Whether they are exploring a secret trail in a mysterious bamboo forest or behind the handles of their very own grand prix bikes, or sitting down to a feast of Chinese noodles or Turkish lamb kofta, the kids of Corio are off to a head start exploring the world through their imaginations thanks to staff at the Child’s Play Early Learning Centre.
The centre, in Purnell Road, Corio, was taken over by new owners in December and they immediately gutted and refurbished all rooms and outdoor playing areas at the centre.
The outside playing areas include a mud kitchen in addition to the racing track and walking trail, as well as vegetable gardens tended by the children, who delight in picking their own crops for use in the centre’s kitchen.
The new owners have also employed a new chef who has introduced a truly international cuisine and all food is assessed by Nutrition Australia and all dietary considerations such as nut free or Halal requirements are taken care of.
All food is prepared from scratch on the premises at the centre with no pre-packaged foods.
The centre offers all children breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, as well as a late snack, and there is a big full fruit bowl that children are encouraged to empty as they leave the centre at the end of their action-packed day. And staff ensure there is not a Mars bar in sight as children healthily graze their way through the day.
The approved provider at the centre, Kristin Eggert said that all of the 20 staff at the centre were committed to making a real difference in the lives of children at their centre.
“We want to empower these kids to enable them to make real life choices by treating each child as an individual personality and encouraging them to have the best learning outcomes,” Kristin said.
“All our staff know that we are working in a particular kind of context and we are trying to address the specific needs of this community.
“We want to move away from structured routines and schedules and encourage the kids to start making decisions for themselves.”
The strong emphasis on incorporating the community and its needs into the centre is reinforced through collaboration with local schools and other community groups, as well local excursions and parent workshops.
Anybody interested in finding out further information about the centre can phone 5275 4445 or drop by in person.
