Bespoke Childcare in SA
Emali Early Learning Centre offers individualised learning experiences for each and every child in their care. See how their personalised approach works in practice.
BY HEJIRA CONVERY, KINDICARE
There’s no-one on Earth exactly like your pre-schooler, and when you’re looking for childcare, it’s really important that you find a centre that’s in tune with your child’s needs, wants, interests, abilities and other things that make them, them!
Personalised attention and individualised learning experiences are key in your child’s formative years, and if you’re based in Adelaide you’re in luck, because Emali Early Learning Centre has eight well-located services, and every one of them is focused on each child’s learning.
Emali uses a model of learning that’s built on the science of natural brain development, and they engage children in individually guided, play-based learning experiences that are underpinned by the principles of the Early Years Learning Framework.
This means that instead of offering a one-size-fits-all learning program, Emali’s directors, teachers and educators look at the individual educational needs of each child, then tailor experiences to them, with play always a priority.
These ‘made for me’ experiences help children to build the independence, confidence, social skills and creativity they need for school and life; and even if you’re not in Adelaide, it’s helpful to see how Emali's childcare centres, with 70 places and above, can offer a really personalised program.
To this end, here are three ways that Emali’s people put the focus on each pre-schooler:
1. They partner with families in a meaningful way.
This happens from the get-go, and instead of just whizzing through the centre tour and orientation, the Emali team takes the time to speak with each family and understand what’s important to them for their child’s education and development.
Parents are encouraged to share their child’s special interests, whether that’s finger painting or football, and this open dialogue continues once their child starts attending the centre.
There’s regular communication between the Centre Director, educators and family to ensure the learning program is individualised and in the child’s best interests, and there’s a great mix of verbal and digital communication.
Drop-offs, pick-ups and parent/teacher information evenings are all opportunities to chat about new interests, special life events or specific challenges; and Emali uses the Xplor Home app to share information, photos and routine updates with families every day.
Families are invited to centre events, like birthday parties and morning/afternoon teas, and there are lots of opportunities for them to be involved and meet the other families within the wider Emali community, which fosters a fantastic sense of belonging.
Over time, the Emali team and centre actually becomes an extension of the family home, and there’s a real confidence that everyone is invested in the child’s development and growth.
2. Educators also build a strong connection with each child they care for.
They become familiar with the child’s interests by observing them during orientation and the childcare day; and the Emali team takes careful note of what each child gravitates towards.
There’s loads of choice when it comes to activities, and educators build individualised learning opportunities by listening to the child’s voice and letting them lead their own learning.
So, for instance, if a child starts diving into the dress-up box, their educator will give them time to explore this kind of play, then follow their lead in treating a sick teddy or tucking into play food.
The team also encourages each child to feel a genuine sense of belonging at the centre.
They get their own locker tag and photo on display, and this helps to build the child’s confidence in sharing their interests and joining in with learning opportunities.
3. The Emali team also plans experiences with each child’s interests and culture in mind.
The whole program and all environments are set up for individual learning experiences, and the team takes careful note of which children are attending each day and what interests they have.
For example, if the educators know that a puzzle-loving preschooler is in on Tuesday and Wednesday, they’ll make sure there are plenty of puzzles out on those days; and if a Friday group absolutely loves animals, the team might arrange for a petting zoo to visit one Friday.
The team also acknowledges individual families’ cultures.
Every fortnight, new themed learning activities are created for the Emali Music & Movement Program, based around the cultures of families at their centre.
There are also in-house extra-curricular activities that celebrate cultural events close to families’ hearts, such as Chinese New Year and the Hindu Festival of Colours, Holi.
The team also makes connections with the wider community to support children’s interests and learning needs.
The children love it when public servants (like police officers, fire fighters or paramedics) visit the centre for show and tell, to explain their job and teach life skills; and regular outings to local libraries support the children’s early literacy and love of learning.
All in all, Emali Early Learning Centre supports each child to learn and thrive in the way that suits them best.
The team is always happy to go the extra mile to create enjoyable and enriching learning experiences, and Emali Early Learning Centre is a great option if you’re looking for friendly, flexible and child-focused care in Adelaide.
You can easily enquire with an Emali centre near you, using the KindiCare app or Childcare Comparison Website, and we hope you find a place that suits your child (and family) perfectly.
