The Christian Choice for Excellence in Education
Lighthouse Early Learning Centre 3 y.o. and 4 y.o.
The Early Learning Centre (ELC) education at Lighthouse Christian College Keysborough is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children aged 3 and 4. The ELC program focuses on fostering the holistic development of each child, preparing them for a successful transition into formal schooling. Through a blend of play-based learning, structured activities, and Christian values, the program aims to cultivate a love for learning, social skills, and foundational academic abilities.
A significant advantage of the ELC program at Lighthouse Christian College is the small class sizes. Unlike larger childcare centres that incorporate kindergarten programs, the ELC at Lighthouse Christian College ensures that each child receives individual attention and tailored support. This personalized approach allows teachers to understand each child's unique needs, strengths, and interests, fostering a more effective and meaningful learning experience.
15 hours of both our 3 y.o and 4y.o kindergarten programs are funded by the Victorian State Government
ELC 3-Year-Old Program
The ELC 3-Year-Old program at Lighthouse Christian College is centered around creating a warm and inviting atmosphere where children feel safe and valued. At this stage, the emphasis is on developing social and emotional skills, as these are crucial for young children as they begin to interact more with their peers and teachers. The curriculum includes activities that promote sharing, taking turns, and working ollaboratively in a group setting. Play-based learning is a cornerstone of the 3-year-old program. Children engage in various activities that stimulate their curiosity and imagination, such as role-playing, art and craft, music, and sensory play. These activities are designed to develop fine and gross motor skills, enhance language abilities, and encourage creative thinking. Teachers at Lighthouse Christian College use a child-centered approach, allowing the children’s interests to guide the learning experiences while ensuring that each activity is purposeful and developmentally appropriate. Incorporating Christian values is integral to the ELC program. Stories, songs, and discussions about kindness, respect, and love help instill these values in young learners. The children participate in simple devotional times and learn about biblical stories in a manner that is engaging and understandable for their age.
ELC 4-Year-Old Program
As children progress to the ELC 4-Year-Old program, the focus shifts slightly to include more structured learning experiences while still maintaining a play-based approach. The goal is to prepare children for the transition to primary school by introducing foundational literacy and numeracy skills in a fun and engaging way. Literacy development in the 4-year-old program includes activities such as storytelling, phonemic awareness games, and early writing exercises. Children are encouraged to recognize letters, sounds, and simple words through interactive and multisensory methods. Similarly, numeracy skills are developed through counting games, sorting activities, and basic problem-solving tasks. The ELC 4-Year-Old program also places a strong emphasis on developing independence and self-help skills. Children are encouraged to take on more responsibilities, such as managing their belongings, following routines, and making simple decisions. These skills are essential for fostering confidence and a sense of autonomy as they approach school age. Social and emotional development continues to be a priority, with activities designed to build empathy, cooperation, and effective communication. The program includes opportunities for children to participate in group projects, engage in discussions, and practice conflict resolution skills in a supportive environment.
Outdoor Play and Exploration
Both the 3-year-old and 4-year-old programs at Lighthouse Christian College recognize the importance of outdoor play and exploration. The ELC features a well-equipped outdoor area where children can engage in physical activities, explore nature, and develop gross motor skills. Outdoor play is seen as an extension of the indoor learning environment, providing opportunities for children to learn through discovery and hands-on experiences.
Parent Involvement and Community
Lighthouse Christian College values the partnership between parents and educators. The ELC programs encourage parental involvement through regular communication, parent-teacher meetings, and opportunities for parents to participate in classroom activities and special events. This collaboration ensures that each child’s individual needs are met and that their educational journey is supported both at school and at home. The ELC programs for 3 and 4-year-olds at Lighthouse Christian College Keysborough offer a comprehensive and nurturing early education experience. By blending play-based learning with structured activities, incorporating Christian values, and fostering social, emotional, and academic development, the ELC prepares
young children for a successful transition to primary school and beyond.
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6
The statements and beliefs in this philosophy reflects the position of the Australia Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACECQA), National Association for the Education of Young children ( NAEYC ), National Quality Framework (NQF) and Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (EYLF).
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