Choosing the right early education approach is crucial for laying a strong foundation for lifelong learning and development. In Australia, a variety of educational philosophies cater to the diverse needs and potentials of young learners.
Among the most traditional educational models are the Montessori and Reggio Emilia approaches, each offering unique perspectives on child-centered, experiential learning. Then there is the Lifelong Learning Curriculum, which extends from these traditional approaches, while integrating contemporary, evidence informed practices suited to what children need in early education in the 21st century.
This blog post delves into these early childhood education methodologies, examining their core principles and benefits, and why the Lifelong Learning Curriculum is considered to be the most advanced approach to early education in Australia.
What is the Lifelong Learning Curriculum?
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum is regarded as the most advanced approach to early education in Australia. It draws on the best models of early education, including the traditional practices from Montessori and Reggio Emilia, but also incorporates contemporary research and evidence informed practices drawn from attachment theory and the Circle of Security, language development from Abecedarian, and Project Based Learning.
In line with Australia's Early Years Learning Framework
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum aligns to the Belonging, Being and Becoming - Australia's Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), which is the mandated learning framework for Australia for children from birth to five. The Early Years Learning Framework emphasises the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children feel secure and valued, and is based around five key learning outcomes:
- children have a strong sense of identity,
- are connected with and contribute to their world,
- have a strong sense of wellbeing,
- are confident and involved learners, and
- are effective communicators.
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum takes these EYLF outcomes and contextualises this for the specific needs of babies, toddlers and 3-5 years old's, setting even the youngest children up for a lifetime love of learning.
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum is developed for three discreet age groups (babies, toddlers, and 3-5 year old's). Each age group has a specific educational focus that builds through the curriculum and culminates as children prepare to graduate to primary school. Lets look at these practices more closely below.
Attachment & the Circle Of Security
Babies aged 0-1: Healthy Beginnings Program
Educational principles informed by the Circle of Security are relationship-based practices designed to strengthen the attachment bond between babies and their caregivers. Grounded in attachment theory, this approach helps caregivers understand and meet children's emotional needs, fostering secure attachments with their primary educators that are vital for healthy development. The approach guides caregivers in providing a secure base for children to explore the world and a safe haven to return to for comfort.
By enhancing caregiver sensitivity and "tuning into babies cues" Circle of Security principles promotes positive interactions, emotional regulation, and social competence in babies, ultimately supporting their overall wellbeing and development.
Abecedarian Approach
Toddlers aged 1-3: Early Experiences Program
Building from the foundational work in the Healthy Beginnings Program, the curriculum for the one to three year old's incorporates the principles of the original Abecedarian Project. The Abecedarian approach emphasises the importance of creating a language-rich environment through intentional and interactive teaching strategies. The program includes components such as conversational reading, learning games, and enriched caregiving, which integrate educational interactions into daily routines and play. Key practices involve responsive interactions, modelling rich language, scaffolding, repetition and extension, narration, and interactive reading.
Research shows better language development and competent social skills are strong predictors of better academic and social outcomes; and that children who start in front tend to stay in front right through primary school and beyond. The more language rich interactions your toddler is exposed to, the better their language, social development and overall outcomes will be. When children can effectively use language to express their feelings, needs and ideas, they are also better able to engage and build relationships with those important people in their world.
Project Based Learning
Children aged 3-5: School Readiness Program
A pillar of the School Readiness Program is Project Based Learning. Project Based Learning is an educational approach that engages young children in exploring and investigating real-world questions and challenges through hands-on projects. This method centers around children's natural curiosity and encourages active, experiential learning by allowing them to choose topics of interest, research their topic together, ask questions, and collaboratively find solutions over an extended period. Children engaged in projects integrate many other foundational aspects of the school readiness curriculum, including numeracy, literacy, STEM and creative arts, and is a highly engaging method of early childhood education.
Project Based Learning fosters critical thinking and problem-solving in young children as they explore questions and challenges, analyse information, and devise solutions. Collaboration is a key element, as children work together, enhancing their teamwork and communication abilities.
This method also nurtures creativity and innovation, encouraging children to experiment with ideas and think outside the box. Through exploring their projects, children learn essential self-management and responsibility skills, while integrating technology into their learning process boosts their digital literacy.
Additionally, Project Based Learning often involves exploring global issues, fostering a sense of global awareness and empathy. This approach equips children with the intellectual, social, and emotional skills needed to thrive in the 21st century, preparing them to navigate and contribute to an ever-evolving world.
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum also includes some very special programs as part of the School Readiness curriculum. These include Big Thinkers STEM Program, Aussie Wildlife Champions Conservation Program, Reading Eggs & MathSeeds, Positive Living Skills (a mental health and wellbeing program for 3-5 year old's), and Wandana Aboriginal Education Program.
What is the Montessori Approach?
The Montessori approach to education was developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician and educator, in the early 1900's. Dr. Montessori's methods and principles were based on her scientific observations of children's learning processes.
It is a child-centered educational philosophy that emphasises hands-on, self-directed learning. It's based on the belief that children are naturally curious and capable of initiating their own learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared environment.
Dr. Montessori's methods were considered quite innovative at the time, and her approach quickly gained recognition and spread internationally.
In a Montessori centre:
- education is tailored to the individual needs and interests of each child;
- classrooms are designed to encourage independence, exploration, and a sense of order;
- children engage in activities that involve direct interaction with materials; and
- teachers facilitate rather than direct learning, allowing children to explore and discover.
The Lifelong Learning Curriculum incorporates these well established principles and seeks to assist children to build independance, confidence and self-esteem, and encourages intrinsic motivation.
What is the Reggio Emilia Approach?
The Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education is another child-centered philosophy that emphasises experiential learning in a supportive and relationship-driven environment. Originating in the town of Reggio Emilia, Italy, this approach was developed by educator Loris Malaguzzi and a group of parents in the community after World War II (1945). This educational philosophy views children as competent, resourceful, and active participants in their own learning, capable of constructing their knowledge through exploration and collaboration.
The Reggio Emilia approach is built on several key principles:
- Children are seen as strong, capable, and resilient individuals who play an active role in their learning journey.
- The physical environment is carefully designed to be aesthetically pleasing, stimulating, and reflective of children's interests, encouraging independent exploration and interaction.
- Teachers are facilitators and co-learners who observe, document, and guide children's activities, rather than simply instructing.
- Learning is organised around projects that emerge from children's interests, allowing for in-depth exploration and sustained engagement.
- Strong emphasis is placed on collaboration among children, teachers, and parents, viewing learning as a social process.
The Reggio Emilia approach fosters creativity and critical thinking, promotes collaboration and communication, supports individuality and independence, and builds strong community connections. The Lifelong Learning Curriculum uses similar approaches as a foundational pillar of its School Readiness Program.
A Comparison of the Learning Approaches
The Best Approach to Early Childhood Education
Affinity Education's Lifelong Learning Curriculum is regarded as the most advanced approach to early education in Australia. You will find the curriculum taught in our early learning centres around Australia, including Milestones, Papilio, Kids Academy and Aussie Kindies.
We invite you to find your nearest centre and book a tour. We can't wait to help you learn more about the curriculum, show you our learning environments, playground, introduce you to our experienced educators, and help you learn more about our initiatives.
Enrolments now open for preschool, toddlers and nursery aged children.