Our Programs
At Happy Times Child Care & Early Learning Centre, we place great value on the strong connections between children, families, educators, and the wider community
At Happy Times Child Care & Early Learning Centre, we place great value on the strong connections between children, families, educators, and the wider community. We believe that early childhood education thrives on these partnerships, and our aim is to create a harmonious environment that unites these essential aspects of a child’s life. Through our programs, we nurture well-rounded, confident, and independent children by bridging the gap between home, learning, and community.
Play-Based Learning: The Foundation of Our Programs
At the heart of our educational philosophy is the belief that Learning Through Play is the most effective and natural way for children to grow, develop, and absorb new concepts. Our programs are interest-based, focusing on what excites and engages each child.
We understand that every child learns differently and at their own pace, which is why we create dynamic, flexible learning environments that cater to their individual needs. Through open-ended play spaces, children are given the freedom to explore, imagine, and create in ways that foster both independence and collaboration.
These spaces are thoughtfully designed with purpose and intent, encouraging children to take risks, explore loose part play, solve problems, and feel a sense of achievement. By allowing for open-ended exploration, we provide children with endless possibilities for learning, while also offering opportunities to extend their skills in new and exciting ways.
Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
Our programs are carefully aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), a national guideline that helps shape the way we teach, plan, and assess children’s learning. The EYLF emphasizes the importance of building secure, respectful relationships and promoting a sense of belonging, being, and becoming for every child.
These core concepts are woven into every aspect of our programs, ensuring that children feel connected, valued, and understood. Our educators use the EYLF Principles and Practices to guide their daily work, linking their planning and observations to proven educational theories and research.
By using this framework, we are able to provide a consistent, high-quality approach to early childhood education that focuses on each child’s individual needs, strengths, and interests.
Find out more about our programs
Our Menu
Our menu is approved via the childcare achievement program, with contributions from all stakeholders, including children, and is updated biannually with a four-week rotating menu, one for autumn/winter and one for spring/summer.
Our menu is Nutrition Australia approved and National Heart Foundation tick approved. We cater to all dietary requirements and involve children in cooking experiences regularly. The Healthy Eating Advisory Service has provided feedback and supported us to ensure that our menu meets all the daily serving requirements for children.
Partnering with Families: A Collaborative Approach
At Happy Times, we understand that parents and families are a child’s first and most important teachers. We believe in fostering a collaborative partnership between families and educators to ensure the best possible outcomes for every child.
Our programs are designed to be flexible and inclusive, and we actively encourage family involvement in both the planning and implementation of our curriculum. Each child’s individual portfolio is available for families to view at any time, allowing them to stay informed about their child’s progress and participate in their educational journey.
This is also available via our centre app, Kindyhub, where you can see from your phone daily updates, learning documentation, communication with our team, and photos of your child engaging in play.
We welcome and support family input, knowing that collaboration between home and the centre is essential for consistency in learning and development. By working together, we create a supportive and nurturing environment that ensures consistency and continuity of care between home and Happy Times.
A Collaborative Partnership with Families
We understand that the most significant learning begins at home, and we strive to build strong, meaningful connections with families.
At Happy Times, we aim to make the transition between home and our centre as seamless as possible, bridging the gap through open communication and mutual respect. We encourage families to share their culture, language, and home experiences with us, enriching our community and helping each child feel a strong sense of belonging.
We value diversity and are committed to honouring individual lifestyles, beliefs, and values, ensuring that every family feels included and respected.
Community Connection
At Happy Times, we have regular incursions and termly excursions booked to enhance children’s learning opportunities and ensure connection with their community. During October, we have already had two incursions: African drumming as well as Melbourne Museum’s Dinosaur Incursion.
Throughout the year, our incursions include local library services, SES, Ambulance Victoria, the local fire brigade, police from Mordialloc Police station, Bayside community health services, such as local dental health services, who engage in dental health checks for families onsite, networking with local educators, schools, and access to inclusion support with KU.
At Happy Times, we believe it’s essential for children to feel connected to the community in which they live. By expanding the learning environment beyond the classroom, we offer children opportunities to explore the world around them. Our educators take children on outings to local cafes, libraries, parks, and shops, allowing them to experience real-world learning in familiar settings.
For our younger children, we have a special four-seater pram that allows them to safely participate in these community adventures. These experiences broaden their understanding of their environment and create meaningful connections between the centre and the wider world. Our incursions are regular, monthly, and these excursion outings are termly.
