LEARNING AT BOWER
From a first secure relationship to the years before school, learning grows through everyday experiences, thoughtful teaching and the freedom to explore.
“The wider the range of possibilities we offer children, the more intense will be their motivations and the richer their experiences.”
OUR ROOMS AND GROUPINGS
Each room is led by qualified early childhood educators, and each is designed around the developmental stage of the children within it.
6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS
In our nursery, qualified educators provide responsive care and education for our youngest children. We focus on each child’s overall development in a calm, nurturing environment where secure relationships are prioritised. Learning experiences are developmentally appropriate, interest-driven and grounded in strong partnerships with families.
Educator to child ratio 1:4
2 TO 3 YEARS
In our toddler room, educators guide and support children through this important stage of growing independence and curiosity. The whole child is supported socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively, through play-based experiences that are intentional and responsive to children’s interests.
Educator to child ratio 1:5
3 TO 4 YEARS
Our first preschool room extends children’s growing capability for sustained, collaborative work. Small-group projects run over days and weeks, and children begin to document and revisit their own thinking. We have degree qualified teachers in the preschool program.
Educator to child ratio 1:11
4 YEARS TO SCHOOL AGE
In our final year before school, children take on more responsibility for their own learning and for the life of the room. Our school readiness program runs throughout the year rather than as a separate block at the end of it. We have degree qualified teachers in the preschool program.
Educator to child ratio 1:11
Transitions between rooms are planned in partnership with families and are based on your child’s readiness, not on their birthday alone. Ratios are the educator to child ratios required under the National Quality Framework and are maintained at all times.
6 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS
In our Nursery, early childhood qualified educators are responsible for the care and education of children from six months to two years.
The Nursery aims to develop the whole child in a nurturing environment, and seeks to engage them in learning experiences that are developmentally appropriate, support dispositions for learning and are in partnership with families.
The program is based on observations of each child and follows their development and emerging interests.
Our educators are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Reggio Emilia Approach to plan engaging, play-based and child-centred learning experiences.
Children are offered numerous open-ended opportunities that stimulate play-based learning. Experiences indoors and out (sensory play, physical play, music and movement, imaginative and creative play) build on the whole child’s learning and development. Young children have an inherent desire to learn; our role is to intentionally provide support, guidance and inspiration to further develop it.
2 TO 3 YEARS
In our Toddler Room, qualified early childhood educators guide and support children aged two to three years through this important stage of growing independence and curiosity.
We provide a nurturing environment where the whole child is supported socially, emotionally, physically and cognitively. Educators design play-based learning experiences that are intentional, responsive to children’s interests and aligned with their developmental needs. Strong connections with families keep the approach to learning consistent and meaningful.
The Reggio Emilia Approach is founded on the belief that children are capable, competent and full of potential. At the heart of our approach is the belief that children are naturally driven to learn; educators intentionally guide, support and inspire each child’s learning journey.
3 YEARS TO SCHOOL AGE
We offer two tailored programs in our preschool, each led by a degree qualified early childhood teacher: the three year old program, and the four year old to school age program.
to 4 years
Gives our younger children a high-quality, teacher-led learning environment earlier than ever before. Starting at age three, children benefit from:
to school age
Builds on that foundation with a rich, intentional curriculum that prepares children for the social and emotional demands of school:
Learning together. Planned times also bring the age groups together. Mixed-age play promotes peer scaffolding, empathy, leadership and rich, collaborative learning.
FLYING START / 3 YEARS TO SCHOOL AGE
We believe a strong foundation in the early years sets the tone for lifelong learning. More than 90% of brain development occurs before the age of five, making these years vitally important.
Our preschools are partnered with the South Australian Government’s Flying Start Preschool program, for children from three years to school age. Flying Start provides funding for eligible children to access up to 15 hours of preschool each week.
The funding allows additional curriculum programs and allied health support that promote children’s development, as well as ongoing professional learning for our educators. Families accessing the program may also continue to access Child Care Subsidy support where eligible.
All that is required is signing a Registration of Interest, Declaration and Consent form. Once the form is completed, we take care of everything else on your behalf. The more children enrolled in Flying Start, the greater the level of support and enrichment we can offer overall.
With small group sizes, secure and warm homelike environments, and passionate educators who nurture, connect and inspire, Flying Start offers your child further enriched learning opportunities for the best start at school and beyond.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Meet the educators, explore the spaces and feel our nurturing environment.
Or send us an enquiry