The Curriculum

The Campus Kindergarten culture and philosophy are incorporated through meaningful projects and experiences for the children. These projects are often planned by for the children themselves. In addition, projects and experiences are planned for by teachers and by parents. Figure 2 illustrates the connections within the Campus Kindergarten curriculum between "images" from our CK culture, the Queensland Preschool Curriculum Guidelines "Foundation Learning Areas" and areas of thinking and learning.

The curriculum offered in each of the rooms is developed by qualified early childhood staff members, led by a co-ordinator who is a qualified early childhood teacher. Our educational programs aim to extend each child to reach his or her potential, creating a stimulating learning environment. Learning experiences are planned to develop the interests of the children. Campus Kindergarten views children as rich and competent and co-constructors of knowledge. Children and adults learn side-by-side, constructing knowledge together. Children are encouraged to problem solve, creating and testing theories. Working on group projects is integral to the curriculum.

Documentation

‘Documentation is not a technique. It is a way of loving children’ (Carlina Rinaldi, 2000).

Documentation is used widely in the rooms at Campus Kindy to make children’s thinking visible to them, to families and to the teachers. Documentation includes recording dialogue, photos and art-work. Teachers, children and parents can document!

There is a Documentation Levy of $16.50 per term. This is to cover the cost of photographs, laminating and printing.