Starting early and setting foundations for your child's future
Good Shepherd College has three Early Learning Centres (ELCs), one at each campus in Howard Springs, Palmerston and Leanyer. The centres cater for 3-4 year old children.
Our ELCs provide an innovative play-based curriculum designed to cater to each child's individual learning style and needs. The learning program is based on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and a qualified teacher leads a team of caring staff in implementing this program. Children are exposed to a curriculum where they are encouraged to question, investigate and learn about the world around them, preparing them for the transition into their first year of Junior School.
Children can attend full-time or part-time with the choice of:
- School hours (8.15am - 2.30pm); or
- Long day care (7.00am - 5.30pm).
The facilities at all three of our ELCs include:
- Large, open resource-filled learning room;
- Large securely fenced outdoor playgrounds and spaces;
- Lovely shaded play areas;
- Sand/water play areas;
- Access to kitchen for cooking lessons;
- Clean and practical bathroom;
- Specialised learning equipment; and
- Dedicated, highly qualified and caring staff.
Advantages of an ELC within an IB Junior School
- Access to outstanding educational programs, built on the Early Learning Framework and the IB Primary Years Programme;
- School library visits for literacy enrichment;
- Use of undercover hard court and play facilities;
- Access to the campus' wireless network;
- Purposeful interaction between Junior School students and the ELC children;
- Attend campus Chapels and Assemblies;
- Share curriculum resources between ELC and Junior School;
- Participate in special events such as Book Parades and Athletics Carnivals and special services like ANZAC Day and Harmony Day; and
- Access Learning Enrichment teachers.
In addition, children will experience a smooth flow into school entry. The ELC is the starting point for your child's Good Shepherd journey, extending right through to Year 12.
Staffing ratios are set by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and educators hold appropriate qualifications at our centres.
Uniform
Children in the ELC are required to wear the College's Physical Education uniform and College hat, available from the Uniform Shop. Shoes need to be secure sandals or joggers. For child safety, thongs and slip-on shoes are not permitted as students need to be active and able to complete a range of activities safely.
A spare set of 'named' clothes in your child’s bag is needed as children are often involved in water, messy or active activities. These do not need to be College uniform. All items must be named.
Sun Safety
We have a sun safety policy, which requires all children to wear sunscreen and sun hats outside. The centre will provide sunscreen. If a special sunscreen is required for your child it is requested that you provide this.
Food
The Centre provides morning tea and afternoon tea. You are required to pack your child a healthy lunch. Breakfast is not provided, but if brought to the centre will be supervised. Cold water is always available, and milk and/or water is provided at meal times.
We encourage parents to make suggestions about our menu including ‘favourites’ children like or recipes that are simple enough for children to help prepare.
Nut Minimisation
Please note that we have some members of our College community who are allergic to nuts or products containing traces of nuts/peanuts/tree nuts, and so we ask that you don’t send any products into the centre that may contain these.
Policies/Procedures and Operating Plan
These are available in hard copy within our Centres. They contain valuable information on how the Centre is managed and operated. Our helpful staff are also on hand to explain any policies or procedures you'd like to discuss further.
Enrolments
For information on enrolling your child in one of our ELCs, visit the Enrolments page.