The Collective
The Collective, our emergent educational curriculum, is aligned to our Little Scholars vision, mission statement, philosophy, and our play-based approach to children’s learning. This streamlined approach of an emergent curriculum supports educators to adopt child development theory and put into practice.
Our educational program is based on the premise that children are most successful at learning when curriculum experiences account for children’s interests, strengths, and individual needs. The Collective encompasses all aspects of Little Scholars, including a collaborative approach with our children, families, educators, and community.
Our weekly programs, which can be seen in our studios, are responsive to the evolving interests and needs of the children and allow for flexibility and extended periods of play and research to test theories. This enquiry-led teaching strengthens children to become competent and capable across their developmental domains. The Collective allows educators to follow the children’s lead and actively explore new concepts, ideas, or interest.
How does The Collective work?
- Our educators observe and gather valuable information about our little scholars – conversations, their interests, their play and more. They plan curriculum based on a deep understanding of each child, family input, educator observations, relevant theory and child-led play.
- Educators continuously follow and document each child’s journey, tracking their progress and responding accordingly. By embracing The Collective as a project approach, this allows the studio’s curriculum to seamlessly flow from one week to another. While this happens, educators identify learning moments and extend them further.
- Educators take time to reflect on the previous week’s program on a weekly or fortnightly basis, and use those evaluations to inform necessary changes and improvements.
- Our educators share weekly highlights with families, including learning intentions to keep families informed and involved. They also maintain a comprehensive Learning Journey throughout the year, capturing important milestones. Educators assess each child holistically, incorporating observations of their play, planned approach to their goals, and connections to significant milestones.
At the heart of The Collective is a commitment to nurturing the full potential of every child. Our approach is not just a curriculum; it’s a philosophy that permeates every aspect of Little Scholars, from our studios to our community engagements, and even our long-term projects like the 2036 initiative.
By adopting The Collective, we’re not just educating; we’re cultivating a community of lifelong learners. We’re not just preparing children for primary school; we’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, resilience, and success.
So, when you step into a Little Scholars campus, you’re not just entering a childcare centre; you’re becoming part of a vibrant learning community where every child is a cherished member, every educator is a guide, and every day is a new opportunity for discovery.
