Nestled within a tranquil, leafy section of the University of Western Australia’s Nedlands campus, the UWA Early Learning Centre offers a nurturing and inspiring environment for young children. Licensed to care for up to 100 children daily, the centre is dedicated to delivering exceptional early childhood education and care, supporting families from the university community and beyond.
A Commitment to Excellence in Early Childhood Education
The UWA Early Learning Centre’s mission centers on providing outstanding education and care in partnership with families, guided by Australia’s national standards and frameworks. It aligns with the Education and Care Services National Law, the National Quality Standard (NQS), and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), ensuring that every child’s learning journey is supported with quality and care.
The centre proudly exceeds the National Quality Standard, having received an “Exceeding” rating in all seven quality areas during a recent rigorous assessment by the Education and Care Regulatory Unit. This recognition reflects the centre’s commitment to continuous improvement, leadership, and delivering a rich educational experience.
Child-Centered Curriculum and Learning Approach
At the heart of the centre’s program is a child-focused curriculum built around each child’s unique interests, strengths, and developmental needs. Educators develop strong relationships with children and families to tailor learning experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and confidence.
The curriculum is based on the EYLF’s principles of Belonging, Being & Becoming, emphasizing the importance of children feeling connected, present, and growing. Using tools like Storypark, the centre shares detailed reflections and learning stories with families, providing insight into each child’s daily experiences and progress.
Exceptional Staff-to-Child Ratios
Understanding the importance of personalized attention, the centre maintains staff-to-child ratios that surpass regulatory requirements. For example, for children aged 0–2 years, the ratio is 1 educator to every 4 children, ensuring close care and support. Additional shared educators further enhance the learning environment throughout the day.
Environmentally Sustainable and Child-Friendly Design
The centre’s architecture complements its educational philosophy. Designed with sustainability in mind, the building features large north-facing windows for natural light and ventilation, solar pergolas, and energy consumption indicators that serve as educational tools for children. The single-storey layout and residential scale blend harmoniously with the surrounding neighbourhood, while secure outdoor play areas encourage exploration and active learning.
Supporting Families and Community
Open weekdays from 7:45 am to 5:45 pm, the UWA Early Learning Centre offers a warm, safe, and stimulating space for children up to five years old. It supports UWA staff and students with family responsibilities, reflecting the university’s longstanding commitment to work-life balance and community wellbeing.
The centre also engages in innovative partnerships and programs, such as collaborations with Child Australia and university research projects, to continuously enhance educational practices and child development outcomes.
The UWA Early Learning Centre stands out as a beacon of quality early childhood education within the university community. Its dedication to individualized learning, exceptional care standards, sustainable design, and family partnership makes it an ideal place for young children to grow, learn, and thrive while their parents pursue academic and professional goals at UWA.