Early learning centre brings a Little Wonder to Sebas

A NEW kindergarten and childcare centre in the city’s south will work to provide unique, child-centred early education.

Sebastopol’s 118-place Little Wonders Early Learning Centre is set to care for newborn babies to preschool-aged children up to six, offering a government approved kindergarten program.

Centre manager, Trina Crowe is leading a “young, energetic, enthusiastic” team, including three childcare educators, one kindergarten teacher and a qualified chef.

She said play-based education at Little Wonders will focus on the individual needs and learning styles of the child.

“It’s key that all learning experiences and intentional teachings are really centred around the children, so it’s not teacher-educator orientated, it’s all about the child as a whole,” Ms Crowe said.

“It’s about health and wellbeing, their developmental, and academic areas. It’s focused on where they’re at within themselves, not necessarily where charts or books say they should be, because every child is different and learns at their own pace.

“As educators and teachers, we’ll really hone in on how a child learns and develops, not expecting them to learn just one way. Even though we might be teaching them all the same thing, our teaching will differ for every child.”

Ms Crowe also said Little Wonders’ indoor learning spaces aren’t necessarily the only key areas for supporting a child’s development.

“The skills children can learn in an outdoor classroom are equally important. We’ve made sure our outdoor play spaces are natural, inviting, challenging, and a really positive learning space for the children,” she said.

The centre has six learning classrooms; two nursery rooms for newborns to two year olds, two toddler areas, a pre-kinder room and a kinder room for children aged between three and five years old.

With nearly 30 years of experience in early education, Ms Crowe is proud and energised to lead the facility.

“It’s really good to finally put my own beliefs and values out there. Everything that Little Wonders is about, is what I’m about,” she said.

“It’s a unique learning experience and opportunity for the children, and I’m looking forward to being able to support, help and guide educators to create learning spaces that will engage and excite the children in their care.”

Little Wonders is at 6 Queen Street and open for tours via appointment. Visit littlewonderselc.com.au/get-in-touch/#GetInTouchBallarat or call 5317 9229 to inquire.