Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School

Early Learning Centre

St James' House Early Learning Centre at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School was established In 1998 and is a special place, not only for girls but for the whole family.

The learning programs and caring relationships that exist within the St James' House Early Learning Centre encourage and promote the development of the mind, body, creativity and spirit of each girl.

The Centre provides abundant opportunities for the girls to experience success and to develop a healthy self-esteem. It is a place where girls grow and learn through play, laughter, imaginative experiences, wonderful literature and nurturing relationships.

We provide a safe and caring environment conducive to children's educational development. Girls bring with them a valuable store of knowledge, abilities, experiences, values and attitudes, which have been developed in the context of their family and social settings. As educators we foster a partnership with our families in order to build on these significant experiences.

The Early Learning Centre draws together a wide range of educational influences for the girls in our care. Some of these include Gardner's Multiple Intelligences, Reggio Emilia and Piaget.

A developmentally appropriate curriculum provides for all areas of the girls' learning, including their social and emotional, physical, cognitive and language development.

Through an integrated approach, the learning environment is designed to take into account individual needs, and enables each girl to participate in activities that are suited to her age and developmental level.

Our Early Learning Centre provides girls with a range of opportunities that promote learning, caring relationships and a positive self-concept. Through active exploration and manipulation of their environment, girls are encouraged to develop a sense of themselves on their learning journey. A continuity of experiences, flexible routines and access to high quality materials and resources, enables each girl to experience the joy of learning.

The Kindergarten Group (Three Year Old) girls may attend for two to five full days per week.

The PrePrep Group (Four Year Old) girls usually attend for five full days per week.