Finnish model starts
New Geelong early childhood learning centres
A UNIQUE Lara childcare centre, modelled on internationally renowned Finnish curriculum, is expanding to two new locations in Geelong.
HEI Schools is set to open a Norlane early learning centre in September/October and Waurn Ponds facility mid-2021, with each catering for about 120 children.
The centres will blend Finnish early childhood education concepts with other elements such as science and technology, foreign languages and mathematics.
Teachers sit on the floor to actively play, talk, observe and engage with the children, while everything has been designed to be no higher than window height.
HEI Schools Lara Early Learning Centre, which opened in December, was Australia’s first purpose-built early learning centre modelled on the Finnish curriculum, which is regarded as one of the best in the world.
It accommodates up to 131 children and has continued to support local families despite being significantly hit by initial COVID-19 restrictions.
Centre director Julie Whitehead said the centre’s admission numbers now surpassed its pre-pandemic figures.
“We are very excited to be opening two further centres in the region and being able to share the excellence of the Finnish early childhood education with many more families in the Geelong community,” she said.
Ms Whitehead said its educators were focused on encouraging children to have rights, have an identity and make choices learning.
“Our mission is to bring up children who are not only capable of adapting to the changing world, but changing the world themselves,” she said.
“HEI Schools values a child’s perspective, creativity and play, exploration, encouragement and social and emotional skills.”
The new centres will include a four-year kindergarten program, with plans for a three-year program to be added in 2022 as part of the Victorian Government initiative.
There are currently 10 HEI Schools around the world, including centres in Asia, Europe and South America.
Construction of the Waurn Ponds centre is set to start next month. about their