Joondalup Early Learning Centre

"Our daughter has absolutely thrived in the Kindy Program at JELC. The play-based learning approach, combined with intentional teaching, has helped her develop a love for learning. The school readiness program gave her the confidence to transition smoothly into Pre-Primary, and we’ve seen incredible growth in her literacy, numeracy, and social skills. We also loved how the centre collaborated with local schools—by the time she started, she already felt comfortable in a big school setting! We cannot thank the educators enough for their dedication and care."
— Sarah M. (Parent of Kindy Child, 2024)

"JELC’s Early Intervention Hub has been life-changing for our family. When we raised concerns about our son’s speech and social development, the team immediately took action—offering assessments, connecting us with Superyou therapists, and implementing strategies that supported his learning and confidence. The educators went above and beyond to ensure he was included, engaged, and progressing. Thanks to their support, he is now thriving and better prepared for his transition to school. We are forever grateful!"
— Emily and Mark R. (Parents of a 3-year-old, 2024)

"The educators at JELC are simply amazing! The staff are not only highly qualified but also deeply passionate about early childhood education. Roberta, the Early Childhood Teacher, brings an incredible wealth of experience, and it truly shows in how she mentors her team and tailors learning experiences to each child’s needs. The team takes time to really understand each child, supporting their development in a nurturing and engaging way. It’s reassuring to know our child is in such great hands!"
— Daniel & Sophie T. (Parents of a Kindy Student, 2024)

"JELC offers an amazing balance of play-based learning and structured school readiness. Our daughter comes home every day full of excitement about what she has learned. From nature play to STEM activities, everything is designed to spark curiosity and creativity. The educators do such a wonderful job of incorporating each child’s interests into the curriculum while also gently guiding them toward important learning milestones. We love that JELC values relationships, nature, and community connections—it’s the perfect start to our child’s education."
— Megan W. (Parent of a 4-year-old, 2024)

"What sets JELC apart is the genuine sense of community and care. From the moment we enrolled, we felt welcomed, supported, and listened to. The staff take the time to build meaningful relationships with families, and communication is always open and transparent. Whether it’s the regular updates through OWNA, the amazing activities, or the way they support children with additional needs, everything is done with warmth and professionalism. We feel incredibly lucky to have found such a nurturing and high-quality early learning centre!"
— Jessica L. (Parent of a Kindy & Toddler, 2024)

At Joondalup Early Learning Centre (JELC), we believe that children are competent, capable, and active participants in their own learning. Our philosophy is built on a deep respect for each child's individuality, curiosity, and potential, creating a nurturing environment where their well-being, development, and learning are supported holistically.

Guided by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), we uphold every child’s right to education, protection, and meaningful participation. We see children as co-constructors of knowledge, where their voices, experiences, and perspectives shape our learning community.

At JELC, we acknowledge the importance of culture, community, and connection to the natural world in shaping children's learning and identity. We recognise that children’s sense of belonging is enriched through relationships, and we actively foster deep connections with:

🌏 Local and global cultures – Embedding cultural diversity, inclusive practices, and Indigenous perspectives into our curriculum.
🤝 Our community – Engaging in partnerships with families, schools, and local organisations to strengthen children’s learning experiences.
🌿 Nature and sustainability – Encouraging environmental responsibility through nature play, outdoor learning, and sustainable practices.

By weaving these elements into our daily practices, we empower children to develop an appreciation for the world they live in, cultivating a sense of responsibility and belonging.

We recognise that families are children’s first and most influential educators. At JELC, we prioritise strong partnerships with families, ensuring that every child and family receives the support, resources, and connections they need to thrive.

Our wrap-around services provide:

✔ Early intervention support – Identifying and addressing developmental needs early through screenings, allied health partnerships, and personalised strategies.
✔ Guidance and resources – Connecting families with community services, parenting programs, and ongoing support networks.
✔ Open communication and collaboration – Ensuring families are actively involved in their child's learning and development journey.

This approach reflects our commitment to inclusive education and holistic support, ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.

At JELC, we firmly believe in the power of children's voices. We listen to, respect, and empower children to express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings, fostering:

🔹 Confidence and self-expression – Encouraging open dialogue, decision-making, and leadership opportunities.
🔹 Agency and autonomy – Supporting children in making choices about their learning, play, and routines.
🔹 Respect for diverse perspectives – Valuing children's ideas and co-constructing knowledge in meaningful ways.

Through intentional teaching and play-based learning, we create an environment where children feel heard, respected, and valued, developing a strong sense of self and the ability to advocate for their own learning.

Our centre is a place of wonder, discovery, and joyful learning, where children feel secure, supported, and inspired to explore. We design our environments to:

🏡 Foster a sense of belonging – Creating warm, inclusive, and engaging spaces where children feel safe and valued.
🎨 Encourage hands-on exploration – Providing diverse learning materials, open-ended resources, and creative provocations.
🧗‍♂️ Promote risk-taking and resilience – Offering challenging and stimulating experiences that build confidence and problem-solving skills.

By balancing structure and spontaneity, we cultivate an environment where children can take risks, ask questions, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

Our teaching is informed by research-based best practices and a combination of established and contemporary early childhood education theories, including:

📚 The Reggio Emilia Approach – Viewing children as competent, curious, and capable of co-constructing their own knowledge.
🎭 The Walker Learning Approach – Supporting play-based learning that nurtures children’s engagement, interests, and emotional development.
🌱 Nature Pedagogy – Recognising the role of outdoor environments in enhancing learning, resilience, and creativity.
🧠 Executive Function Development – Supporting children in building self-regulation, problem-solving, and cognitive flexibility through structured and unstructured play.

Our educators are committed to ongoing professional learning, ensuring that our curriculum is reflective, dynamic, and responsive to the evolving needs of children and families.

At Joondalup Early Learning Centre, we are more than just an early childhood service—we are a thriving learning community. Through our commitment to:

✔ Respecting children as capable and active participants in their learning
✔ Embracing diversity, culture, and community connections
✔ Providing high-quality early education through play-based learning
✔ Ensuring a nurturing, safe, and inspiring environment

We empower children to become confident, engaged, and resilient learners who carry a love for discovery and exploration into their future schooling and beyond.

Together, children, families, and educators co-create meaningful learning experiences, shaping the foundations for lifelong success and well-being.

📅 Reviewed January 2025

At Joondalup Early Learning Centre (JELC), we believe in fostering a lifelong love of learning by embracing a child-led, play-based approach that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and independence. Our pedagogical philosophy is deeply rooted in Play-Based Learning, the Walker Learning Approach, and Nature Play, ensuring that every child experiences an enriching and developmentally appropriate early education.

JELC recognises play as the foundation of early childhood education. Our play-based learning approach is embedded in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and is designed to support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Through hands-on, meaningful experiences, children are encouraged to:

• Develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Build relationships and social connections
• Engage in open-ended exploration
• Strengthen communication and language development

Our educators act as co-researchers and facilitators, observing children's interests and extending their learning through intentional teaching moments. Whether in dramatic play areas, sensory exploration stations, or creative art spaces, children at JELC are given the freedom to explore, question, and discover at their own pace.

JELC integrates the Walker Learning Approach, a highly regarded Australian play-based pedagogical model that places children at the heart of their own learning journey. This approach:

• Honours children’s interests as the foundation for learning experiences
• Focuses on child-led investigations to develop deeper thinking and engagement
• Uses intentional scaffolding by educators to extend children's skills and knowledge
• Encourages strong relationships and personalised learning

By incorporating Walker Learning principles, JELC ensures that children’s identity, culture, and learning styles are valued and embedded in their daily experiences. Focus children, tuning in, and reflection time are integral elements, ensuring that every child feels seen, heard, and supported in their learning.

At JELC, we embrace Nature Play as a vital component of our curriculum, recognising that the outdoors is a rich learning environment that stimulates the senses, fosters resilience, and encourages holistic development. Our commitment to nature play includes:

• Daily outdoor explorations on the beautiful grounds of ECU Joondalup
• Opportunities for risky play that build confidence and self-regulation
• Learning experiences with natural loose parts, sensory play, and mud kitchens
• A strong focus on environmental sustainability and stewardship

Research shows that children who engage in regular nature play develop higher levels of concentration, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. By embedding bush kindy experiences, campus walks, and community excursions, we provide children with authentic connections to the land and a deep appreciation for the natural world.

At JELC, our pedagogical focus is more than just a methodology—it is a philosophy of respect, engagement, and lifelong learning. By integrating Play-Based Learning, the Walker Learning Approach, and Nature Play, we create an inclusive, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children are empowered to explore, imagine, and grow.

Our goal is to ensure that every child leaves JELC with a strong sense of identity, confidence in their abilities, and a deep love for learning—ready for the next stage of their educational journey.

At Joondalup Early Learning Centre (JELC), our Kindergarten Program is designed to foster confident, capable, and engaged learners through a play-based, intentional teaching approach. Our program aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS), ensuring that every child receives high-quality early education that supports their holistic development and successful transition to school.

We believe that children learn best through play-based experiences that are engaging, meaningful, and tailored to their developmental needs. Our intentional teaching strategies ensure that play is purposeful, extending children's:

• Cognitive skills through problem-solving, STEM investigations, and inquiry-based learning
• Social and emotional development through collaborative play, self-regulation activities, and resilience-building experiences
• Language and literacy skills through storytelling, early writing experiences, and phonological awareness activities
• Fine and gross motor development through hands-on exploration, movement-based learning, and creative expression

At JELC, our kindy educators act as co-researchers and facilitators, guiding children’s learning through rich discussions, real-world experiences, and inquiry projects. We nurture curiosity and creativity, ensuring children develop a love for learning that stays with them throughout their schooling journey.

Our School Readiness Program has been carefully designed to support children's academic, social, and emotional preparedness for the transition to school. Developed in collaboration with local primary schools, our program ensures that children are equipped with the executive function skills, independence, and confidence needed to thrive in a school environment.

Key elements of our School Readiness Program include:

✅ Early Literacy & Numeracy Foundations – Recognising letters, developing phonemic awareness, early writing skills, and mathematical reasoning through play-based learning.
✅ Executive Function Development – Strengthening working memory, impulse control, and flexible thinking through structured and unstructured activities.
✅ Social & Emotional Wellbeing – Teaching self-regulation strategies, conflict resolution, and resilience-building practices.
✅ Independence & Self-Help Skills – Encouraging children to take ownership of their learning, manage routines, and develop self-care skills.
✅ Transition to School Support – Engaging in visits, workshops, and information sessions in collaboration with Currambine Primary School, Joondalup Primary School, and other local schools to ensure a smooth transition into formal education.

Our individualised approach ensures that each child progresses at their own pace, with educators providing targeted support to extend learning opportunities and address specific needs.

Our Kindergarten Program is led by Roberta, our Early Childhood Teacher, who brings over 30 years of experience in early childhood education. She is a registered teacher currently completing her Master’s in Education, ensuring that our program is shaped by the latest research and best practices in early childhood pedagogy.

Roberta’s leadership ensures that our curriculum is evidence-based, child-centred, and aligned with the expectations of primary schools, setting children up for success as they move into formal schooling.

We understand that starting school is a significant milestone in a child's life, which is why we prioritise strong partnerships with local primary schools. Our transition to school program includes:

🔹 School Visits & Excursions – Children engage in regular visits to primary school classrooms, playgrounds, and libraries to build familiarity.
🔹 Teacher Collaborations – We communicate with foundation-year teachers to align learning expectations and smooth the transition process.
🔹 Parent Workshops – Supporting families with information on preparing their child for school, including emotional readiness, routines, and expectations.
🔹 Buddy Programs – Where possible, we facilitate connections with older students to foster mentorship and reduce anxiety about starting school.

Our goal is to make each child’s transition to school seamless and positive, ensuring they step into their next learning environment with confidence, resilience, and a passion for discovery.

JELC’s Kindergarten Program provides children with a strong foundation for lifelong learning, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and readiness for their next big step—starting school.

If you're looking for a high-quality early learning program with a focus on play-based learning, school readiness, and strong community connections, contact us today to book a tour and learn more about how we can support your child’s early education journey.

📞 Call us: [63045680
📍 Visit us: ECU Joondalup Campus

We look forward to welcoming your child into our thriving learning community!

At Joondalup Early Learning Centre (JELC), we believe that healthy eating is fundamental to a child’s growth, development, and ability to learn. Our nutritionally balanced, multicultural menu is thoughtfully prepared in-house by our experienced chef, Pam, who brings many years of expertise in children’s nutrition and culinary excellence.

We take great pride in ensuring that every meal is delicious, diverse, and packed with essential nutrients, while also respecting cultural food preferences, dietary needs, and allergies.

At JELC, we understand that good nutrition fuels a child’s ability to play, learn, and thrive. Our menu is designed to:

✔ Meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines for young children
✔ Include fresh, seasonal produce and minimal processed foods
✔ Be low in sugar and salt, ensuring children develop healthy eating habits
✔ Provide balanced meals rich in protein, fibre, and essential vitamins
✔ Support allergy-friendly and special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free options

Children enjoy morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and late snacks, with a focus on wholesome, home-cooked meals that keep them energised throughout the day.

We embrace the cultural diversity of our children and families by incorporating a wide range of international cuisines into our meal planning. Chef Pam creates a rotating menu that features dishes from around the world, giving children the opportunity to experience and enjoy different flavours, textures, and traditions.

Our multicultural menu includes:

🌏 Asian Cuisine – Stir-fried noodles, sushi rolls, dumplings, and mild curries
🌏 Mediterranean Delights – Greek-style baked lamb, hummus with pita, and pasta dishes
🌏 Classic Aussie Favourites – Roast meats with veggies, fish and sweet potato mash
🌏 Latin American Treats – Mexican bean wraps, empanadas, and arroz con pollo
🌏 Middle Eastern Flavours – Falafel, lentil stew, and homemade flatbreads
🌏 Indian Specialties – Mild butter chicken, lentil dal, and roti
🌏 European Comforts – Italian risottos, Spanish omelettes, and French-style vegetable gratins

We also take special requests from families, ensuring that cultural traditions and home recipes can be shared and enjoyed by all children.

At JELC, mealtimes are more than just eating—they are social, educational, and enjoyable experiences. Our educators encourage:

🥗 Independence – Children are given opportunities to serve themselves, pour drinks, and make healthy choices
🍎 Food Exploration – Engaging children in food preparation activities and discussing ingredients
🥄 Table Manners & Social Skills – Teaching respect for food, sharing, and positive mealtime interactions
🌱 Sustainability & Waste Reduction – Learning about food origins, composting, and reducing waste

We also work closely with families to support children in trying new foods, developing healthy habits, and accommodating any dietary preferences or restrictions.

By providing fresh, diverse, and nourishing meals, we ensure that every child receives the energy and nutrients they need to grow, learn, and reach their full potential. With Chef Pam’s passion for healthy, multicultural cuisine, children at JELC enjoy a variety of delicious meals that reflect our commitment to nutrition, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation.

We believe that healthy eating starts in early childhood, and at JELC, we make every meal a fun, social, and positive experience!

At Joondalup Early Learning Centre (JELC), we believe that strong partnerships between families and educators are essential for a child’s well-being and development. We recognise that parents are a child’s first and most important educators, and we strive to create open, respectful, and collaborative relationships that ensure every child receives the best possible support.

JELC is a community-based, not-for-profit early learning centre, and we value and encourage parent involvement at all levels, from daily communication to strategic decision-making.

We prioritise regular and meaningful communication with families to keep them informed, engaged, and involved in their child’s early learning journey.

📱 OWNA App – Real-Time Updates
JELC uses the OWNA platform, a secure digital tool that allows parents to:
✔ Receive daily reports on meals, sleep, and activities
✔ View learning observations and program updates
✔ Communicate directly with educators
✔ Access newsletters, reminders, and important announcements

📧 Regular Newsletters & Emails
Our monthly newsletters provide families with curriculum highlights, upcoming events, parenting support resources, and important centre updates.

🗣 Face-to-Face Conversations & Meetings
Our educators are always available for informal chats at drop-off and pick-up. We also offer:
✔ Parent-educator meetings to discuss children's progress and learning goals
✔ School transition discussions to support families as children prepare for formal schooling
✔ Specialised meetings for families accessing early intervention services

📢 Noticeboards & Displays
Throughout the centre, we showcase children’s work, learning experiences, and key updates, ensuring parents remain visually connected to their child’s daily experiences.

At JELC, we believe in co-creating learning experiences with families and involving them in centre-wide projects.

🏡 Home Learning Connections
We invite parents to share insights about their child’s interests, traditions, and experiences, allowing us to shape learning experiences that reflect each family’s unique values and culture.

💬 Parent Forums & Project Discussions
JELC hosts regular Parent Forums, where families can engage with educators and leadership to discuss:
✔ The centre’s ongoing projects and research (e.g., Reggio Emilia-inspired learning, executive function development, and early intervention initiatives)
✔ Ideas for enhancing play-based learning and sustainability
✔ Ways to integrate family traditions and cultural celebrations into the curriculum

🎉 Family & Community Events
To foster a sense of belonging, we host regular opportunities for families to connect, including:
✔ Cultural celebrations (e.g., Harmony Day, NAIDOC Week, Lunar New Year)
✔ Stay & Play sessions, where parents join in their child’s learning experiences
✔ Workshops and guest speaker sessions on topics relevant to early childhood development

JELC is committed to supporting families beyond the classroom, offering evidence-based parenting programs to strengthen the home-learning environment.

👶 Circle of Security Parenting Program
JELC facilitates the Circle of Security (COS) Parenting program, an internationally recognised program that helps parents:
✔ Understand their child’s emotional needs
✔ Strengthen secure attachments
✔ Build responsive and positive relationships

📖 Parenting Workshops & Support Groups
We offer regular parenting workshops on topics such as:
✔ Supporting executive function development at home
✔ Strategies for behaviour guidance and emotional regulation
✔ Understanding early childhood milestones and learning through play

By providing these programs, we empower families with practical tools and strategies to support their child’s growth and well-being.

As a community-led early learning centre, JELC values family voice in decision-making.

👥 Parent Committee & Centre Governance
JELC has an active Parent Committee that works alongside the Executive Director to steer the centre’s operations and ensure it remains responsive to the needs of families. The Parent Committee plays a key role in:
✔ Contributing to strategic planning and policy development
✔ Providing input on centre initiatives, programs, and resources
✔ Strengthening community engagement and fundraising efforts

This collaborative model ensures that families have a direct voice in shaping JELC’s vision, priorities, and direction.

At JELC, we believe that when educators and families work together, children benefit the most. By prioritising open communication, parent involvement, and shared decision-making, we create an environment where every child is supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

💡 We welcome and value all families at JELC, and we look forward to working together to support your child’s learning journey!

At Joondalup Early Learning Centre (JELC), we are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education that meets the diverse needs of children and families. Our programs are designed to nurture development, foster curiosity, and support holistic learning through a play-based, research-driven approach.

As a community-based, not-for-profit centre, JELC offers a comprehensive range of programs that cater to children from infancy to school age, ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life.

Our infant and toddler program provides a safe, nurturing, and responsive environment where our youngest learners can develop secure attachments and confidence. We focus on:
✔ Sensory exploration and early motor skills development
✔ Language and social interaction through songs, stories, and play
✔ Gentle routines that promote emotional security and independence
✔ Early communication and attachment-based learning

Our educators use responsive caregiving practices, ensuring each child’s individual routines, needs, and interests are met with warmth and consistency.

Our Pre-Kindy program introduces children to structured play-based learning, focusing on:
✔ Early social skills – Encouraging cooperation, empathy, and confidence
✔ Fine and gross motor development – Through hands-on activities and movement-based learning
✔ Language and cognitive skills – Engaging children in early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving
✔ Creative expression – Exploring art, music, and dramatic play

This program supports children in developing independence, resilience, and curiosity as they transition towards kindergarten.

Our Kindergarten Program is led by Roberta, our experienced Early Childhood Teacher, who has over 30 years of experience and is currently completing her Master’s in Education. The program is designed to prepare children for a successful transition to school through:

✔ Play-based learning that fosters curiosity, exploration, and creativity
✔ Intentional teaching strategies to build early literacy and numeracy skills
✔ Executive function development – Supporting self-regulation, problem-solving, and critical thinking
✔ STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) integration
✔ Collaboration with local primary schools to ensure a smooth school transition

Our School Readiness Program, developed in consultation with local schools, ensures children are emotionally, socially, and academically prepared for their next learning stage.

JELC integrates Reggio Emilia-inspired practices and the Walker Learning Approach, ensuring a child-led, inquiry-based learning environment. Our educators focus on:
✔ Individualised learning journeys tailored to each child's interests and strengths
✔ Investigative projects that foster deep thinking and problem-solving
✔ Encouraging children's voices in co-constructing their learning experiences

This approach ensures that learning is meaningful, engaging, and reflective of each child's unique identity.

JELC places a strong emphasis on nature play and outdoor learning, recognising the benefits of active exploration in natural environments. Our program includes:
✔ Daily outdoor play in natural settings
✔ Bush Kindy excursions and campus walks
✔ Sustainability education, including gardening, composting, and water conservation
✔ Risky play opportunities that build resilience and confidence

Research shows that connecting with nature enhances well-being, creativity, and social skills, making outdoor learning an integral part of our curriculum.

JELC is home to an Early Intervention Hub, ensuring that children with additional needs receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Our program includes:

✔ Screenings and assessments for speech, occupational therapy, and developmental milestones
✔ Collaboration with allied health professionals, including Superyou Therapy
✔ Individualised support plans for children with additional needs
✔ Parent workshops and coaching on early intervention strategies

This proactive, inclusive approach ensures every child can fully participate in learning experiences.

As a diverse learning community, JELC values multicultural education and early language exposure. Our programs include:
✔ The ELLA (Early Learning Languages Australia) Program, introducing children to new languages through play
✔ Cultural celebrations and experiences embedded in our curriculum
✔ Family involvement in sharing home languages and traditions

These initiatives promote respect, inclusivity, and global awareness.

We offer the Circle of Security (COS) Parenting program, which provides parents with practical strategies to:
✔ Strengthen secure attachments with their child
✔ Understand their child's emotional needs
✔ Build positive relationships and confidence in parenting

Additionally, we provide:
✔ Regular parent forums discussing the centre’s ongoing projects and early learning topics
✔ Parent workshops on school readiness, executive function skills, and behaviour guidance
✔ A Parent Advisory Committee, working alongside the Executive Director to steer the centre’s operations

These programs ensure that families feel supported, informed, and engaged in their child’s early education journey.

At JELC, we believe that learning about healthy eating starts in early childhood. Our Kids’ Cooking Club provides hands-on experiences where children can:
✔ Prepare and cook their own meals under the guidance of our in-house chef, Pam
✔ Explore new ingredients and flavours, fostering a love for diverse and multicultural cuisine
✔ Learn about nutrition, healthy choices, and where food comes from
✔ Develop independence and life skills by measuring, mixing, and serving meals

Our meals are:
✔ Nutritious and well-balanced, following Australian Dietary Guidelines
✔ Allergy-friendly and culturally inclusive, catering to dietary needs
✔ Designed to encourage food exploration and positive mealtime experiences

This interactive program promotes independence, creativity, and an appreciation for healthy eating in a fun and engaging way.

JELC is actively engaged with the local Joondalup community. Our excursion program includes:
✔ Library visits and storytime sessions
✔ Excursions to museums, cultural sites, and nature reserves
✔ Partnerships with aged care facilities, fostering intergenerational learning
✔ Regular campus walks, integrating nature into daily experiences

By connecting with the community, children develop a strong sense of belonging and real-world learning experiences.

At JELC, we are committed to providing high-quality early childhood education that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a love for learning. Whether through play-based learning, early intervention, or family support programs, we ensure that every child is given the best possible start to lifelong learning.

📞 Contact us today to learn more or book a tour! 6304 5680
📍 Located on ECU Joondalup Campus

We look forward to welcoming you to our thriving early learning community! 😊