Early Learning Centre
Learning 0000 ELC

Early Learning Centre

Home Learning Early Learning Centre

Welcome to the Early Learning Centre

The best start

At Prince Alfred College Early Learning Centre (ELC), we celebrate each child as a unique individual. We believe that all children are capable and curious, and that exploration, investigation, discovery, questioning and experimentation are to be encouraged as a natural part of learning. 

From their first visit to our centre, our aim is that each child feels safe, secure and supported, and that the transition between home and school is as smooth as it can be. 

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ELC At a glance

Our ELC at a glance

  • For girls and boys from two years of age
  • Open weekdays from 7.30am to 6pm, 50 weeks of the year
  • Approved for Child Care Subsidy (CCS)
  • Within our ELC we provide a kindergarten program staffed by qualified teachers and co-educators during school terms
  • Specialist programs including Chinese, dance, music, physical education and library visits
  • Minimum booking of two days per week
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Inspiring a love of learning

Prince Alfred College Early Learning Centre is a place of adventure, growth and learning. Our educational philosophy is inspired by Reggio Emilia principles, which model a partnership with children, teachers and parents. 

Through a range of play-based activities, as well as more formal methods of learning, children’s natural curiosity, eagerness to learn, and their love of communication with others are nurtured and supported. 

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Curriculum & specialist programs

Our curriculum follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), focusing on the development of the whole child as an inquirer.

Each day provides a mix of indoor and outdoor learning activities, and a combination of adult-led and child-initiated learning.

Depending which days they are in school, the children enjoy specialist physical education, language lessons (Chinese) and library visits. 

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Kindergarten program & transition 

We offer a kindy program for our four year olds to prepare them for primary school. The children continue their participation in specialist programs, with access to the wide range of educational facilities in the Prince Alfred College Preparatory School. 

Close links with the Prep, along with regular transition visits in the term prior to commencement, help build the children's confidence and familiarity, ensuring a smooth transition to Reception.

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A caring and supportive community

Nurturing each child through quality pastoral care is a deeply embedded part of the Prince Alfred College philosophy, and this includes our early learners. Every child is known in the centre and valued for their individuality. Achievements great and small are celebrated. 

We know the support and care we give to children at this young age will help them develop the skills, values and behaviours they need as they grow and learn into the future. For children who require additional support, we also have an early intervention program, with specialist speech and occupational therapy provided on site.

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An environment where children thrive

Our extensive outdoor play spaces allow our children to explore, play, face challenges and build greater awareness and understanding of their physical capabilities and the natural world around them. This outdoor play is essential for healthy minds and healthy bodies.

Each day, our children receive the nutrition and energy they need to play, learn and thrive. Our dedicated ELC chef prepares nutritious and delicious lunches, as well as morning and afternoon tea for each child.

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Forming friendships for life

As important as the learning, is the development of our children's social skills. Many of the friendships formed in the ELC last throughout their time at Prince Alfred College, and beyond. 

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Award-winning facilities

Our ELC is a friendly, welcoming and flexible learning space designed to enhance learning outcomes for young children. Our purpose-built areas include eight dedicated classrooms set around our town square, workshop and cafe area, as well as our award-winning outdoor play spaces, complete with climbing equipment, sandpits and nature play areas, which are an essential part of the learning environment.  

We also make use of outstanding facilities elsewhere in the College, with regular visits to the Prep School library, sports hall and playground, as well as the ANZAC Hall performance venue. 

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A sustainable centre

Sustainability is at the heart of our centre. The centre features a 30 kW rooftop solar array, over 3,000 litres rainwater capture for use in the outdoor areas, large shade trees and waterwise planting, among other features. 

Productive spaces, including veggie beds and fruit trees, help children develop their understanding of where food comes from, while chooks, a worm farm and composting assist with waste management. 

Join a tour

We invite you to visit our ELC and see the purpose-built indoor and outdoor spaces where our youngest PAC children explore, learn, play and thrive.

2024 Tours

All tours commence in our Early Learning Centre. 

    • Term 1
      Tuesday 20 February, 10am
    • Term 2
      Tuesday 21 May, 10am
    • Term 3
      Tuesday 13 August, 10am
    • Term 4
      Tuesday 5 November, 10am
    Book an ELC tour

    Contact our Early Learning Centre

    For further information, please contact us on +61 8 8334 1258 or via email.

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