An Inquiry Based Approach Children are powerful, competent and capable members of our community.  They are also curious learners who naturally investigate, inquire and engage the world around them.  Time, space and people influence how children approach learning and how they see themselves as learners.  Our environment and interactions will reflect a positive influence on how children view themselves so that their self-esteem, self-worth and rights are always held in high regard.

Freedom of Movement and Respectful Caregiving Freedom of movement and key caregiving (Emmi Pikler & Magda Gerber) are teaching approaches we use particularly with infants and toddlers to ensure we give them every opportunity to feel secure and in control of their environment.  Because infants and toddlers have limited language and control over their daily lives, we can empower them and promote their social and emotional development through respectful caregiving

Nature Based Curriculum Our outdoor yard is a large open space where children can explore nature and all its wonder. Filled with loose parts and opportunities for children to get messy, as they engage in play that encourages them to take and manage risks.  We know children learn by experience, they are intrinsically motivated to push boundaries in order to assess what they can and cannot do.  We provide risks, not hazards, for children in a controlled environment.

A Community Based Approach One focus that we place high value on in our curriculum is social justice.  Social justice teaches children to embrace the notion that we can challenge biases and stereotypes, while promoting inclusiveness and equity within our extended communities.

Specialists Programs Our Chinese Second Language program is based on ELLA (Early learning language Australia). ELLA introduces children to learning a new language via interactive tablet apps, which have been developed in consultation with experts in languages, early childhood and technology.

Creators Not Consumers At Kardinia we are creators not consumers. We have a sustainability and resources officer who works closely with our team to ensure we are using equipment that is resourceful and reusing where ever possible. Acknowledging the fragile state of our world, our programs support children to care for their environment and to understand the responsibility they have to reduce, re-use and recycle.