Child Care Centre Philosophy
Village Yard Christian Early Learning are committed to providing a safe, loving, and nurturing environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive through a blend of Christian values, Montessori principles, and the Reggio Emilia approach. We believe that each child is a unique creation, made in the image of God, and we are dedicated to fostering their spiritual, emotional, intellectual, and social development.
The EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) and QKLG (Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guide) are both important frameworks used in early childhood education in Australia. They guide educators in delivering quality education and care to young children. It is always our intention to adhere to the professional guidelines for Early Childhood services: Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG). These frameworks support our centre in providing a consistent, high-quality educational experience, ensuring that young children’s learning and development are nurtured effectively and in line with national and state guidelines.
Christian Values
We believe that children are a gift from God and that every child deserves to feel valued, loved, and supported in their development. Our centre fosters an environment of care where Christian values guide our interactions and daily practices. Care encompasses the values of Hillcrest Christian College (integrity, respect, courage, service, humility, diligence and discernment). We encourage children to express these toward one another, nurturing their sense of purpose and connection to the world around them. Biblical teachings on character traits are woven into our curriculum, helping children build a strong moral foundation.
Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia approach emphasises the importance of child-led learning, where children’s ideas, questions, and curiosities drive the curriculum. We recognise that children are strong, capable, and resilient learners who are eager to explore and express themselves through multiple languages such as art, music, and movement. We see the environment as the "third teacher," carefully designing spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and exploration. Our educators work in partnership with children and families, building relationships that are respectful, responsive, and grounded in the belief that children’s thoughts and actions shape their learning experiences.
By combining Christian values, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia, we strive to create an environment where children are encouraged to develop their full potential in all aspects of life—spiritually, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. Our aim is to foster children who care, learn and connect ready to embrace the world with a sense of joy, wonder, and purpose.
Educational Program
The Early Years Learning setting provides crucial opportunities for young children to develop intellectual, emotional, and social skills that will serve as the foundation for their lifelong learning. These environments often integrate various educational philosophies to nurture the whole child. Our pillars of Care, Learn and Connect, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia are three influential frameworks that shape our early childhood education, each offering unique approaches while remaining aligned in their commitment to fostering growth in a nurturing and supportive environment.
In Village Yard, we embrace the core pillars of Care, Learn, and Connect, which form the foundation of how we nurture growth and community.
Care
Encompasses the Hillcrest Christian College values of integrity, respect, courage, service, humility, diligence and service and is expressed through our deep commitment to supporting each individual’s emotional, social, and physical well-being, creating a compassionate environment where everyone feels valued.
Learn
Reflects our dedication to continuous learning, emphasizing not just academic growth but also the development of critical thinking, creativity, and resilience. Learning in all domains of the child; wellbeing, emotional, spiritual, intellectual and global are critical foundations to their success in the future.
Connect
Represents our belief in building strong, meaningful relationships within our village, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. These values are closely aligned with Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory.
Montessori’s child-centered approach emphasizes independence, respect, and fostering a love for learning in a caring environment. Reggio Emilia further enriches this by advocating for a collaborative approach, where children express their ideas and emotions through diverse mediums, making learning a deeply connected, community-driven experience.
Bronfenbrenner’s model enhances this by recognizing the importance of a broader network of relationships and environments in shaping development, from the immediate family to the larger societal systems, reinforcing the value of care and connection within various layers of life. Through these combined frameworks, our village nurtures the holistic development of each individual, empowering them to thrive within an interconnected and supportive community.
At Village Yard Christian Early Learning, our educators use The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG). EYLF is a national learning framework, specifically designed for children from birth to five years.
This is our foundational guide for all children aged between 0-5 years old.
The EYLF framework consists of five learning outcomes, they include;
A strong sense of their identity
Connections with their world
A strong sense of wellbeing
Confidence and involvement in their learning
Effective communication skills
Similarly, the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG) contains five learning and development areas that align to the five broad learning outcomes identified in the EYLF. The QKLG is designed to be used by qualified early childhood teacher (ECT) to plan, implement and reflect on their educational program. Eligible children participate for the year, with a focus on play-based approaches to school readiness. A detailed assessment of learning is completed during the year for each child.
Educators use both the frameworks in partnerships with families to develop a play-based learning program which are responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths, and abilities. The EYLF describes early childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming.
Our young people are uniquely designed by God. Village Yard educates, equips, empowers and energises the hearts, minds, hands and behaviours of young people so they can discover their unique purpose for the collective good of the community.
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