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:
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.
We are all wonderfully different. Each of us learns and develops in our own sweet way – and this is something that should be celebrated and nurtured. Diverse learning encompasses a huge range of individualities. There are plenty of terms used for different neurodiverse conditions, such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and dyscalculia.
No matter what the name, the important thing about diverse learning is that the brain works and processes information in a way outside of what might be considered typical. The underlying concepts of the Reggio Emilia approach – in that the child directs their learning pathway – make it ideal for everyone.
Neurodiverse or otherwise, everyone triggers their best learning potential when they follow what naturally stimulates their curiosity.
The development of truly inclusive programmes for those with diverse learning needs presents challenges. However, the Reggio Emilia philosophy is proving to be the one that breaks the mould. This is thanks to the four of the core ingredients of this method:
The Reggio Emilia method recognises every child as a powerful, capable and resourceful human being. Educators are co-learners and collaborators – other children are their peers. Parents and family also feature highly. If necessary, this can also include special educators who further help guide any particular learning requirements.
Encouraging great collaboration between all parties is especially important for those with diverse learning needs and plays a big part in how the individual approaches relationship dynamics, both today and in the future.
Curiosity-inspiring environments, full of natural materials and offering a wealth of different tactile experiences provide children – all children – with multiple methods of discovery and expression. Words are only one way we communicate. There are so many ways to ‘speak’ to the world, including music, dance, drawing, making models, grouping stones into sizes, even touching and tracing shapes on different surfaces… Learning in such an environment is dynamic and all-encompassing, allowing children to embrace and understand their preferred methods of discovery.
Longer-term projects, where children might work in small groups, provide a diverse landscape of tasks. These require many different talents – allowing endless opportunities for learners of all types. Everyone gets involved, from choosing what they’d like to do through to actioning their intentions. The smallest of interactions often leads to whole group involvement – and can provide delightful leadership opportunities in the most unexpected of places.
Reggio Emilia believes in the ‘100 languages of children’, and this is particularly relevant for those with diverse learning needs. This recognises achievements in many different ways, each of which can be documented to show progression. Recognition is a key element in every child’s learning journey.
This can be monitored in many ways, such as craft creations, drawings, making suggestions for a project... Educators can take pictures of transient wins – such as using building blocks – or perhaps transcribe a scenario where the child participated in a conversation. These are just a couple of examples – there are infinite methods to document the progress of every child in the classroom.
Because the Reggio Emilia strategy doesn’t follow strict timetables and schedules, early educators have the flexibility to adapt day-to-day life to different abilities and learning styles. Collaboration, problem-solving and team building are gently encouraged, with children learning how to naturally follow their interests, develop their strengths and support their peers.
Such an environment can be hugely positive for diverse learners. In addition, having free access to quiet areas, which are always included in a Reggio Emilia classroom, provides all children with the opportunity to take some quiet time out whenever they choose.
The key to supporting children with diverse learning requirements is to nurture their needs whilst ensuring collaborative, appropriate interactions with their peers, teachers, special educators, parents and anyone else in their circle.
In the Emilia Reggio classroom, this might be seen as:
The best way to understand how diverse learning requirements are catered for in the Emilio Reggio classroom is to contact our team and then come and see us in action. This can easily be done by booking a tour. You can also check out our news page, which is regularly updated with information on a wide range of early education-related subjects.
The Reggio Emilia approach is so much more than just education and childcare. It’s about a proven, unique concept that views the child as a capable individual who can follow a learning path driven by their own curiosity and interests, yet fully supported by everyone and everything around them.
This community consists of the early childcare educators, their surroundings (in Reggio Emilia the environment is considered as the third teacher) and each child’s parents, caregivers and family group.
With the Reggio Emilia approach, more than in any other early learning environment, parents/guardians and family are an integral element in their child’s learning pathway.
Everyone plays a role in a Reggio Emilia classroom. Right at the centre is the child – a protagonist with individual likes, dislikes, talents and vast potential to become their very best future adult self.
Around them is their community, which is made up of the:
The role of the educator is to nurture and guide – to help direct a child’s natural instincts, providing an inclusive landscape of questioning, involvement, cooperation and discovery. The surroundings, or environment, of a Reggio Emilia centre is carefully constructed to support this journey.
The family – be it parents, guardians, caregivers or a wider extension – play an equally important role. As partners in their child’s journey, family members are encouraged to actively participate. This is achieved in many ways and can be fitted into even the busiest of lifestyles.
The dynamics of the Reggio Emilia concept make family involvement a priority. This is achieved in an infinite number of ways. For example:
The best early childhood education is achieved when families and educators work together in partnership and as a community. Such collaboration is given the highest consideration at Evoke Early Learning Centres. In addition to playing an active part in their child’s learning journey, parents and guardians are actively encouraged to contribute to service decisions.
Parents’ views are not only respected, but caregivers are encouraged to share in the decision-making and well-being of their child’s early education. Such involvement is fostered through communication, cooperation and information sharing. In other words, the creation of a community centred around the most important person in the mix – the child.
This concept is highlighted by our childcare philosophy and values. We’re proud of our centres and would be delighted to show you in person.
Book a tour to see us in action or contact us and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.
While early childhood education is dedicated to creating the foundations of academic learning, this certainly isn’t the sole focus. The Reggio Emilia concept considers the child as a whole – and that means areas such as emotional development, emotional intelligence, physical and mental well-being, social skills and encouraging natural curiosity.
Humans are a complex, dynamic system – so nurturing the whole of this during the formative early years creates the basis from which the adult of the future can build.
The earliest years of a child’s life are where change is occurring faster than at any other time of life. Not only are they growing in physical size, but the brain is creating thousands upon thousands of connections.
It’s a time when valuable life skills begin to be formed, such as communication, dexterity, mindfulness and more.
The Reggio Emilia concept recognises the equal importance of these non-academic elements – indeed, such skills directly impact how a child approaches learning opportunities later in life. Rather than thinking of social-emotional development and well-being in isolation, they are better considered as components that play an equally important role in childhood development.
With this in mind, we can break down how a positive approach to individual subjects can influence the early learning years.
While these examples are by no means exhaustive, it gives an idea of how a creative, all-inclusive, child-led Reggio Emilia environment stimulates whole-person discovery and learning. No one skill is more important than another, with proficiency in one area spilling over to academic, social, emotional, all-round happiness and well-being.
Evoke Early Learning Centres are inspired by the acclaimed Reggio Emilia method. From our values and philosophy to our hand-selected, highly-trained staff and parental involvement, we’re committed to creating the ideal environment for the most precious member/s of your family.
Contact us today for more information.
Every Reggio Emilia classroom has a designated room or area that’s known as the atelier. While it’s often referred to as the art studio, such a term – although immediately understandable – fails to convey the true intricacies of its role.
Rather than thinking of the atelier as a place where children carry out art projects, the space is better described as:
A space where creativity is stimulated and explored – a laboratory of discovery where intelligent materials encourage open-ended experiences.
Every Reggio Emilia atelier is unique. From the arts and crafts tools available to the use of light, space, furniture and more, each individual early educational facility takes full advantage of the nuances of its location.
Two of the guiding principles of the Reggio Emilia philosophy are:
The first of these is about the space that a child lives and learns. The best early learning experience comes from spaces that are filled with objects and resources that stimulate all five senses, encourage curiosity and have a positive, targeted and age-appropriate impact on child development.
The early years are a time when the brain is developing at an outstanding pace. Thousands of neural connections are being made – therefore, an environment that encourages curiosity, exploration and questioning is crucial to support this.
The second principle – the 100 languages of children – is symbolic. It references that children learn through hundreds of methods, such as singing, drawing, painting, dramatic play, sculpting etc. In other words, they learn through all the senses, meaning that each must be provided with stimuli of equal importance.
The atelier is the hub of the classroom. It’s filled with items that aren’t just playthings, but sensory items and objects that children can experiment with as they choose. This encourages discovery, experimentation, problem-solving and creativity that’s driven by the individuals’ interests. Activities are overviewed by the Reggio Emilia teacher – or atelierista – who observes the direction of travel and encourages (but doesn’t direct) further actions.
In short, the end product isn’t the destination. It’s the journey the child takes to get there that provides so much value.
The wide variety of media within an atelier is a crucial element. While this will include some of the usual art studio suspects (paints, crayons, glitter etc), a vital difference is the use of natural products. Their inclusion provides great value, with highly tactile and sensory elements providing children with a five-dimensional landscape in which they can make sense of the world around them, problem solve and learn to work in both a solo capacity as well as with their peers.
For instance:
Exploration is key. The atelier is a place where children can:
In short, while the atelier is an art studio, to refer to it in such a simplistic term is to overlook the global role it plays in early childhood development.
At Evoke Early Learning, our Albert Park and Clayton centres combine space, light and media to provide ateliers that promote an incredible sensory, art-focused environment. In combination with our advanced childcare philosophy and incredible early learning educators, we offer the ultimate home-from-home environment for the most precious members of your family.Book a tour today and come and meet our team.
Curiosity! The desire to further explore an object, concept or method, isn’t something we need to teach children – it’s an inherent part of being human. However, what they do need are the opportunities, environment and guidance that encourage such interest. Such landscapes promote discovery of the world around them - self-guided learning that follows a path unique to their interests.
One of the driving features of the Reggio Emilia approach is that children are the architects of their own learning. Their natural inquisitiveness is promoted by providing open-ended materials that allow them to embark on projects driven by personal appeal. The learning environment isn’t structured. Instead, Reggio Emilia teachers observe and gently guide each individual, letting them dictate the journey and outcomes.
Natural curiosity is dynamic. An interest in one thing evolves along a personalised path, often leading to random – but interconnected – discoveries.
In the Reggio Emilia setting, this is encouraged through intelligent, or open-ended, materials. These are items that provide a child with unlimited options, creating opportunities that are unique to whatever piques their interest. Examples include:
In short, objects that promote sensory discovery. It’s why you’ll see abundant natural materials within a Reggio Emilia classroom. These are far more interesting to look at, touch and smell than plastic. Even the simple act of sitting at a wooden table, with its different hues, knots, curves and bumps is far more thought-provoking than a dull expanse of plastic.
Such items stimulate multiple senses. From the gritty feel of sand to the roughness of twigs, the fragrance of flowers to the colours of paints and crayons, children can use and play with them how they choose. No two minds are alike – the journey of one child will likely be very different from those of their peers.
Early learning educators in the Reggio Emilia environment are highly skilled at noticing the direction of interest and adapting the curriculum in response. In addition, such open learning environments also nurture social interactions. This often leads to larger-scale projects that span days, weeks or even months, with input from other pupils or even the whole classroom. But the key element is that the direction is wholly influenced by the child (or children), with the teacher playing only a guiding role and not dictating the outcome.
Such provocations – something that stirs up interest and stimulates further exploration – create a truly delightful educational model. The building blocks of future education are rooted in these crucial early years. Developing a love of learning stems from indulging natural curiosity. The provision of materials that actively encourage this is key - it’s the very meaning of the Reggio Emilia concept of,
The environment is the third teacher.
Being encouraged to let their curiosity meander in whatever direction they choose cultivates a desire to find out more. In combination with the other core concepts of the Reggio Emilia approach – the child as the protagonist, the hundred languages of children, collaborative work between children, teachers and parents, and the teacher as the researcher and co-learner – young students are provided with the ultimate starting blocks of a lifetime of fulfilment and success.
At Evoke Early Learning, our childcare philosophy is centred around these key Reggio Emilia principles. From nursery, through toddler to kindy, our team is dedicated to creating the very best preschool environment for our children.
Book a tour to come and see us in action – our friendly team would love to show you our wonderful early learning environment.
Basic maths skills are easy to introduce to little ones. Rather than thinking of this as a complex subject that is only taught at school, there are loads that parents and caregivers can do to introduce the foundations of maths in a really fun way.
The key to a great learning experience is enjoyment. The pinnacle of education is when you don’t even realise you’re receiving it – and it’s really easy to introduce this philosophy during a child’s earliest years.
Maths isn’t solely about numbers. It’s also about shapes, angles, patterns, size, space and relationships between things. Learning to count is something that we naturally start to introduce to our children – but this is only one of the six easy steps you can take to lay important maths foundations.
As you can see, learning basic maths concepts isn’t as complicated as sitting down and doing actual maths! Turning learning into a game is the very best way you can help your child grasp the concepts upon which further mathematical skills will grow.
At Evoke Early Learning, we utilise the world-famous Reggio Emilia approach that embraces such a fun approach to learning. At the heart of everything we do while looking after your children, this is the ultimate way to nurture a child’s passion for knowledge, encourage their natural curiosities and help them discover and embrace their place and identity in the world around them.
Discover more about our programs, values and Early Years Learning Framework – and book a tour to see our passionate team in action.
The first few years of a child’s life have the biggest impact on their future. It’s during these critical times that vital neural connections are being forged, a love of discovery and learning is nurtured, and the stable building blocks of independence are being laid… The crucial foundations from which the future adult will rise are sown during these precious years.
That’s why Evoke Early Learning follows a curriculum that embraces the ultimate proven early education method that sets your child up for a life of success – the Reggio Emilia Approach.
The Reggio Emilia Approach has its roots in Northern Italy. Developed after World War 2 by a teacher who worked with local parents to provide childcare after the conflict, it was based on the following:
And very importantly (not to mention ground-breaking):
This all stemmed from the (very much ground-breaking at the time) opinion that the adult the child had the potential to become was wholly influenced during the earliest developmental years.
This innovative approach that began in a tiny Northern Italian village wasn’t just a step in the right direction… It spawned a whole new early education movement that’s now embraced in well over 145 countries and territories around the world.
Naturally, the concept has evolved. As our understanding of child development has increased and the importance of the environment in which they learn, play and grow has been proven, so the approach has been further honed.
Today, the Reggio Emilia Approach has seven guiding principles. However, even while the original concepts have been increased and reworded, the original vision still holds true. In 2024, this early educational curriculum is based around the following:
So, what makes it so effective – and how does it support your child’s future success?
Children love to explore. From watching a crawling ant to marvelling at the feel of silky sand pouring through their fingers, probing this natural curiosity promotes the joy of learning. A child will naturally gravitate towards what interests them – and this is wholly encouraged at Evoke. This drives self-learning and allows a child to discover their natural drive and desire to learn more. These are the vital seeds that will power future interests, study and the ability to forge a pathway through life that brings fulfilment and satisfaction.
The role of the Evoke childhood educator is to encourage children to follow their passion, but also to share and collaborate with others. Each child is unique and learns in their own way – we’re here to gently guide the journey. Interactions with other children and their teachers promote a sense of community and the learning of positive social skills. It also provides a safe place where children can begin to navigate environmental complexities at their own pace. This helps create the building blocks of confidence – something that provides the basis upon which solving future challenges can spring from.
Listening and learning are key relationship-building skills. We promote an environment where children not only feel safe, but are actively encouraged to express themselves, ask questions, pause for reflection and explore positive interaction with both teachers and their peers.
One thing you might hear about the Reggio Emilia Approach is that there are 100 languages. This describes the many different ways in which humans express themselves. Whilst the act of talking is one of these, there many other – often subtle – ways that we signal to those around us. From body language to facial expressions, the spoken word to communicating through music, art, dance and more – and, of course, the many different languages that our delightfully multi-cultural landscape brings.
A sense of belonging is key to positive development. Yes, exploration and group participation are key to exploration and learning, but feeling part of a community is an essential human need. Our highly skilled educators help like-minded children play and discover together, further boosting the educational journey and development of key physical and psychological skills.
The Evoke team welcomes conversations to help parents and caregivers further understand the Reggio Emilia Approach. Or why not book a tour at either our Albert Park or Clayton centre to see us in action and get to meet us face to face? We look forward to hearing from you.
If you’re investigating childcare and early education options for your little one (or your future little one!) and live in or around Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs, then Evoke Early Learning in Clayton should be on your radar.
As with all our Evoke Early Learning centres, our Clayton site is inspired by the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy which emphasises children's natural curiosity. This globally acclaimed and highly successful approach values each and every child as capable, confident and competent and able to self-direct their learning process according to what inspires and interests them.
This child-focused approach informs the entire way of life at our Evoke centres.
We’ll chat about why Evoke Early Learning is one of the best early schools in Clayton, but first let’s take a look at some of the core aspects of a great child care centre.
There are plenty of different elements involved in quality early education including:
We’re often asked how these elements are entrenched across the fairly extensive age range that we look after (we have 165 places for children aged from six months to five years at our Clayton site) and our answer is simple.
Relationships are at the heart of our centres and our values underpin all that we do at Evoke Early Learning in Clayton.
These values provide a framework for our attitudes and our actions and are the guiding compass for how the team goes about their work each and every day.
This article on why high quality child care matters for children’s development may help you make a decision about your child’s future.
First of all, we have total faith in Reggio Emilia as the very best way for little people to learn and grow. It’s an approach to early education as opposed to a model and schools that adopt this philosophy use it to inspire and inform daily life rather than to prescribe a rigid framework. And we know from experience just how successful this approach is in empowering young children, building their self-confidence, developing key skills and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
Our Evoke Early Learning Clayton team has extensive experience working with young babies through to pre-school and kindergarten-aged children and with their total dedication to their craft, genuine care and concern for every individual child and a deep passion for inspiring their charges to be their best selves, they’ve created safe, happy, engaging and welcoming spaces where parents feel totally comfortable leaving their precious bundles and where the children love to be.
We’d love to meet you if you’re on the lookout for a quality childcare centre close to Oakleigh, Clayton and neighbouring suburbs such as Chadstone, Clarinda, Glen Waverley, Huntingdale, Mount Waverley, Mulgrave, Notting Hill, Springvale and Wheelers Hill.
We know that words don’t tell the full story and we also know that first-hand experience is the very best way to find the right childcare or kindergarten for your child. That’s why we encourage you to book a tour to see our nurturing space for yourself so that you can form your own opinion.
Please get in touch with the friendly team at Evoke Early Learning in Clayton to book a personal tour and see our centre in action!
We understand that choosing a child care centre for your little one can be a challenge, but if you live near South Melbourne, look no further than Evoke Early Learning in Albert Park.
While it may sound like we’re blowing our own trumpet, we’re confident that Evoke Early Learning in Albert Park is one of the best early schools close to South Melbourne. We truly believe that the way of life here, our beautiful and inspiring spaces, our educational philosophy, our strong values, our supportive relationships, our experienced and caring team and our overall professionalism in everything that we do sets us apart from other child care centres and kindergartens.
But don’t take our word for it! Check out our many Google reviews and our 4.5 star rating and if you’d like to experience our centre for yourself before you make that all-important decision, we warmly invite you to book a tour.
For starters, everyday life at our centre is guided by the globally acclaimed Reggio Emilia approach to early education. This innovative philosophy recognises, values and respects each child as a uniquely creative, curious and capable individual who can self-direct their own learning based on their passions, observations and interests.
Reggio Emilia is widely acknowledged as setting a strong foundation for a young child’s readiness for entry into kindergarten and early school and for inspiring a lifelong love of learning.
We know from experience that children thrive in play-based environments and that’s why our classrooms and outdoor areas have been carefully designed and purposefully resourced to support this self-guided curriculum through play. Our safe and nurturing spaces have also been curated to suit the children’s different developmental stages.
Our spaces are also very nature-forward because the Reggio Emilia approach believes that the environment is the ‘third teacher’ (alongside the educators and the child’s parents, family and community).
Another important differentiator is our inclusive and authentic environment which is culturally representative of the community around us. Everyone is welcome - and made to feel welcome.
We’ve talked about Reggio Emilia and how this inspirational philosophy has influenced the way of life at Evoke Albert Park, but it’s also important to know how your child will benefit from this approach.
In a nutshell, our approach builds the following skills and abilities:
Our centre supports every aspect of a baby and young child’s development - and for some useful background on the vital formative years, check out this article on why high-quality child care matters for children’s development.
Professional, trusting and reciprocal relationships are at the heart of what we do.
We put enormous value on nurturing strong and positive relationships between educators and the children, between our school team and the child’s family, between the children themselves and between the children and the wider community. In short, we value people.
Our team is comprised of professionals who dedicate their heads, hearts and hands to supporting and guiding your child to thrive.
Integrity is another defining characteristic of Evoke Early Learning Albert Park. We do what we say we’ll do and we’ll always be transparent and open. Your family will be an integral member of our wider school family and we welcome your participation as an active partner, collaborator and co-advocate for your little one during these vital formative years of learning.
We’re also deeply committed to setting the benchmark in terms of excellence in early education and care. We don’t want to be ‘just another child care centre’. We aim to be the best.
A final word on why you should consider Evoke Early Learning Albert Park If your child is aged from six months to five years and you’re considering child care options in the area around South Melbourne, we’d love to meet your family. We have 135 places at our premises located at 230 Albert Road, South Melbourne and you can get in touch us through the website, by phone on 03 9682 2220 or via email at admin.albertpark@evokeearlylearning.com.au.
