For Children
A sense of belonging
We strive to build a close, secure relationship with children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds, helping them to experience a sense of belonging at Elizabeth Macarthur Montessori Preschool.
We believe education will come freely when children are in a happy and relaxed atmosphere. Our educators engage with children using open, meaningful interactions that support the acquisition of skills for life. Using the Early Years Learning Framework, we create individual plans for each child based on their unique capabilities, disposition, cultural factors and learning preferences.
Children are always encouraged to play, to interact with their environment and to choose experiences across curriculum areas. We also aim to help children manage their own behaviour and respond appropriately to the behaviour of others while learning how best to manage conflict.
Fostering positive learning relationships
We practice intentional teaching to provide meaningful experiences that reflect each child’s interests, community and culture
Learning through exploration
The child is allowed to work without interruption and to repeat activities as long as their interest lasts
Early Years Learning Framework
The three elements of Principles, Practice and Learning Outcomes enable children to maximise their potential
Elizabeth Macarthur Montessori Preschool is open from 7:30am until 5pm, Monday to Friday. The hours of 9am-3pm are mandatory, due to key curriculum inclusions, but either side of those hours you can choose the length of your child’s day with us to suit their needs and those of your work and family commitments.
Educators will support each child’s inclusion in the program regardless of their background abilities, working in conjunction with the family and special support services. At Elizabeth Macarthur Montessori Preschool all of our educators are dedicated to helping each and every child find their place as a contributing member of the group.
Montessori is an educational approach that emphasises self-directed learning, collaborative play and respect for a child’s natural psychological development. It also values the development of independence, self-discipline and respect for the environment. It was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 20th century.
The Montessori method follows these principles:
- Children are naturally curious and have a desire to learn
- Each child has unique strengths and needs, and should be treated as an individual
- Children learn best through hands-on experiences
- The educator’s role is to prepare an environment for learning and to then observe and guide the child’s learning process
- Children should be given freedom within limits to explore and learn at their own pace.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a national framework for early childhood education in Australia. It provides a guide for educators and carers to support children’s learning and development in the years before they begin formal schooling. The EYLF is based on the belief that all children have the right to participate in play-based learning experiences that are engaging, challenging, and meaningful to them. It emphasises the importance of communication, relationships, and a sense of belonging in the learning environment.
Discover how we can help your child
We invite you to visit Elizabeth Macarthur Montessori Preschool to experience our child-centred, safe learning environment, and find out more about how we can help your child to confidently find their place within a community and as an individual.