OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.”
O Fred Donaldson

At Riverside, we believe children learn best through play.  The foundation of our program is the Early Years Learning Framework (‘EYLF’), which describes the principles, practices and learning outcomes essential to supporting and enhancing young children’s learning.. 

We offer an engaging, play-based curriculum where children are free to explore, discover and guide their own learning in a supportive environment.  Our educators encourage and support children in their development by challenging their thinking and understandings, by providing stimulating learning environments based on their strengths, interests and abilities and by offering them realistic choices.  We enhance children’s sense of identity and confidence as we foster their independence and respect their individual learning styles.

The EYLF framework has a strong emphasis on play-based learning, as play is the best vehicle for young children’s learning and provides the most appropriate stimulus for brain development.  As early childhood educators, we aim to support children in achieving the learning outcomes by following the principles, practices and learning outcomes of the EYLF.

The National Quality Framework (NQF) recognises that a quality educational program builds on children’s individual knowledge, strengths,  ideas, culture, abilities and interests is likely to have long term benefits for children and for society.

Principles

🤝 Secure, Respectful & Reciprocal Relationships
🏠 Partnerships
🌏 Respect for Diversity
🖤💛❤️ Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Perspectives
⭐ Equity, Inclusion & High Expectations
🌱 Sustainability
🔄 Critical Reflection & Continuous Professional Learning
👥 Collaborative Leadership & Teamwork

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🎨 PRACTICES

🌈 Holistic, Integrated & Interconnected Approaches
👂 Responsiveness to Children
🎲 Learning Through Play
🎯 Intentionality
🏡 Learning Environments
🌏 Cultural Responsiveness
🔗 Continuity of Learning & Transitions
📖 Assessment & Evaluation for Learning, Development & Wellbeing

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🌟 LEARNING OUTCOMES

❤️ Strong Sense of Identity
🌍 Connected With and Contribute to Their World
😊 Strong Sense of Wellbeing
🔍 Confident and Involved Learners
💬 Effective Communicators

Storypark

We ensure you're engaged in your child's progress by sharing our observations via the Storypark app and website. Documentation is done through photos and videos, which are accessible at home for family sharing. Regular meetings are held to discuss your child's development, complemented by annual parent-teacher conferences. An annual fee is required for families to access Story park.