reaching the age of 5 by Apr 30 the following year.  It is mainly planned for all children transitioning to grade prep in the primary school. It will commence from late January till early December in each calendar year.

Our Kindergarten Program is planned and implemented by our Qualified Kindergarten Teachers.

Kindergarten Programs are designed to improve our child’s development in the following key areas:

  • social skills, like how to play with other children in a calm, sharing and rewarding way
  • self-awareness and respect for others
  • emotional skills, for example, understanding others and their own feelings
  • language, literacy and numeracy skills, such as reading stories and counting objects
  • a joy for learning and group activities, such as talking, drawing and making things together with other children
  • ability to make new friends
  • exposure to new ideas and concepts

Our Kindergarten Program also provides families with access to support and assistance for children with special needs for children with diabaility, developmental delay, or complex medical needs,   via the Inclusion and Professional Support Program.

You can click here for more information for families to choose a right kindergarten for their children.

ELLA Program

Our State funded language program, ELLA program, is also available to all kinder children to learn different languages in an engaging and interactive way. Languages that have been taught in Wonderland include Mandarin, Spanish, Korean and Persian.

Extra-curricular programs

In addition to the individualized learning programs planned from our educators, extra-curricular programs are also provided to enrich children learning experiences. These programs are implemented weekly.

Hey Dee Ho Music

Every Thursday — Hey Dee Ho Music.  It is a 45-minute fun time session of combining music, movement and learning for all children in each room. A pre-planned weekly learning program is implemented by the regular Hey Dee Ho presenter.

Sports 4 Kinders (S4K)

Every Wednesday — Sports 4 Kinders S4K. It is a 45-minute active session for all toddlers and kinders to participate in both individual or group sports activities.

Maitri Kids Wellbeing Yoga

Every Tuesday — Maitri Kids Wellbeing Yoga. It is a 45-minute joyful and relaxing session for all toddlers and kinders to nurture their growth through yoga and mindfulness activities.

Incursion and Excursion Programs

It is our mission to provide each child in Wonderland a stimulating and fun environment to foster creativity and curiosity for all children in our care.  Regular incursion and excursion programs are offered to different age groups.  Some examples of our previous educational programs include:

  • Bush Kinder
  • Local cafe visits
  • Local library visits
  • Visit from Melbourne Museum
  • Visit from Police, Paramedic and Fire Officers
  • Visit from Road Safety Victoria