A Joyful Beginning
Experience the warmth, care and intentional play-based learning at our KDS Early Learning Centre today!
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A Nurturing Start for Lifelong Learning
At the KDS Early Learning Centre, we believe that early childhood is a vital time for laying the foundations for lifelong learning, wellbeing and identity. Our purposeful play-based approach nurtures emotional self-regulation and a stong sense of self through creativity, curiosity, and meaningful relationships. We foster confident learners grounded in Jewish values, enriched by Australia's multicultural and Indigenous heritage.
- Nurturing creativity and curiosity in young minds.
- Supporting children to understand, express and regulate their emotions.
- Building independence, resilience and self-confidence.
- Celebrating diversity, inclusion and belonging in early education.
Play and Purposeful Learning
Our ELC curriculum is designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in every child. We focus on holistic development, ensuring that each child grows physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally.
- Our purposeful play-based curriculum fosters creativity.
- Nurturing collaboration skills through interactive activities.
- Promoting critical thinking skills for lifelong learning.
What we love about our King David ELC
Discover the joy of learning at our ELC, where every child is nurtured and supported to thrive. Our play-based approach fosters creativity, curiosity and a strong sense of community.
Our SOWATT framework - developed by our Vice-Principal Teaching and Learning Russell Kaplan in collaboration with Dr Rosalyn Muir - provides a strong scaffold for children to develop executive functioning skills, setting them up for lifelong success.
SOWATT builds Self-regulation, Organisation, Working memory, Attention, Thinking flexibly and Thinking about thinking. These skills are intentionally woven into our daily routines through engaging, playful and meaningful learning experiences.
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Engaging Early Learning Programs for Growth
Play with purpose. Learn for life.
Pre-Kindergarten: A Foundation for Lifelong Learning and Discovery
For students turning 2 by 30 April, this program nurtures wellbeing, independence and curiousity.
Junior Kindergarten: Engaging Program for 3-Year-Olds
This government-funded year fosters exploration, confidence and social skills.
Senior Kindergarten: Becoming School Ready
This government-funded year for 4 year olds ensures students have the tools to thrive at school.
Community
Celebrating Jewish Life at KDS ELC
At the KDS Early Learning Centre, we embrace our Jewish heritage through daily blessings and Hebrew learning. Our Shabbat celebrations and festive chagim foster a sense of community and belonging. These traditions reflect our commitment to inclusion, egalitarianism, and social justice.
Building Strong Connections with Our Families
At KDS, we believe that family involvement enriches the learning experience - families are the first and most influential educators in a child's life. Our vibrant community fosters strong home-school relationships through various events and activities.
We also offer a range of Parent Education Sessions throughout the year on a variety of topics relevant to the early years, including school readiness.
"I didn’t realise what educational happiness was until this year, which is a true credit to you and the love you bring to your teaching. You are leading an incredible team."
Naomi
ELC Parent, KDS
Gan Tevah - Exploring Together
Bush Kinder - Discovery in Nature
Our Gan Tevah (Bush Kinder) Program extends the King David School ELC curriculum through learning in the natural environment. It supports children to explore, create, problem-solve, collaborate and imagine, while encouraging spontaneous play, safe risk-taking and creativity.
Through Gan Tevah, children build strong relationships, develop social skills and foster a sense of wellbeing. The program primarily takes place in the Urban Forest, located on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation. In addition to the forest, the Gan Tevah experience extends to the beach and the Elsternwick Grasslands.
Recognised for Excellence in Early Childhood Education
Our Early Learning Centre is rated Exceeding the National Quality Standard and delivers a purposeful, play-based programme that nurtures every child’s growth. As a Progressive Jewish setting, we weave Hebrew, daily blessings, Shabbat and festivals into rich learning experiences that build identity and belonging.
- Exceeding NQS under Australia’s National Quality Framework.
- Intentional, play-based curriculum developing physical, cognitive, social and emotional skills.
- Specialist Hebrew, Music, Library, Sport and wellbeing classes support the students' smooth transition to Prep.
- Our SOWATT Framework won the 2019 Innovative Schools award from the Educator.
Give Your Child the Best Start
Start your child's educational journey with us and watch them thrive in a nurturing environment.
