Having fun: (From left) Lachlan Davidson, Mackenzie Weatherley, May’C Giddy, Allie Hill and Jack Giddy with Veronica Harding.
STAFF at day care centres in Tenterfield have welcomed the introduction of a new curriculum and believe it will enhance learning.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) has been rolled out at all family day care centres around the country, including Tenterfield.
Veronica Harding, an educator in Tenterfield under the Stanthorpe Family Day Care scheme, said the new curriculum acknowledged the important role family day carers had in helping children learn.
“Before, family day care operators were just seen as carers, but now we’re seen as educators,” Ms Harding said. “Some of the excitement for me as an educator is the acknowledgement of the importance of making outdoor play adventurous and the creativity when programming.”
Samantha Murphy from KCL child care in Tenterfield said the new program had also been received well among the KCL staff.
“It is a lot easier because it is all about what the kids want to do. It provides some really great programs with a really good structure, it helps you to plan your day better,” she said.
The main themes of the new curriculum are belonging, becoming and being.
There is also an emphasis on intentional learning, where day care operators expand on the things children experience at home, school and on the weekends.