We understand that your child is precious to you and choosing the right centre for your child is just as important. We respect that parents are the primary educators for their children. Our aim is to work with you so that together we can make the time your child spends at our service an enjoyable and educational experience.
Our dedicated and enthusiastic team’s goal is to provide children with the highest quality care and Early Childhood Education while being in a safe, warm, welcoming, adopting and nurturing environment.
Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) principles of ‘Being, Belonging and Becoming’ and the National Quality Framework (NQF), we have developed a flexible environment which caters for intentional teaching and spontaneous learning enabling each child to develop lifelong skills of inter-relating, resilience, empowerment, social competence and independence.
Our staff are dedicated and value the importance of maintaining an exceptional level of care and education for all children. They have been individually selected based on knowledge and values, their vision for children and learning, and their commitment to families.
We look forward to you joining the Illawarra Academy of Early Learning family!
Our Philosophy
- Safe Environments
- Relaxed & Unrushed
- Focused Education Curriculum
- Haven for Children
- Value of Individuality
- Health & wellbeing
- Caring & Nurturing Environments
- Acknowledgement of Diversity
- Role Model Positive Interactions
- Families are a Part of Our Centre
- We Value Our Team
- Sustainability is the Future
- Children in the Real World
Safe Environments
We cherish and protect the innocence of children by providing safe and protective environments, guided by the UNICEF convention on the rights of the child and ECA Code of Ethics.
Relaxed & Unrushed
We treasure and accept the time children take to grow. We believe that children develop at their own rate and in their own time. This is why Illawarra Academy of Early Learning offers a curriculum that reflects a calm, inclusive, relaxed and unrushed environment for growing and learning.
Focused Education Curriculum
We assist children reach their full potential through providing enriched, meaningful and ‘real’ opportunities for learning and development through a child focused educational curriculum.
Haven for Children
We provide a haven for everyday discovery & learning. We believe that children learn as they explore, discover, make, create and imagine. We value constructive play as a tool for learning through our natural environments. The learning environment values cultural and social diversity and provides continuity of learning. The environment demonstrates flexibility and is inclusive of indoors and outdoor opportunities providing a balance of stimulating and quiet experiences that reflect children’s interests, strengths and needs. Learning areas foster the safety, health and wellbeing of each child. The environment supports both individuals and families to develop their wellbeing and self confidence.
Value of Individuality
We value individuality as part of our community. The Illawarra Academy of Early Learning community consists of children, families, educators and management. We also value our role within the greater community in which we explore and contribute.
Health & wellbeing
We have an appetite for health and wellbeing. We provide programs, along with morning tea & afternoon tea that support and reinforce healthy living and food choices. We also provide a safe and secure environment for all children, families, educators and management at our centre.
Caring & Nurturing Environments
We believe in caring for, guiding and nurturing children. We offer caring and nurturing environments to accommodate the needs of infants through to preschool aged children.
Acknowledgement of Diversity
We strive to ensure our practices are inclusive of all cultures, religion, abilities, gender and family structure maintaining confidentiality at all times. We value the insights and traditions that can be shared, respected and appreciated within our centre. The centre aims to reflect the values of the community in all its diversity and acknowledge the original custodians of this land. The Dharawal nation, their people and their language and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the community.
Role Model Positive Interactions
We role model positive interactions at all times continuously working towards developing and maintaining respectful and ethical relationships with team members, children, families and the wider community.
Families are a Part of Our Centre
We welcome and value each family and their contribution. We cater for the diverse needs of all our families. Imbedded in our culture is the notion that families are a part of our centre and are invited to make contributions to all aspects of its operation. We believe that collaborating with families is a key principle to ensuring continuity and progression in learning and development.
We Value Our Team
We value the passion, commitment and professionalism of our team. We recognise the experience and input of our educators in all aspects of the centre and appreciate their dedication as an integral part of the centre’s successes our Educators continually seek ways to build their professional knowledge through education and Professional development. Management support educators to consistently adhere to appropriate ratios, current regulations of the National Quality Standards and maintain a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment that is welcoming and safe for children, families and the community.
Sustainability is the Future
We care for our world and a better future. We achieve this through everyday teaching about respect for our centre environment and through sustainable practises of the natural world around us. Sustainability is the future.
Children in the Real World
We believe in preparing children for a life beyond that of the home and the centre. As children prepare for their transition to school, Illawarra Academy of Early Learning offers specialised programs to support children’s developing sense of identity, life skills and abilities.
Our Director
Christine Giles
With over 20 years experience in Early Childhood education Christine has always been passionate about the educational, physical and mental growth of each and every child in her care.
In her early stages in the industry Christine was a consultant for Child Care NSW assisting other services with regulatory requirements and mentoring other Early Childhood Directors.Christine’s extensive knowledge of Educational programs allows us to tailor a program at each of our services to suit the needs of every single child entrusted in our care. As a highly regarded Director in the industry she has also been invited to numerous events as a guest speaker to share her vast knowledge