Early Learning

From their first days in ELC through to the transition to Junior School, children at Korowa are part of one connected learning community. Across both our 3 Year Old and 4 Year Old programs, children are supported to develop confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of belonging within the ELC and the wider School environment. Through play, intentional teaching and rich learning experiences indoors and outdoors, children are encouraged to ask questions, make decisions, build relationships and explore the world around them.

In the 3 Year Old program, the focus is on helping children settle into group learning, develop independence and build strong social and communication skills. Educators support children to learn alongside others, extend their language and problem-solving abilities, and grow in confidence as capable learners. Children are introduced to specialist experiences and are encouraged to explore their interests through play and inquiry.

As children move into the 4 Year Old program, they deepen these foundations through more sustained investigation, collaboration and reflective learning. Educators support children to develop early Literacy and Numeracy understandings, think critically and creatively, and take increasing responsibility for their learning. Children continue to engage in specialist experiences while building the confidence, resilience and independence that will support a successful transition to school life beyond the ELC.

Children in the ELC learn through play. Korowa's STEM and Science components foster children's curiosity and interest in the world around them in a fun, hands-on way.

Children are encouraged to explore, question and make discoveries in a safe learning environment through experiments such as cooking and trial-and-error, working individually and with their peers and educators.

In ELC, we emphasise joyful exploration and discovery. Each week students attend art with a primary specialist art teacher who encourages the children to explore art in the world around them and develop the ability to see their immediate environment through visual images.

Students are introduced to and learn to use a variety of art tools, materials and equipment, and engage in painting, drawing and printmaking. They learn about the art elements and principles, and begin to develop visual ideas, using imagination and observation.

In ELC Music, we love to sing, move, dance, perform, make and experiment with music. With a specialist primary music teacher, students explore a wide range of repertoire in our lessons, including songs from all over the world.

The primary focus, however, is on songs and rhymes that are appropriate to their developmental stage and are songs they naturally sing in the playground. Songs like these are sung and performed in repetition, where new skills are taught and pre-existing skills built upon.

ELC students take part in weekly Library visits as part of their specialist program, fostering early literacy, a love of reading, and the confidence to select and borrow books to share at home with their families.

Our ELC 4 students participate in regular swimming lessons. Recent studies suggest that water survival skills training and swimming lessons can significantly help reduce the risk of drowning for children aged between one and four years. Being able to swim is an important life skill.

This program develops children’s independence and confidence. Swimming in small groups with our swimming instructors, they will develop a range of skills including; how to enter and exit the water safely, torpedo gliding, strong kicking legs and floating whilst wearing a life jacket.

In our purpose built PMP space, ELC 3 to Year 2 students are involved in a movement-based program which helps younger students improve their eyehand and eye-foot coordination, fitness, balance, locomotion and eye-tracking skills. Instructed by our trained PE staff, students are given the opportunity to develop in the following areas:

• Gross motor activities
• Visual motor activities
• Auditory motor activities
• Tactile activities
• Lateralisation activities
• Body awareness
• Spatial awareness

Korowa has a rich and extensive program designed for children aged 3 and 4. Intake is usually at the start of the year, but we welcome inquiries all year 'round and aim to support families as much as possible with their Early Learning needs. Contact enrolments@korowa.vic.edu.au with any questions.

Korowa’s ELC philosophy is built on the belief that every child is a capable, curious and unique learner. We celebrate individuality, respect cultural and gender diversity, and encourage children to explore and collaborate.

Play is at the heart of learning, and every activity is designed to provoke thinking, build relationships and develop essential skills. Partnering with parents is central to our approach, ensuring communication and collaboration that support each child’s growth and wellbeing.

Yes! Korowa’s Early Learning Centre is proudly co-educational, because the early years are a vital time for children to learn from and with a diverse group of peers.

In a co-ed environment, boys and girls develop social confidence, collaboration skills and a strong sense of belonging as they explore, play and grow together.

As children progress to Korowa’s girls-only Junior School, the transition is seamless, our educators work closely across both areas to ensure that every child feels supported, known and ready for the next stage of their learning journey.

It's important to understand that the CCS and Free Kinder Program, subsidised by the Victorian Government, are not applicable to our programs. CCS is for daycare services, whereas Korowa's Early Learning Centre is a structured learning program for 3 and 4 year old children, inspired by the internationally-recognised Reggio Emilia approach.

Families may be able to access CCS if they are using our Out of School Hours provider, Extend.

Korowa’s ELC builds strong foundations for a confident start to school. Through play-based, intentional learning, children develop early literacy and numeracy skills, independence and emotional regulation, as well as the social, motor and communication skills they need to thrive in Prep and beyond. Our professional Early Learning educators gently guide each child’s growth so they feel prepared, capable and excited for the next step.