The educational child care programs in Maronite Sisters Preschool were designed to offer a comprehensive path to prepare your child for elementary school.
Our Program is a combination of the Montessori approach and the Early Years Learning Framework "EYLF".
We believe by implementing a blended curriculum, we are optimizing children involvement and participation in their learning and preparation not only for school but for life.

The Early Years Learning Framework is part of the Council of Australian Government’s reform agenda for early childhood education. It is developed on the understanding that children start learning from birth. It is based on the fact that providing children with the right environment, tools, support and methods of learning can definitely help to augment their ability to learn throughout their lives.

EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK

The EYLF's aim concentrates on the child individuality, specific needs and interests. It lays a firm foundation through learning and development that is planned around each individual child. The EYLF is based on the concept of Being, Belonging and Becoming.
Being is the concept that the children are given the opportunity to be who they are and the sense of freedom to explore the world around them. Belonging is the concept where the children learn best through their connection to their families, communities and the world. Becoming is the concept that children are constantly learning new things while growing.
EYLF has a specific emphasis on play-based learning and teaching. It concentrates on the relationships between children and adults as the core to learning and teaching.

Two way interactions and the exchange of ideas and thinking in play contexts influence children’s intellectual skills and understandings, motivation, creativity, increased feeling of wellbeing and physical skills. EYLF is constituted of five outcomes:
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity.
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners.
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators.
This is not a program to be followed rigorously but, rather a set of principles that are used to help ensure and stimulate every child’s ability to learn.

MENTESSORI

Montessori is a philosophy with fundamental tenant that child learns best with a social environment which supports each individual's unique development.

METHOD: The primary goal of a Montessori program is to help each child reach their potential in all areas of life. Activities promote the development of social skills, emotional growth, and physical coordination as well as cognitive preparation.

ENVIRONMENT: In order for self-directed learning to take place, the whole learning environment - room, materials and social climate - must be supportive, the teacher should provide necessary resources, including opportunities for children to function in a safe and positive climate.

LEARNING PROCESS: Children are free to work at their own place with materials they have chosen, either alone or with others. The aim is to encourage active, self-directed learning and to gain balance of individual mastery with small group collaboration within the whole group community.
Montessori programs are based on self directed, non-complicated activities, they help children develop good self-images and the confidence to force challenges.

TEACHER'S ROLE: The teacher is originally called a "Directress", the Montessori teacher functions as designer of the environment, resource person, role model, demonstrator, record keeper and meticulous observer of each child's behavior and growth. The teacher acts as a facilitator of learning.
Teachers educated in the Montessori philosophy and the methodology for the age level they are teaching have the dedication to put the key concepts into practice.
Montessori children are usually adaptive. They have learned to work independently and in groups. Research has shown that the best predicator of future success is relied in the self-esteem.

HOW EYLF AND MONTISSORI WORK TOGETHER?

The EYLF makes several points about the theories that inform and guide the educators' work. These theories help us as educators to deepen our understanding of children and what we do and why.

With Montessori and EYLF combined we intensify our confidence in:
• Drawing on our professional knowledge when developing the curriculum.
• Understanding children's learning.
• Developing a better level of expertise in creating programs that enhance learning for each child.