L’Atelier for Children is a private preschool centre that uses the “Reggio Emilia” style education system for children between 2 and 5 years. Our philosophy is inspired by the educational practices and beliefs of Loris Malaguzzi and Reggio Emilia and our curriculum follows methodologies laid out in the Early Years Learning Framework.
The children’s learning is based on their interests. They act as co-constructors of their learning. The classroom environment is a “third” teacher. We see the child’s surroundings as an excellent medium through which a child’s learning experience can be enriched. Through conscious use of space, colour, natural light, displays of children’s work, and attention to nature and detail, the environment serves as another teacher.

We believe that children have an endless number of ways of learning. This is thus reflected in the many materials, methods, instruments, activities, ideas and tools that our curriculum presents to children.

Our teachers see children as competent, full of potential and active in constructing his or her own knowledge through interactions with others. They try to understand as fully as possible the child’s viewpoint and abilities. All children have preparedness, potential and curiosity, and interest in engaging in social interaction, establishing relationships, constructing their learning, and negotiating with everything the environment brings to them.

As early childhood educators we value the importance of a play-based curriculum. Through a mixture of explicit teaching, inquiries and free exploration, children learn, explore and develop. We also focus on developing independence, resilience and ‘big’ school readiness, to prepare your child for the transition to more formal schooling.

Nature play is vital to a healthy childhood. We spend extended periods in our beautiful outdoor environment actively exploring. We also bring nature indoors to support our curriculum. There is no better space for children to learn than the outdoors, and there is no better play resource than nature.

Yes! We encourage families to come and have a tour. L’Atelier for Children is a unique centre and to fully appreciate what the centre offers, you need to come in, meet the staff and view the classroom and the extra-large outdoor area. Bookings are essential, so please do not hesitate to call Denise our Director on 08 9245 5243 to book a tour.

The centre is very well staffed with 5 staff in total, and we are licensed for 30 children. We are very fortunate to have Miss Holly as our head teacher with over 5 years teaching experience and three teacher’s assistants who have either a Diploma or a Certificate 3 in Early Childhood Education. Kate also has special needs qualifications. We are also very privileged to have Denise who is our very experienced Director and has been with the centre for over 6 years. All the staff complement each other and work extremely well as a team. They all have first aid qualification and Anaphylaxis, Asthma and Diabetic training.

The centre operates 48 weeks per year and closes over the Christmas and New Year period. You do not pay fees over this time.

• A backpack

• A change of clothes

• A packed lunch

• 1 healthy snack box and 1 piece of fruit

• A hat

• A water bottle

• A pillow slip

• 4 nappies if required

Our Children share a fruit platter and plain crackers for afternoon tea.