Why Early Childhood Education is Critical
Research has found that the first five years of life are the most critical for building the foundations for life-long learning, well-being, and health. Early childhood education is an important decision … the interaction between young children’s developing brains and the environments in which they learn has significant impact on development.
Research developed by the Centre for Education Statistics and Evaluation suggests the important role of high-quality early childhood learning experiences on children’s development. In Particular, the very early years and for disadvantaged children who are more likely to be developmentally vulnerable in language and cognitive skills when they enter school.
Early childhood education programs are most effective when they are play-based and developmentally appropriate. This is best illustrated in the learning and development outcomes for all children expressed under The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, which include:
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- Strong sense of identity;
- Connected with and contribute to their world;
- Strong sense of wellbeing;
- Confident and involved learners;
- Effective communicators;
The early years are critical – it is the building block for creating a solid foundation for education, and here at Living Waters Lutheran College, our Early Learning Centre (ELC) aims to make early learning as positive, nurturing, productive and successful as possible. Our ELC caters for children aged three and half to six years of age.
Living Waters Lutheran College’s Kindy learning follows the Western Australian Kindergarten Curriculum Guidelines with the view to prepare students for their first year of compulsory school in Pre-Primary.
Kindy and Pre-Primary staff often meet to ensure the programs run seamlessly and contrast together appropriately. Kindy and Pre-Primary classes share the ELC playground to provide play-based opportunities which links their indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
Pre-Primary is the first year of formal schooling – with a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, while also having subjects such as Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, Health. Specialist subjects are taught by our Specialist teachers which include Visual Arts, Music and Physical Education.
A love of learning lies at the heart of Living Waters Lutheran College. A place where students aspire to live lives of purpose and integrity.
If you are interested in finding out more about how our ELC, please download our ELC Parent Handbook and book your personal tour online by visiting www.livingwaters.wa.edu.au/elclaunch.
