Program & Practice
Our Play-Based Learning Program
At EPOSHC, we believe children thrive when their interests and strengths are engaged. Our Educators implement an Inquiry-Based, Emergent Curriculum, planning activities based on the children’s current interests and curiosities. This dynamic approach requires close observation and understanding, tailoring play-based, child-directed activities that include both individual and group components.
This curriculum's open-ended, exploratory nature demands creativity and flexibility from our Educators, making learning more exciting and effective. It fosters deep connections with the children, allowing activities that cater to each child's unique needs and strengths, maximizing learning outcomes.
We also integrate the Reggio Emilia philosophy, emphasizing the environment as the third teacher. Our rich, stimulating learning environments are designed to be inviting and reflective of the children's interests, evolving based on ongoing projects and inquiries.
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Key aspects include:
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Children as Active Participants: Viewing children as capable and curious, their ideas drive our curriculum.
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Collaboration and Community: Encouraging teamwork and shared learning.
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Documentation and Reflection: Using photos, videos, and journals to reflect and plan.
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Educator as Facilitator: Educators guide and extend children's thinking.
By integrating the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we create an enriching, respectful, and inspiring educational experience that celebrates individuality and promotes lifelong learning.
Our Clubs & Activities
At EPOSHC, we offer a variety of engaging clubs designed to cater to the diverse interests of our children. Our Cooking Club allows children to explore culinary arts, learn about different cuisines, and practice essential cooking skills. Our Board Games Club enhances strategic thinking, teamwork, and social skills through classic and contemporary games. Our Gardening and Sustainability Club follows a paddock-to-plate approach, teaching children about growing their own produce and understanding sustainability. In our Sports Club, children participate in various physical activities, promoting fitness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The Tech Club introduces children to technology, including movie making and special effects, encouraging creativity and technical skills.
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At EPOSHC, we also embrace flexibility with interim clubs that emerge from student interest and leadership within ongoing projects. These pop-up clubs, such as Beat Club and the Rainbow for Ruby initiative, allow children to explore music creation, inclusivity, and community awareness. These student-led clubs enable children to take ownership of their learning and collaborate with peers who share similar interests.
Each club at EPOSHC fosters creativity, collaboration, and a love of learning in an enjoyable and supportive environment.
Our Menu & Nutrition
At EPOSHC, we are dedicated to helping children develop healthy food habits and attitudes. Collaborating with families and Educators, we positively influence each child's health and nutrition at home. Our commitment to providing a healthy diet is based on the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Australian Government's "Get Up & Grow: Healthy Eating and Physical Activity for Early Childhood." We also follow the Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools. We are proud members of Nutrition Queensland, and all our staff have food safety training, with two certified food supervisors on our team.
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Role Modeling Healthy Choices: Our Educators promote healthy eating and activity choices throughout the day.
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Promoting Nutritional Concepts: We instill healthy, active habits in children from a young age.
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Supporting Families: We provide information about our daily menu and offer recipe ideas upon request to assist families in educating their children about healthy food choices.
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The food served at EPOSHC is prepared from scratch by our dedicated team. During term time, we provide breakfast, afternoon tea, and late snacks. During Vacation Care, we provide all meals.
Clean drinking water is always available throughout our areas, with Hydration Station's implemented as needed. Educators support children to take regular fluid breaks and refill their bottles as needed.