What your child learns and experiences at Ridgehaven ELC
Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and delivered room by room, our program matches your child’s age and stage. We take a holistic approach to education and care, nurturing each child’s interests and sense of discovery.
Explore how our program works across each area.
EYLF Framework
The EYLF, explained
You’ll see ‘EYLF’ throughout our website. The Early Years Learning Framework is Australia’s national framework for early learning, and it shapes our outdoor spaces, daily program and how our educators plan for your child.
What is the EYLF?
Rather than a fixed lesson plan, it’s a set of principles and outcomes that guide our educators in supporting each child’s development through play and everyday experiences.
How This Shapes Our Program
Our EYLF-guided outdoor spaces encourage children to explore. Indoors, educators plan experiences that build on what they observe — from sensory play in the Baby room to school readiness in Kinder.
Extra Curricular Activities & Programs
Specialist programs, incursions and excursions
Alongside our core program, children take part in specialist activities that build confidence, fitness and connection to our local community.
Specialist Programs
SoccaJoeys — builds cardiovascular fitness, social skills, confidence and personal skills
Happy Feet Fitness — creative movement classes that develop cooperation, communication and problem-solving
Educational Incursions
Incursions are programs that come to the centre, bringing special visitors, activities and new experiences straight to the children.
Community Visits
We visit local organisations to help children stay connected to the local community.
School Readiness
Preparing your child for the transition to school
Starting school is a big step. At Ridgehaven ELC, school readiness builds gradually across the Toddler and Kinder rooms, so children arrive feeling confident and prepared.
What Parents Can Expect
Throughout your child’s final year with us, educators share regular updates on their progress through OWNA, along with conversations at drop-off and pick-up. We’re also here to help with the practical side of starting school, from enrolment timing to those first-day nerves, so you feel just as prepared as your child.
Flying Start Program
Ridgehaven ELC is a proud Flying Start partner, delivering the South Australian Government’s teacher-led 3-year-old preschool program. Led by a qualified early childhood teacher working alongside our educators, Flying Start builds on our EYLF-guided approach to help your child build confidence, curiosity and the skills they need for school and life.
A typical Flying Start session includes:
Flying Start is available to eligible 3-year-olds in our Kinder room, and may be claimed against the Child Care Subsidy (CCS). Ask our educators for more details, or book a tour to find out if your child is eligible.