Early Learning
Ages 3-4
Where curiosity begins
Play-based learning
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) at Korowa provides a joyful, nurturing environment where both girls and boys aged 3 and 4 begin their first steps on a lifelong learning journey.
Through play-based experiences, your child explores, questions, and discovers at their own pace, building confidence, creativity and social skills.
Each day is designed to spark curiosity and foster independence, while specialist programs in Music, Art, Science, and Physical Education introduce new skills and exciting opportunities.
Korowa ELC children benefit from being part of a vibrant Prep-12 campus. This gives them special access to many of the older children's specialist facilities, such as the art room, music spaces, Sports and Wellbeing Centre, library, and playgrounds.
Our community is built on strong relationships among children, staff and parents, creating a safe, supportive environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity and collaboration.
Low ratios, strong relationships
Korowa’s Early Learning Centre maintains a maximum educator-to-child ratio of 1:11, ensuring every child is known, supported and able to learn with confidence. On days when attendance is lower, ratios are naturally smaller, allowing for even more individual attention.
Our ELC educators are experienced early-years professionals who work closely together to create a calm, nurturing and engaging learning environment. Consistent staffing helps children build trust, develop independence and feel secure as they begin their learning journey.
Our ELC educators and co-educators are listed below. Together, this team brings warmth, expertise and a deep understanding of early childhood development to the ELC each day.
Educators
- Simone McKenzie
- Sally Cannon
Co-educators
- Anne Roberts
- Stephanie Paulazzo
- Melanie Salter
- Christy Park
Inspired by Reggio Emilia
Korowa's play-based program is guided by the internationally respected Reggio Emilia educational philosophy.
This approach views children as capable, curious and creative thinkers from the very beginning of their learning journey. Rather than being directed step-by-step, children are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions, test theories and express themselves in many different ways, through conversation, drawing, building, movement, music and imaginative play.
You may notice our learning spaces look different to traditional early childhood settings. They are intentionally designed to invite discovery and independence, with natural materials, open-ended resources and thoughtful displays that make children’s thinking visible.
Our educators carefully observe and document children’s interests and ideas, using these as the starting point for meaningful learning experiences. This means learning is both joyful and deeply purposeful.
This way of learning lays important foundations for how children approach school. Curiosity, independence, problem-solving and confidence do not switch on in Prep, they begin here in ELC.
Practical information
Everything you need to know about the daily rhythm of the Early Learning Centre, from hours and routines to what children bring each day.
Co-educational
Korowa’s Early Learning Centre is co-educational, welcoming both girls and boys aged 3 and 4.
Many families choose the ELC as the beginning of their child’s learning journey within the Korowa community.
Age groups
Korowa ELC welcomes children (both boys and girls) aged 3 and 4.
The children are placed into small, dedicated classes according to age, and follow a carefully planned curriculum for their enrichment and development.
Hours
Classes start at 8.30am and end at 2.50pm, Monday to Friday.
Before School Care
Korowa offers complimentary Before School Care for students who arrive early.
Any ELC student arriving between 7.30am and 8.30am must be signed in to Before School Care in the ELC 4 room, located on the ground floor of Junior School.
After School Care
Korowa offers an on-site After School Program for ELC to Year 6 children in the Junior School.
We partner with Extend to deliver this service, which runs from 3pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Location
The Early Learning Centre is located on Korowa’s Glen Iris campus, with access to specialist facilities across the school.
Children interact with the rest of the school through library visits, "big school" incursions and school community events.
Transition to Prep
Children in the ELC benefit from being part of a Prep–12 campus, supporting a confident and familiar transition into Junior School.
What to bring
Children bring a named hat, drink bottle and lunchbox each day. A spare change of clothes is recommended.
Meals & snacks
Children bring their own morning tea, lunch and afternoon snack each day.
Families are encouraged to provide healthy, nut-aware options that children can manage independently.
Our philosophy
Korowa’s ELC philosophy is built on the belief that every child is a capable, curious and unique learner. We celebrate individuality, respect cultural 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.
3 year old program
Our 3-year-old program focuses on fostering independence, social skills, early language development and problem-solving abilities. Children learn to make choices, ask questions and engage in collaborative play. They are introduced to specialist subjects and intentional teaching experiences, both indoors and outdoors, while afternoon rest provides downtime for those who need it.
4 year old program
The 4-year-old program builds on the previous year's foundations with rich learning experiences that develop literacy and numeracy readiness, critical and creative thinking and personal responsibility. Children explore areas of interest in greater depth, participate in specialist classes, and reflect on their learning while developing initiative, independence, and confidence.
Curriculum highlights
Learning in the ELC happens through exploration, play and discovery across many areas. Select a subject below to learn more about how each experience supports your child’s development.
STEM & Science
Hands-on science experiences spark curiosity about the world. From experiments and cooking to guided exploration, children investigate, problem-solve and learn through trial and discovery.
Music
Music sessions involve singing, movement and rhythm, using songs from around the world as well as familiar playground tunes. Repetition and play-based approaches build skills and a love of music.
Literacy
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.
Visual Arts
Specialist-led art classes encourage imagination and observation. Children experiment with materials, techniques, and visual ideas, developing creativity and confidence in expressing themselves.
Perceptual Motor Program (PMP)
In Korowa's purpose-built PMP studio, children develop gross- and fine- motor skills, coordination, spatial awareness and body control, through movement-based activities designed to strengthen confidence and physical literacy.
Swimming
Children in the four-year-old program participate in fortnightly swimming lessons that build confidence, independence and essential water safety skills in small, supportive groups.
Yoga & Wellbeing
Regular sessions using Cosmic Kids Yoga promote strength, focus, calmness, and self-awareness, supporting overall wellbeing and mindfulness.
Frequently asked questions
What age can my child start at the ELC?
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.
What is your approach to early education?
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.
Is Korowa's ELC co-educational?
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.
Does Korowa offer the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) or Free Kinder Program?
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.
How does Korowa's ELC support school readiness?
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.
Book a tour today to see our vibrant Early Learning Centre in action and discover why Korowa is the right choice for your child's earliest starts in education.
