When you look at early learning centres that have been built in the last 10 years, you’ll more than likely see neutral colour tones across the furniture and storage solutions.
In addition to aesthetics and evolving trends over time, the rationale behind more neutral tones is to provide more ‘blank canvas’ areas for play and learning. The resources, rather than the furniture, become the focus.
Often associated with being better quality, more aesthetically appealing and aligning with pedagogies such as Montessori, the popularity of quality wooden toys has soared in recent years. Bright colours, plastic and battery-operated gadgets have taken a backseat, and wooden toys are now – more often than not – taking pride of place in homes and early learning centres.
Diversity comes in many shapes and forms, and it’s up to us as adults – whether parents, educators, or both – to encourage children to truly understand, embrace and accept the diversity of their peers and the world around them.
When you think of constructive play, what immediately springs to mind? Is it the building of skyscrapers, roads and cities? Is it stacking blocks as high as they can go? Constructive play is all of this and more. In fact, it’s arguably the most open-ended form of play.
Do you have a dedicated sensory room or space in your early learning environment? If you do, how have you approached it and what’s your rationale behind it? If you don’t, what’s been holding you back?
No matter where you’re at with your sensory room, we’ve put together this quick guide to give you some hints and ideas on creating a standout space.
“Imagination should be used, not to escape reality, but to create it.” This quote from the late philosopher and writer Colin Wilson perfectly sums up how important imagination is not just for a child’s creativity, but to develop important life skills.
Sustainability isn’t merely a marketing buzzword brands use to appeal to their environmentally conscious customers. It’s a way of living and doing things that are better for the planet and secure a better future for generations to come.
I’m no stranger to family businesses – in fact, my family business history dates back to 1969. We started out manufacturing corporate furniture, but as time went on, we saw a need in the market for good quality, locally made educational furniture. We were driven by the knowledge that children are the future of this nation and that they deserve the best resources.
Nicky has worked in the Early Learning industry for more than 25 years in a variety of roles from Educator through to Centre Director, Area Manager, Advisory & Development Coordinator, Program Manager and Quality Advisor. Currently, Nicky is the Managing Director of a group of community-based Preschools in NSW. In this role, she has recently project managed the construction, fitout and opening of a new community Preschool for her organisation and it is through this process that she partnered with Step4 for the fitout of the new Preschool.
After spending part of her teenage years living in a remote part of the Kimberley in Western Australia, Nicky’s appreciation for the indigenous history of Australia began. Through her career, she has worked with and assisted Educators and Directors in their journey of understanding this important aspect of learning and history and how to ensure that their approach is collaborative, respectful and appropriate.
Nicky has recently completed a Graduate Certificate in Indigenous Education as a specialisation subject for an ongoing Masters of Education. The extension of her own understanding of Indigenous perspectives was something that she wanted to support and this has assisted her in identifying ways that she can further support Educators across all levels and experience in reflecting on and extending their own knowledge.
Prue commenced her career as an early childhood educator before progressing to a centre Directors role. She later became an Area Manager supporting children, services and families throughout Sydney..
Prue has been working with STEP4 for almost 4 years now supporting services with their ongoing needs and requirements for resources, furniture and equipment as well as contributing her industry knowledge and design concepts to new centre startups. She loves the creative process of working with service owners, managers and educators to enable their vision come to life and create engaging and bespoke learning environments where children’s curiosity and engagement can be fostered. She loves sharing her passion and ideas and working collaboratively with industry leaders, educators and owners.
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