Tiny Explorers Playgroup

At AISPP, we see families as children’s first and most influential educators. The Tiny Explorers Playgroup offers an opportunity for parents and children from 9 months to 36 months to explore and partner together in lifelong learning. Our program is grounded in the Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and is inspired by the Reggio Emilia and Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) approaches. The Tiny Explorers playgroup supports the development of children who feel safe, secure, and supported.

Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)

The EYLF is a guide to supporting and nurturing young children's learning from birth to five years of age, as well as their transition to school. It was developed with the fundamental view of children’s worlds being characterised by Belonging, Being and Becoming. The vision is that “all children experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life”.

Reggio Emilia Approach

At the heart of the Reggio Emilia approach is the belief that children are full of curiosity and creativity. The Reggio Emilia approach originated in the town, and surrounding areas, of Reggio Emilia in Italy. In Reggio Emilia, children are the driving force of their learning process. No two Reggio Emilia inspired communities will look alike, as the differing needs and interests of the children, their families and their educators, will always be the center of the learning.

Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE)

“RIE” was founded by early childhood educator Magda Gerber, who advocated for the respect and trust of young children. We not only respect babies and toddlers at AISPP, we demonstrate our respect every time we interact with them. Respecting a child means treating even the youngest infant as a unique capable human being.

Playgroup Program

The Tiny Explorers playgroup is a community for both caregivers and children. Every session begins with individual catch-ups and time to settle in. The first half of the playgroup is unstructured to allow caregivers time to connect with each other and for their children to explore the various provocations set up throughout the environment. Children at this age engage in different types of play than older children and because of this, our playgroup has a light structure to allow children to get into a deep flow with materials and objects in the environment. A deep flow is connected to uninterrupted play and during these moments the educator in the room will check in with caregivers and share what type of learning their child is engaging in and how to support them.

The Environment

We have designed the Tiny Explorers room using the Australian EYLF Developmental Milestones and inspiration from Reggio Emilia and RIE approaches to ensure our space is a place where children can confidently and safely explore. We see the environment as the third teacher – a place designed to be functional, beautiful and reflective of the children’s learning. We believe it is the child’s relationship with their parent, teacher, and environment that ignites learning. Children will investigate new materials uninterrupted, strengthen interdependence skills, and develop a sense of belonging to our AISPP community.

Parenting/Early Childhood Topics

During the playgroup session, families are invited to be active participants and discover ways to support their children at home and prepare them for the transition to EY2. The following Parenting/Early Childhood topics are shared and explored as a learning community:

  • Creating Interdependence Opportunities
  • Secure Attachment
  • Positive Discipline
  • Breast feeding, Bottles, & Self-Feeding
  • Toilet Training
  • Australian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
  • Reggio Emilia Approach
  • RIE Approach
  • Types of Play
  • Sensory Exploration

Parent Testimonials

Munthorng was 22 months old when he started Tiny Explorers. It was such a great moment for him to start a new environment. He learned to adapt to a new place and new people outside of his parents and cousins. He even learnt to take turns and explore new things at school also. It was such a valuable time for me and Munthorng because I can see his growth so much in 8 weeks during Tiny explorer.

Chanthou Danh

As I see, Tiny Explorer opens the door of AISPP’s Early Learning Center to the parent and the child, which brings forth a range of positive experiences with its teachers, learning environment and teaching philosophies while prepares the family and children for the coming school year. And it’s fun!”

Mai Phuong Pham

The classroom has many natural playing goods from wood etc, playground has a good environment like sand for kids to go around and play with joy. Freedom for kids may be necessary at their ages at kindergarten as they are going explore new things by themselves. Teachers have good care of kids and they are glad to meet again.

Asami Yoshida

I have really appreciated the Tiny Explorers helping Luna adapt to ELC, during all the Tiny Explorers days, Luna knows what she can play in school, what feelings when she stay with the teacher and other kids, then she can get the courage to overcome the fear when separated from me.

Carrie Zhang

The first day of school, my 2-year-old son Vincent walked into the school like he owned the place. He felt safe, secure and happy to be in a place that was already familiar to him. Tiny Explorers helped him feel safe at the school and with the teachers, being confident with the materials and, last but not least, he made friends that he reconnected with during his smooth transition at school.

Roelien De Haas
About the Author:

Lindsey Watts

EY 2B TEACHER

Staff Writer

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