Inspired by the world-renowned Reggio Emilia method, our childcare philosophy is dedicated to supporting the great work that parents and caregivers provide at home.
Many people are curious about how this translates to our nursery, toddler and kindergarten care. One of the easiest ways to describe this is to walk through what a typical day might look like.
Most children arrive in the morning, so naturally we begin the day with breakfast. This is a great interactive session, allowing children to socialise with classmates and educators. It also presents a wonderful landscape for some of the key concepts of this successful method, such as the environment as the teacher, promoting curiosity and allowing the children to follow their own curiosities. It also introduces some key life skills into the mix, including choosing what to eat, opening cartons, selecting cutlery and clearing up (with help as needed, of course).
Nutrition is a vital element of Evoke Early Learning life. We work closely with a nutritionist to ensure all meals provide the essential components to promote healthy growth. We also grow and serve much of our own produce – something that all our children can get involved with. The satisfaction of enjoying something you’ve had a hand in creating is just one of the many ways we integrate healthy eating messages into everyday Evoke life.
While the day follows a structure, this isn’t rigid or set in stone. Should your child need something different from what others are doing – perhaps they need a bit of time out or a nap – then there are dedicated quiet spaces that they’re free to visit at any time.
Our early childhood educators are there to guide, not enforce, and this is evident throughout the day. This makes Monday different from Tuesday, as well as Wednesday, Thursday, Friday… No two days are the same, although each encompasses key Reggio Emilia elements, such as:
- Spending time with their peers: Communicating, playing and collaborating on group projects and mutually enjoyable activities.
- Plenty of discussions: The direction this takes is led by the children, their questions and curiosities.
- Hands-on play: From painting to the sand pit, tending the veggie garden to going on a bug safari, tactile and active involvement plays a huge part in a Reggio Emilia day.
- Taking advantage of Mother Nature: Each Evoke location features a safe outdoor environment where children can play, relax and get all the benefits that being outside brings.
- Creative play: This might involve an isolated session or work on a larger project that all the children contribute to over days, weeks or even months. Our classrooms are filled with the products of our children’s incredible minds, which makes for a colourful, bright and happy environment that stimulates further ideas and creativity.
- Rest and relaxation: Appropriate naps and quiet times are built into the day. This might involve a group story session, learning stress-reduction techniques – perhaps meditation or yoga – listening to music... Again, no two days follow exactly the same pattern.
Each day follows a healthy mix of group collaboration and solo working opportunities. The environment is tailor-made to encourage children to discover the art of expression in whatever way they choose. Dancing, singing, colouring and drawing, making models, inventing games… The list is endless and only limited by the children’s curiosity.
It’s also important to know that, while Early Educators spend plenty of time sculpting curriculums and schedules, these are more of a guideline than a strict timetable. Emergent discovery and learning opportunities are the hallmark of the Reggio Emilia day, with delightful possibilities opening up as the children follow their natural instincts and interests.
As such, there’s no such thing as a typical Evoke Early Learning day. But what is constant is the care and dedication towards child-led learning and the proven advantages of creating a life-long love of learning.
Both our Albert Park and Clayton centres embrace the Reggio Emilia method and we’d love for you to see us in action. Discover more about us and book a tour today.
Tracey is a highly qualified educator and administrator and brings a strong combination of academic achievement, extensive work experience in the education and business sectors as well as drive and passion to her role as General Manager of Operations at Evoke Early Learning.
Tracey has a Master of Education and an Advanced Diploma of Business and holds VIT Dual Registration to teach in Early Childhood and Primary School settings. She’s also a VIT Trained Mentor Teacher and has worked in ECEC settings as a Director, Educational Leader and as a Victorian Senior Area manager. Her recognition as a state finalist in the recent Director of the Year Awards is testament to her achievements in the early education sector.
Her extensive work experience also included a stint as Head of Curriculum at the Royal Children’s Hospital Education Institute and positions as head of ICT at a number of large primary and secondary schools. Tracey is also experienced in not-for-profit sessional kindergarten settings and long daycare environments, so she has a deep understanding of what’s required to support the needs and expectations of young children, educators, parents and caregivers.
Tracey is responsible for operational management at Evoke Early Learning’s Clayton centre in Oakleigh East and their Albert Park centre in South Melbourne and is deeply committed to leading and driving effective and sustainable service delivery throughout the company.
Tracey is passionate about making a meaningful difference to young children, their parents and the wider community and under her expert guidance, Evoke Early Learning is continuing to raise the bar in quality early education and childcare.
