The 2024 KindiCare Excellence Awards have just been announced, and we’re happy to say that Treehouse in the Park Early Learning Centre (NCS) is our top performer in the Australian Capital Territory. 

The centre won this accolade with an Outstanding KindiCare Rating of 9.9, and as its name suggests, Treehouse in the Park has a great connection to the natural world.  

The centre’s spacious outdoor environment supports children’s exploration and discovery, and when they’re not busy watering vegetables or playing with loose parts, under-fives are encouraged to test the bounds of what they can do!  

Treehouse in the Park has a strong culture of risky play that helps to build children’s resilience, agency and positive sense of self. 

Centre Manager, Melissa Crawford explains that, “In the outdoor space, we have trees and other things for children to climb. We also have real tools for the early learners to use, including shovels and rakes in our veggie gardens, and hand drills, clamps, screws and hammers in our Tinkering Shed.” 

If a branch ever feels too high, or a tool too tricky, Treehouse’s educators are on hand to help, and they are guided by a really interesting approach called the Conscious Discipline framework.  

This approach means that educators use children’s behaviour as a form of communication, and instead of distracting them from big emotions, like fear, sadness or frustration, the educators acknowledge the child’s emotions and help them feel their way through them.  

Melissa explains that, “When children are behaving in a particular way, we view that as them missing their skills.  

“So, if they are fearful about climbing, we teach them to trust their abilities, take a deep breath, take their time and look for a good handhold.  

“And if they are pushing another child because they want a toy, we teach them how to ask for a turn, and provide them with that skill.” 

This kind of social and emotional teaching sets children up for life, and the educators put a lot of dedication and care into all facets of the early learning program.  

There’s a great focus on play-based learning, with each child’s unique interests factored in, and the educators ignite under-fives’ curiosity, creativity and collaborative spirit with their inquiry approach to teaching and learning.  

Whether children are crafting together, using upcycled materials donated by families, or they’re harvesting vegetables for the centre chef to use in their meals, inclusivity is also a big part of Treehouse in the Park. 

Every single child is supported to think, move and grow in wonderful ways, and the low staff turnover at this centre points to a fantastic culture and a great depth of experience. 

The educators take real care to build children up, and whether a pre-schooler is reaching for that next branch, or for the stars, they’re sure to get an amazing start at Treehouse in the Park! 

 

Learn more about Treehouse in the Park Early Learning Centre (NCS) 

Information correct as at 1 July 2024