Yongka Alkimos Nursery School
Play, Learn and Grow Together
Yongka Alkimos Nursery School
As children move up from the Bindi Bindi room into the Yongka nursery school or are welcomed into our centre here for the first time, they begin to explore and develop in more complex ways. As children's confidence grows, their communication and developmental skills are becoming more complex. Our educators create interesting and exciting experiences for our toddlers that develop core skills that they will grow and continue to develop as they get older. This means children leave our childcare facility with the right skills for preschool and early education.
We focus our early learning programs on children's interests that are discovered through observations and communicating with parents daily. Through this, we can provide a curriculum that is of interest to the children whilst allowing them to learn and develop through a carefully planned programme. This results in children enjoying learning before they reach pre-school education.
In our nursery school, we also provide a range of experiences including music and dance, cooking and various sensory activities that help develop our skills and capture our curious minds. We provide rich environments that are welcoming and nurturing towards children's needs and development.
Create
In the Yongka nursery school at Alkimos School of Early Learning, we believe creativity is the bedrock of all learning. Our Yongka nursery school is thoughtfully designed to ignite the sparks of imagination in our young learners, providing them with the tools and freedom to express their unique perspectives and ideas.
Artistic Expression
Our nursery school is a canvas where children's imaginations run wild. With an array of art supplies from paints and crayons to recycled materials, we encourage our toddlers to dive into the world of colours and shapes, translating their thoughts and emotions into tangible artworks. These activities not only enhance their fine motor skills but also instil a sense of pride and accomplishment in their creations.
Imaginative Play
Our play area is a stage for creativity, where children engage in role-playing and storytelling. They develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by assuming various roles and enacting scenarios from their imagination. This form of play is instrumental in enhancing language skills, emotional intelligence, and social interaction.
Discover
In the Yongka nursery school at Alkimos School of Early Learning, the journey of discovery is woven into the very fabric of our curriculum, inviting our young learners to unveil the mysteries of the world with wide-eyed wonder. Our dedication to discovery is integrated into everything we do to stimulate the innate curiosity of children, guiding them through a series of immersive and enlightening experiences.
Scientific Exploration
Our nursery school is a mini-laboratory where budding scientists can engage in hands-on experiments and activities. From mixing colours to understanding the basics of gravity and magnetism, we provide a safe and stimulating environment for children to conduct simple experiments that elucidate scientific concepts. This not only satisfies their curiosity but also lays the foundation for analytical thinking and a scientific mindset.
Literary Corner
Sensory activities are integral to our exploration theme. Through sand, water, and tactile play, children discover textures, temperatures, and the basic principles of physics. This form of play is crucial for cognitive development, allowing children to make connections and enhance their observational skills.
Mathematical Minds
In the Yongka Nursery School, we introduce mathematical concepts through playful and engaging activities. Whether it's sorting shapes, counting objects, or simple puzzles, our approach is to make math fun and accessible. These activities help children recognise patterns, understand sequences, and develop early numeracy skills, setting a strong foundation for their future academic journey.
Cultural Discovery
Our diverse cultural exploration activities enable children to embark on a journey around the world from the comfort of their nursery school. Through music, art, language, and culinary experiences, they learn about different cultures, enhancing their global awareness and appreciation for diversity. This exposure helps in building an inclusive mindset and a profound respect for cultural differences.
Technology and Innovation
Embracing the digital age, the Yongka Nursery School incorporates age-appropriate technology to aid discovery. Interactive apps and digital storytelling tools are carefully selected to complement our learning themes, ensuring that technology is used as a positive catalyst for learning and not just passive screen time.
Grow
In the Yongka Nursery School at Alkimos School of Early Learning, the journey of growth is both celebrated and nurtured. We understand that each child is unique, in their path of development. Our holistic approach in the Yongka Nursery School is designed to support and encourage this individual growth in a caring, inclusive environment.
Emotional and Social Development
Our nurturing environment fosters a sense of belonging and self-worth among our young learners. Through positive interactions, group activities, and guided social play, children develop empathy, learn to express their emotions healthily and build lasting friendships. This emotional and social foundation is crucial for their well-being and future relationships.
Cognitive Growth
Our curriculum is tailored to stimulate cognitive development through engaging and thought-provoking activities. Puzzles, storytelling, and problem-solving tasks encourage critical thinking and enhance memory and attention skills. We celebrate each child's curiosity and provide the support they need to understand, question, and connect with the world around them.
Physical Development
Recognising the importance of physical health and development, the Yongka Nursery School is equipped with resources and activities that promote gross and fine motor skills. From outdoor play that encourages running, jumping, and climbing to indoor activities like drawing, cutting, and crafting, we ensure that children's physical growth is supported in fun and challenging ways.
Language and Literacy
Language development is a cornerstone of growth in the Yongka Nursery School. Through interactive storytime, engaging conversations, and literacy-rich activities, we foster a love for reading and storytelling. We support the development of communication skills, from listening and understanding to speaking and eventually reading and writing, in a supportive, language-rich environment.
Independence and Self-Care
As part of their growth journey, we encourage our young learners to develop independence and self-care skills. From managing personal belongings to hygiene practices, we guide our children in becoming more self-reliant in a safe and supportive setting. This not only boosts their confidence but also prepares them for the next stages of their educational journey.
Our Approach
At the Yongka nursery school in Alkimos School of Early Learning, our approach to early childhood education is grounded in the belief that every child is a unique individual with limitless potential. We embrace a holistic, child-centred methodology that respects and responds to each child's needs, interests, and learning styles. Our approach is a harmonious blend of several key elements that together create an enriching and nurturing environment for our young learners.
Responsive Learning Environments
We meticulously design our learning spaces to be warm, welcoming, and engaging. Our environments are responsive to the interests and developmental stages of the children, offering a variety of choices and adaptable spaces that promote exploration, creativity, and learning. We ensure that our nursery classrooms are safe, inclusive, and rich with materials that reflect the diversity of our community and the world around us.
Play-Based Curriculum
At the heart of our educational approach is the belief in the power of play. We view play as essential to children's learning and development, providing a natural context for exploration, experimentation, and discovery. Our curriculum is designed to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth through structured and unstructured play activities that encourage children to investigate, imagine, and collaborate.
Family and Community Engagement
Recognising families as children's first and most important teachers, we actively foster partnerships with parents and caregivers. We maintain open, ongoing communication and encourage family involvement in our programs and activities. Our approach extends to the wider community, integrating local culture, resources, and events into our curriculum to enrich children's learning experiences and sense of belonging.
Individualised Learning
We are committed to recognizing and nurturing individual talents and abilities. Our educators are skilled in observing and documenting children's play and interactions to tailor learning experiences that meet each child's developmental needs and interests. This individualised attention ensures that every child feels valued and supported in their learning journey.
Professional Development and Reflective Practice
Our team of educators is our most valuable asset. We invest in continuous professional development and foster a culture of reflective practice. Our educators regularly engage in training, research, and reflection to stay abreast of the latest in early childhood education, ensuring that our approach remains dynamic, evidence-based, and responsive to the needs of our children and community.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness
We are committed to teaching our children the importance of caring for our planet. Our approach incorporates sustainable practices and environmental education, encouraging children to develop respect and responsibility for the natural world. Through hands-on experiences and exploration of our outdoor environments, children learn about conservation, biodiversity, and the importance of sustainable living.
Program and Experiences
In the Yongka Nursery School at Alkimos School of Early Learning, our program and experiences are thoughtfully curated to foster holistic development, ignite curiosity, and instil a lifelong love of learning in our young learners. We offer a rich tapestry of activities that are both engaging and educational, designed to cater to the diverse needs and interests of our children.
Creative Arts
Our program places a strong emphasis on artistic expression, providing children with an abundance of materials and opportunities to explore art in various forms. From painting and sculpture to drama and storytelling, children are encouraged to express their ideas, feelings, and creativity, fostering their imagination and fine motor skills.
Music and Movement
Music is an integral part of our daily routine, enriching our environment with rhythm, melody, and harmony. Children participate in singing, instrument play, and dance, promoting their auditory skills, coordination, and expressiveness. These activities also enhance their ability to listen, follow directions, and collaborate with others.
Nature and Environmental Education
We leverage our outdoor spaces to teach children about the natural world. Through gardening, nature walks, and observational activities, children learn about plants, animals, and the environment, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the earth.
Sensory and Exploratory Play
Our program includes a wide range of sensory activities designed to stimulate children's senses. Through sand, water, and tactile play, children explore textures, sounds, and smells, which supports cognitive development and problem-solving skills.
Literacy and Language Development
We create a language-rich environment that supports literacy development, from storytelling and book reading to interactive games that enhance vocabulary and comprehension. Early writing and recognition activities are integrated seamlessly, laying the foundation for reading and writing skills.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
Our program introduces basic STEM concepts through hands-on, exploratory activities. Children engage in simple experiments, construction projects, and problem-solving tasks that encourage critical thinking and an understanding of cause and effect.
Specialised Experiences Cultural and Community Connection
We celebrate diversity and encourage children to explore and appreciate different cultures and traditions. Through special events, guest speakers, and community outings, children gain a broader understanding of the world around them.
Health and Well-being
Physical activity and mindfulness practices are embedded in our daily routines. Yoga, outdoor sports, and relaxation activities promote children's physical health and emotional well-being.
Collaborative Projects
Group projects are a hallmark of our program, fostering teamwork, communication, and a sense of community among children. These projects range from group art installations to collective scientific inquiries, encouraging children to work together towards a common goal.
Digital Literacy
In an age-appropriate and controlled manner, we introduce children to digital tools and resources that complement their learning experiences. Interactive educational games and digital storytelling tools are used judiciously to enhance their learning and engagement.