Bush Kindy is the beginning of outdoor education at King’s, allowing children to immerse themselves in nature’s classroom. We are fortunate to have local Bush Kindy sites neighbouring the Early Learning Centre, allowing children to study, take care of, and closely observe the unique nature that surrounds the ELC.

The Bush Kindy program has been developed to foster a deeper connection with, and appreciation for, the environment, igniting curiosity through exploration and hands-on learning. Children engage in unstructured play and sensory experiences, from feeling the bark of trees, to observing native wildlife, to splashing in a small creek.

Bush Kindy excursions offer the opportunity for parents to actively participate in their child’s learning journey by volunteering to chaperone the children, alongside the classroom teacher and educators. Engaging in Bush Kindy alongside our young learners allows parents to share in the joy of discovery, while playing a pivotal role in serving our school community.

At ELC, children are actively immersed in cultural responsiveness, honouring the traditional custodians of the lands on which our school stands, the Kaurna people. This engagement goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it fosters a deep respect for the land, understanding it as a sacred place of stories, traditions, culture and identity.

We emphasise to our students the profound spiritual connection Indigenous Australians have with the land, engaging in the concept of 'Caring for Country.' Through an environmental and sustainability focus, we teach children the importance of nurturing and preserving the land for future generations.

Through programs and partnership, children are encouraged to cultivate genuine respect and connections, empowering students to become culturally competent and compassionate.

At King’s, our vision is to authentically prepare students for the future, and this commitment begins during their early learning journey. We recognise the importance of nurturing students to become digitally literate citizens who are critical and creative thinkers, equipped to tackle unknown problems through systems, design and computational thinking.

Children in the ELC are introduced to a number of tools that spark their exploration of digital technologies, with a particular focus on coding activities. By engaging with non-screen technologies - such as Bee Bots - young learners are empowered to become creators of technology, not just consumers. This hands-on approach encourages curiosity and innovation, laying the groundwork for their future learning in a rapidly-evolving digital landscape.

This foundational learning experience paves the way for students' transition to "big school," where they are gradually introduced to more advanced digital technologies, including robotics training (in the Early Years) and screen-based tools like iPads (in the Junior School), enhancing their understanding of engineering, programming principles and collaborative coding projects.

At King’s Early Learners, Jesus is at the centre of everything we do. Our Christian faith is a cornerstone of our curriculum, developing spiritual growth, compassion, empathy and courage for ourselves, for others and for the world around us.

Faith is interwoven into our daily life, with morning devotions in the classroom, weekly Chapel services alongside our "big school" peers, and regular family Chapel services where parents and grandparents are invited to celebrate God’s love as a school community. Children’s faith journeys are also expanded upon at significant times of year, including participation in Holy Week events and activities prior to Easter, and songs and storytelling at our annual Christmas celebration evening.

Faith Studies at King’s are enriched by service learning programs, pastoral care and a safe environment where we strive to model God’s unconditional love.

The Kimochis® wellbeing program fosters a nurturing environment for our ELC students, prioritising emotional intelligence and mental wellness. Through engaging activities, students are introduced to a broad range of emotions, learning to recognise and express their feelings using age-appropriate tools and terms.

The use of Kimochis® helps young learners cultivate respect and empathy for others by encouraging students to understand and connect with their own emotions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the feelings of others. By embracing the Kimochis® program, children are empowered to navigate life’s challenges with compassion and confidence, laying the foundation for a brighter and more emotionally aware future.

The use of Kimochis® extends beyond ELC into the Early Years (Reception-Year 2) classrooms, creating a seamless continuum of emotional learning and development throughout the child’s formative years.

At King’s, our Early Learning Centre staff is dedicated to preparing young students for their transition to “big school.” We work closely with children throughout their ELC journey to identify their strengths and discuss their progress with parents. Throughout the year, two parent-teacher interviews provide an opportunity for families to engage in their child’s development, ensuring readiness for Reception. Our focus is on cultivating key classroom capabilities within the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), including social skills, active participation in the classroom and adapting to the routine of a regular school day.

Throughout their time in the ELC, children actively engage in a range of experiences alongside their “big school” peers. They participate in weekly Chapel services, explore the school library and take part in special celebrations such as Holy Week, Harmony Day and Book Week. ELC families are also encouraged to become involved with the wider school community by participating in school events and initiatives, such as our Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations, community fundraisers like the King’s Colour Run, and service learning projects such as Operation Christmas Child. These enriching interactions foster a strong sense of community and connection with the broader school environment, helping to instil a sense of belonging in our young learners.

The ELC Transition Program culminates in an exciting Reception Orientation Day and three Reception Transition visits, where children have the opportunity to explore their new classroom environments with their Reception teacher and future classmates.

Our dedicated ELC staff is there to guide families every step of the way, ensuring that parents can navigate these important milestones alongside their children. Through this supportive process, we aim to create a smooth and joyful transition into the next stage of their education.