Educational Programs

Merri CCC & K incorporates high quality educational programs based on the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) - Belonging, Being & Becoming, the Victorian EYLF as well as the centres philosopy on how children learn and develop through play. The learning experiences implemeneted within the centres curriculum focus on the developing the childrens strengths and interests using evolving, natural and open ended materials. 

Children’s Learning Story Portfolios:

All children at Merri will have his/her own Learning Story Portfolio that will share & record his/her journey of development within all rooms. Documentation of each child's development occurs on a spontaneous basis through observations that focus largely on their interests, interactions and conversations with their peers rather than their ability to meet developmental norms.

On a daily basis various observational tools are used as evidence to support staff observations and staffs knowledge of each child. It also incorporates relevant information regarding each child’s families and communities and highlight how strong and capable each child is.

All staff highly value and respect parental input and feedback with the observations taken. Therefore, we encourage parents and family members to take the Learning Story Portfolios home and write anything that is important to parents and their family.

Program planning, modifications and reflections:

The program planning for both indoors and outdoors, as mentioned are innovative and ever evolving. Learning experiences are modified and/or changed as do the children. These modifications / changes are documented and reflected upon on a daily basis and are communicated to parents in each rooms reflections book for parents to peruse at drop off and/or pick up times.

All early childhood educators at Merri undergo continuous training and inservices to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest issues in early childhood education.