KU Provides Interactive Experiences For Children

KU Children’s Services, one of the largest not-for-profit providers of quality early childhood education and care and the most experienced provider in Australia, announced that in addition to the high quality well-rounded play-based learning programs and educational experiences they provide, KU will now also deliver an area of interest, focus or specialisation in each of their centres.

Each KU centre will now provide a richer tapestry of educationally interactive experiences for children, exploring an area of specialisation that brings the community together and enhances the space where children are supported to be their own, unique selves, growing and developing a sense of belonging and empowerment. These areas of specialisation are diverse and include everything from visual arts and technology, to music, STEM, cultural appreciation and environmental sustainability.

“Children build their skills and knowledge by engaging in experiences based on their interests and needs across all areas of development,” says KU CEO Christine Legg. “Providing an area of interest, focus or specialisation contributes to their development and supports the principles of the of the National Quality Framework, introduced to ensure consistent, high quality early childhood education for all children. This innovation also showcases the highly skilled teachers and educators in our centres and their professional commitment to providing a love of lifelong learning and inquiry to the children in their care”.

At KU Chester Hill, the focus is on the natural environment and sustainability. This is incorporated into the program through activities such as gardening, cooking, worm farms and planting seeds. Children benefit from this focus as they are able to spend quality time exploring the natural outdoor environment. They also grow their own fruits and vegetables and when ready, harvest them to use in cooking experiences in the room, providing an understanding of the ways in which food is cultivated and consumed.

KU Lance has an ongoing commitment to sustainability and nature education. Their regular excursions to Barangaroo Headland Park allow children to explore natural environments and ‘wild places’. They also  utilise natural items in their teaching and learning environments, as well as providing a kitchen garden and several pets, to assist children in caring for other living things. The benefits of Nature education for children’s wellbeing, resilience and cognitive function are well supported in research. As children learn about and within the natural world, they develop a stewardship of care and respect for the environment.

KU Village Green specialises in relationships and attachment, as strong, secure and consistent relationships equip children with a sense of belonging, purpose and self-worth. This is incorporated into the program through flexible routines, consistency of team members  and opportunities for children to make real choices throughout the day, including progressive meal times and small groups. They also provide a comprehensive orientation and transition to care and between rooms to enable children to feel secure and to settle at their own pace. Children benefit from this specialisation because it establishes the foundations for successful relationships throughout life, as each child feels valued and supported.

KU believes that children learn about their world through experiences provided in a nurturing and supportive environment. “It’s the wide range of active and meaningful experiences that KU’s highly experienced teachers and educators provide that helps children’s learning."

For more information, visit the website. 

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