Education program
STEM
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. At our long day care, incorporated these subjects into our curriculum. STEM education is beneficial for children 0-5 because it helps to foster and develop their cognitive and problem-solving skills. STEM activities encourage exploration, experimentation, and understanding of the world around them. A STEM education also helps to provide a strong foundation for further learning in all areas. STEM activities also promote critical thinking, teamwork, and collaboration, which are essential for success in school and later in life. Additionally, a STEM education sparks children’s curiosity and an interest in science and technology from a young age. We have a STEM Room that caters to children’s inquired STEM project. This month we focus on Light & Shadow.
Authentic Musical Instrument Program
Music is important to children ages 0-5 because it develops their creativity, language skills, and motor skills. Music can also help to soothe and comfort children, provide an outlet for self-expression, and stimulate their imagination. It is a great way for children to have fun and learn in a creative and engaging way in our early learning centre.
At our baby care and preschool, we expose young children to various instruments through Sound Experiment, including flute, keyboard, harmonica, guitar, ukelele, kalimba and more. We create an inviting vibe to children to participate. Meanwhile, children are also given the options to play alongside the teacher.
Ai Linguistics
Benefits of a multilingual environment for 0-5
- Improves Cognitive Development
Learning a second language can improve cognitive development, including increased executive functioning skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative thinking.
- Increase Cultural Awareness
Learning a second language helps children to appreciate and understand different cultures.
- Improves Communication Skills
Learning a second language at an early age can help children develop better language skills, and communication. It can also improve their social skills, as they can interact with a greater variety of people and cultures.
At our learning centre, we offer a specialised Chinese Program. Children learn Chinese through age-appropriate and play-based activities, such as nursey rhymes and songs, Chinese New Year celebrations.
We also offer other language programs such as Spanish and Japanese, as they are relevant to our families’ in Hornsby area and educators’ cultural background.
Mindfulness and Movement
1. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is beneficial for children 0-5 because it can help them learn how to manage their emotions, regulate their behaviour, increase self-awareness and develop a sense of inner security and peace. Mindfulness teaches children how to pause, take a deep breath, and be present in the moment. Young children learn to be more intentional in their actions, become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, and to better understand how their behaviour affects those around them. Mindfulness increases their empathy and compassion. As children grow and develop, mindfulness can be a valuable tool to help them become more resilient and better able to cope with life’s challenges.
2. Munch and Move
In line with the NSW Health initiative Munch and Move, educators promote physical activity and healthy nutritional habits for children from birth to 5 years.
First, Movement Program supports children learn the basics of coordination and motor skills. By engaging in physical activities, toddlers and preschoolers can develop the strength, flexibility, balance and coordination that they need to participate in more complex physical activities. Young children also develop body awareness and a healthy lifestyle while having fun in the program. As children interact with others in activities, they develop social and emotional skills in childcare.
Nature & care for the land – Sustainable Program
Becoming environmentally responsible can be a complex topic. We take our duty for looking after the environment to heart at Ai Kids Academy. Our Educators are passionate and dedicated to progressing sustainability within their services and supporting children to become environmentally responsible. Our current embedded practice in the program:
- Compost leftover food
- Worm farm
- Secret Garden – Children and educators grow our own produces (tomato, strawberry, herbs). Through gardening, children take initiative to look after the garden and the land.
Inclusive education
Ai Kids Academy is dedicated to provide an inclusive and welcoming environment for each family and their children. Some highlights of the inclusive education at our early learning centre:
- Food & cooking project –
Making food from various cultures is a great way to introduce young children to a range of tastes, textures, and flavours. It can also be a fun way to introduce children to different cultures, as they learn about different ingredients, recipes, and cooking techniques.
This practice encourages children to be more open-minded and accepting of different cultures. Children also learn more about nutrition, since different cultures often have different approaches to nutrition and cooking. This can help children develop healthy eating habits and gain a better understanding of the importance of a balanced diet.
- Cultural events celebrations
Celebrating cultural festivals is a great way to introduce children to different world cultures at a young age. It helps them develop an understanding of diversity and encourages them to be more accepting of different beliefs and customs in our day care. For example, celebrating Diwali can teach children about Hindu culture and traditions, while observing Chinese New Year can teach them about Chinese customs and culture. These celebrations can also be a great opportunity for children to learn about the history of a particular festival and how it is celebrated around the world. Additionally, it can be a fun way to bring the family together as a bonding activity in our long day care. Our long day care encourage and welcome each family’s involvement and contribution.
We are proud to call our early learning centre the best boutique day care in Hornsby as we offer a wholistic and specialised curriculum for baby, toddlers and preschoolers.