The moment you walk through the sunlit doors of this purpose built Centre, you cannot help but feel part of something greater…a progressive, loving culture whose sole aim is to achieve the best possible outcomes for your children. The emphasis of community and the collaborative effort for learning and development is a philosophy we live by at Alkira ELC.
Alkira ELC Community and Core Philosophy
There is an old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” – it is the collective social responsibility to help provide children, the blessings of our community, with the tools to become adaptable to change as they move through life. Alkira ELC goes beyond being just a safe haven for your children, it aspires to be a nurturing, educational hub away from home; unrivalled in child-care.
The Alkira ELC community is made up of the diverse collection of families, children, experienced educators, chefs, the friendly face at reception, administration and support staff, whose focus is on the creation of a unique space for you and your children to play, learn and grow together.
We welcome you to visit our village of harmony, relaxation and warmth, with its natural colours, old and new features and to explore the unique environment while you discover the future of play-based learning.
A testament to our philosophy was acknowledged in July 2015. It saw Alkira ELC exceeding the National Quality Standards by the NSW Department of Early Childhood Education and Care; only six months after our opening date.
Ample space for growth and discovery
Set upon beautiful acreage against a backdrop of native rainforest, our Centre boasts a stunning natural ambience. All rooms open out to an amphitheatre of green trees and expanding skies. The carefully landscaped play space invites open-ended interactions, exploration, discovery and connection with nature. Sensory gardens, cubby houses, sand pits, large steps, a pebble creek, the stage and climbing wall allow children to test their abilities and help build strength and confidence.
Fresh & Healthy Eating
We take a holistic approach to helping the children understand how to make healthy choices. Our numerous vegetable gardens at the Centre provide the stage for learning the importance of food production from seed to table. The children help tend to these gardens from planting, keeping and harvesting, using the produce in their cooking activities.
Our in-house chef has created a wholesome and delicious rotating menu that is cooked fresh daily on the premises in our custom built commercial kitchen. The menu is designed without the use of refined sugars and trans fats, with consideration to also reduce the use of preservatives, additives and gluten.
In order to continue learning the important correlation of optimal health and wholefood eating, our chef is happy to share recipes and knowledge with families for use at home.
Room to grow with space to explore
We believe room to grow and space to explore are vital to the development of a child.
The Alkira Early Learning Centre is a purpose designed facility. Ecologically planned with children in mind, the building is designed to capture natural light minimising the need for artificial lighting.
Alkira ELC’s desire was to source a location which would provide the children with an abundance of space over and above the industry requirements. Hence the very spacious internal design and the acreage setting for the children to learn, play and grow.
Our commitment is to provide an all encompassing educational environment with a true sense of belonging for all.
Alkira Early Learning Centre provides activities such as Yoga, reading, language, art, drama, cooking, gardening, dance and music.
We offer Long Day Care catering for the ages from 0 to 6.
Conveniently open from 6.15am-6pm Monday to Friday.
Activities
Beyond our age specific curriculums, your children’s learning is further enriched with a multitude of experiences including yoga, drama, art, cooking, music, language and cultural activities. This was developed with the belief that diverse creative and artistic play is key in a child’s learning and development.
Sustainable Education
We pride ourselves on being a sustainable community here at Alkira ELC. Children experience this first hand via activities in the garden – assisting to compost, feeding worms and using the worm waste and compost to enrich the garden beds. These activities foster an understanding of the growth cycle and ignite an appreciation of Mother Nature.
We also have our resident chickens and rabbits at Alkira ELC, the raising of which is assisted by the children as they learn the meaning of responsibility, caring and protecting other living beings.
These hands-on experiences are a beautiful way for children to connect with nature and to develop an understanding of the cycle of life.
Learning Philosophy
As a reflection of Alkira ELC’s philosophy, current research and the National Early Years Learning Framework, Educators provide an environment that give our children an opportunity to learn through play. Research has shown that children learn best through play when the experience is authentic and of meaning to them. Educators provide children with long periods of unhurried self-directed play to learn and develop. It is the Educator’s role to guide, support and challenge children by using intentional teaching strategies. With the view of the environment as the third teacher, educators plan learning spaces for children to relish in.
Indoor Environment
Alkira’ comes from the Aboriginal language meaning “place in the sun and bright sunshine”. The ecologically sustainable Centre has been intentionally designed to bring in as much natural light as possible to each of our six playrooms
Children enjoy open spaces that welcome the outdoors in with floor to ceiling windows to reduce the need for artificial lighting. Exciting indoor play spaces have been designed with natural colours and textures to mirror the outdoor landscape. A diverse range of new, old and recycled building materials and furniture create a sense of ambience, warmth and comfort.
Adventures Beyond Alkira ELC, Beyond the Gate
Alkira ELC began with the intention to bring children and families back to nature. It is a place to explore and develop a curiosity about our environment and our connection to the earth.
Beyond the gates of Alkira ELC lies wild bushland with a pond and wide grassy fields that lead up into the hills and onto our own bush tracks. Here the children discover caves and learn about bush craft from aboriginal cultural leaders. On the adventures, children develop self-confidence, independence, and resilience; providing opportunities to assess their own limits. The emergent curriculum suggests the best way for children to learn is through outdoor and experiential play.
At Alkira ELC, we are passionate about providing quality child care and education to each and every one of our children. Our philosophy encompasses the proverb “It takes a village to raise a child”.
This simply means it takes more than one person to teach a child the ways of life. A child grows from many different experiences and circumstances throughout their life.
Guidance, support and care, along with values, morals and ethics are key to raising a child that feels valued and respected.
The family home will always truly be our first community. Alkira ELC strives to build on those foundations you work so hard to provide.
