Early learning lays foundation for lifelong learning

Current international research highlights the importance of the early childhood years in laying a solid foundation for the future. Children who have experienced rich and engaging early childhood educational experiences have the foundations laid to become successful lifelong learners (DEECD, Victoria, 2008).    

Chief executive of Early Childhood Australia, Pam Cahir, says that early childhood is a crucial period for development and learning. 

'The first five years of a child’s life shape the future, and it is what happens in this period that forms the foundation for a wide range of developmental outcomes that really matter,' said Pam. 'High quality early childhood education ensures children become happy and productive adults.'

The 2006 ‘Child Care and Early Education in Australia’ report revealed that children attending school or preschool had better language skills than children who did not attend an early childhood program. Additionally, high quality early childhood care is associated with gains in language and a greater ability for preschoolers to process their thoughts. 

Providing quality early education enables children to establish attitudes to learn effectively and help nurture their eagerness to learn that remain with them throughout their lives (DEECD, Victoria, 2008). 

The Australian government has made a significant investment in the early learning sector, particularly over the last 10 years. ‘The Early Years Learning Framework’ (EYLF) has been developed to ensure early childhood education standards and practices are applied across the board. 

The framework views children positively as capable and competent; recognises play as central to learning; sees the importance of collaboration and partnerships; and recognises the need for quality teaching staff.

As such, early childhood providers are encouraged to develop programs that are:

• Holistic - focused on the mind, body and spirit;

• Responsive to children’s strengths, abilities and interests;

• Focused on learning through play;

• Purposeful and thoughtful in their teaching; and

• Supported by learning environments that are vibrant and flexible.

Catholic Early Learning Centres

The three Catholic Early Learning Centres (CELC) in the Diocese of Parramatta provide a unique approach to early learning for families.

Director of the early learning centre at the Blessed John XXIII Parish, Glenwood-Stanhope Gardens, Laurette Sider, said the curriculum is based on the principles of a child-centred program where children play, learn and create with the guidance of their teachers.

'We aim to provide an enriching and inclusive environment that encourages active exploration and recognises diversity,' said Laurette. 'Each child is seen as competent, capable learners and problem solvers. We believe they learn best by making meaning of their world through play, relationships and experiences.'

Teaching educator, supporting the Catholic Early Learning Centres (CELC), Marisa Zadro said one of the key points of difference offered by Catholic early learning is the focus on the faith development of the child.

'We believe each child is a unique and valued individual created by God,' said Marisa. 'Our programs provide opportunities for the children to learn about God and our Catholic faith through prayer and play.'

One of the ways the CELC at Blessed John XXII encourages and develops the spiritual life of each child is through ‘Godly play’.

'Through ‘Godly Play’ we can tell the children bible stories using peg figures to help their understanding of the story. The children learn to cherish and respect that ‘special’ and ‘sacred’ space where they can interact with God through prayer, quiet meditation, reading and other activities.'

While the Catholic Early Learning Centres provide a service for their parish communities, they are also open to the wider community.

Director of Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Preschool, Greystanes, Narelle Bolton said the centre caters to the diverse needs of its community.

'We welcome diversity and have children from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds at our centre,' said Narelle. 'We cater to each child’s individual learning needs.'

Director of Holy Family Preschool, Emerton, Natalie Bugelli, said that the involvement of parents is crucial to the success of their early learning program.

'We operate with an open door policy to encourage parental involvement. Most of our involvement and communication with parents happen on a face-to-face level. Parents are encouraged to drop by and visit the centre any time,' Natalie said. 'We also run social events to encourage participation and build community.'

An important focus of early learning is preparing the children for primary school and assessing their readiness.

'We create activities around the children’s interest to help build their social skills, which is an important aspect of being ready for school,' Natalie said. 'We also help the children who are starting school to learn practical skills including how to hold their pencil and write their names, as well as letter and number recognition.'

Quality early childhood education is a vital foundation for children to acquire a thirst for learning which will help them to be lifelong learners. To echo the words of psychologist Jerome Bruner, 'school is not a preparation for life, but is life itself'.

For more information about our Catholic Early Learning Centres visit http://www.parra.catholic.edu.au/

Parent’s view:

Our Catholic Early Learning Centre has a very positive attitude towards the children, by allowing them to be creative and structure some of their own activities. My son is very interested in building and science. He loves going to preschool as they allow him to invent and design, using his imagination. My daughter especially loves prayer time and they have introduced this to her at a level she understands. (Sometimes as a parent it is hard to know how to explain things to your child!)

Lorissa Ruggiero, mother of David, 5 and Daniella, 3

CELC has been a very positive experience for our son Ethan. He been attending for over one year and loves it. He constantly asks, 'Mummy, can I go to preschool everyday?'. When Ethan first started preschool, he would never leave my side. My nerves as a mum soon disappeared when our little boy would come home so happy and couldn't wait to tell us what he had learnt that day! The staff have all been amazing. They have nurtured Ethan’s love for art and craft and have shown Ethan how great it is to learn and explore.

Kirilly Laufer, mother of Ethan, 4

Sources:    

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (2008), Analysis of Curriculum/Learning Frameworks for the Early Years (Birth to Age 8), DEECD.

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (2011), Child Care and Early Education in Australia Report.

Cahir, P (2010), Time to get tough for our children’s sake, SMH online, 12 August 2010.

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Victoria www.deewr.gov.au

Early Childhood Australia www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au

Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations www.deewr.gov.au

Author: Cecilia Lim

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