An essential part of our Early Learning Centre (ELC) philosophy is the participation of parents in our educational programs. We welcome and value parent input and acknowledge that parents are the child’s first educator. Parents can often be observed assisting with classroom projects, engaging in cooking experiences with the children, visiting as a professional ‘expert’ in relation to the children’s current inquiries, or sharing a particular skill or talent.

Parents can often be observed providing assistance in the St Catherine’s Early Learning Centre classrooms.

We believe that there is a great deal to be gained by spending time in our educational programs for both the child and the parent. By engaging with the children in the educational setting, parents will gain an insight into their child’s learning in the group context. It also helps parents to understand the current inquiries and projects occurring within the classroom so that they can discuss, support and extend this learning in the home environment. This experience also allows parents to gain more of a sense of their child’s day at the ELC and the relationships they have established.

The benefits of parents spending time in the St Catherine’s early learning program for their child are enormous.

The benefits of parents spending time in the program for their child are enormous. The children get absolute delight out of having their parent join them in the classroom for the morning. They enjoy introducing their parent to their friends, sharing their work and learning, and spending quality time together. It is always a very special time that they will remember for a long time to come.

Each ELC class has a parent roster where parents take turns to spend time assisting within the program during the mornings. If you have not already had a chance to do this, we really encourage you to make time to spend engaging in the program with the children. Please feel welcome to speak to your child’s teacher for more information.