Our Early Learning Values & Philosophy 

Play Based Learning

We recognise that play-based learning is a critical part of educating children within a pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and pre-prep program. Within our program, we allow children countless opportunities to experience a range of play-based activities that support their natural curiosity, interests, imagination and desire to learn more about the environment around them. As active and engaged learners, children are encouraged to use a range of different processes and thinking skills, such as problem-solving, trial and error, cause and effect, experimentation, discovery, research, visual cues and investigation. Children are also encouraged to gain information and source their own learning through engagement and critical exploration of the media, texts, signs, symbols, patterns and technologies within their learning environment. Activities are delivered in a variety of stimulating ways, including individual learning activities and small, large and whole-group experiences. This promotes a confident self-identity and feelings of belonging and involvement in the Cuddle Bugs community. 

Hygiene and Safety

Here at Cuddle Bugs Kindergarten & Pre-Prep, we endeavour to provide a safe and clean environment for children. Children are guided to develop skills and attitudes that promote independence in managing their own and others’ health and safety. We encourage children and staff to develop good personal hygiene and safety practices that reduce safety risks, cross-contamination and the spread of infection. Staff are always conscious of the need to pursue good health and safety practices, including the need to be aware of and alert to issues such as allergies and illnesses. 

The Environment

Here at Cuddle Bugs Kindergarten & Pre-Prep, we consider the environment a crucial tool in educating children. Our viewpoint is that children are more visual beholders, for they approach their world through all their senses.

“A child’s environment is an aromascope, soundscope, colourscope, texturescope, and a lightscope, as well as the world one can experience through the skin, the fingers, and all sensory receptors.” (Ceppi and Zine 1998).

We provide children with the tools and experiences to understand, appreciate and respect a range of environments, such as their kindy environment, community environment, the natural environment and the man-made environments of our world. Children are encouraged to be active caretakers of our environments and learn about the impacts and needs of the world around us. We create programs and learning environments that engage children’s minds and support their learning. 

Communication

Here at Cuddle Bugs Kindergarten & Pre-Prep, communication is an extremely valued component of our approach to early years education. Children are encouraged to use a range of communication methods to express themselves and connect with peers, educators, students/volunteers, parents and others inside and outside the service.

Children are taught to share and interpret ideas through skills and methods such as using spoken language, basic sign language, body language, and picture or word card signs and symbols. Children are encouraged to explore different ways to communicate, interact and share meanings.