Educational Ages & Stages
The Infants Approach
Circle of Security & Attachments
“Attachment is a unifying principle that reaches from the Biological depths of our being to it’s furthest Spiritual reaches”
– Jeremy Holmes, John Bowlby & Attachment Theory
Circle of Security is a relationship-based framework that supports secure attachment between infants and their educators. Through nurturing, responsive care, our educators create a safe and predictable environment where infants feel confident to explore, knowing they can always return to a secure base for comfort and connection. We are attuned to each child’s individual cues, offering gentle support as they begin to make sense of their world.
As per attachment theory developed by John Bowlby, we believe that quality attachments and relationships with caring adults shapes an infant’s capacity to build healthy relationships throughout life.
By fostering strong attachments, trust, and emotional safety, we lay the foundation for resilience, confidence, and lifelong well-being.
Environment
“If we give children enough space and possibilities for free movement they will move as beautifully and gracefully as animals: nimbly, simply, confidently and naturally.”
– Dr Emmi Pikler
At HazelGrove, we’ve created a space where babies feel safe, held, and free to explore. Every corner is thoughtfully designed with soft, natural materials, calm colours, and age-appropriate resources to support their development.
Our environments are not only physically safe but emotionally secure too. With consistent routines, familiar faces, and nurturing educators, babies know what to expect and where they belong. It’s a space that feels like a second home—warm, calm, and full of care.
Sleep, Rest & Care Routines
At HazelGrove, we see care moments—like mealtimes, bottle feeding, and nappy changes—as valuable opportunities for connection. These are quiet, intimate moments where infants not only have their physical needs met but also build trust and secure attachments with their educators. We take the time to slow down, be present, and gently involve each child in the process.
Our educators take the time to understand each child’s unique needs, nurturing secure connections and maintaining familiar home routines to support a smooth and comforting transition to our service environment.
When it comes to sleep and rest, we work closely with families to understand and support each child’s individual needs. We recognise that every child and every family is unique; we follow their cues to offer rest when it’s needed most.
We aim to create consistent, soothing sleep rituals that support children in learning to self-settle over time. At the same time, we respect the varied ways children experience sleep at home, and we adapt our approach to make each child feel safe, comforted, and secure.
Our Toddlers Approach
At the heart of our toddler program is a deep respect for each child’s rights and unique journey of growth. We believe toddlers thrive when their environment and relationships reflect this understanding.
Safe & Stimulating Space
Toddlers have the right to feel safe, secure, and supported as they explore their world. Our environments are carefully designed to spark curiosity while keeping children protected from harm—encouraging active discovery and joyful learning.
Responsive & Nurturing Relationships
We know that toddlers flourish in the care of responsive, loving adults. Our educators tune in closely to each child’s cues, offering comfort, encouragement, and connection. These warm, trusting relationships are the foundation for healthy emotional and social development.
Self-identity, Autonomy & Self-help Skills
At HazelGrove, our toddler approach supports children as they begin to discover who they are as individuals. Through play, gentle guidance, and plenty of encouragement, we nurture each child’s growing sense of identity and autonomy.
Educators encourage the children to take pride in doing things for themselves—whether it’s putting on their own shoes, helping tidy up, or making choices throughout the day. These everyday moments build essential self-help skills and lay the foundation for independence and confidence.
Emotional & Social Skills
At the heart of our approach is a focus on emotional and social development. We support toddlers in learning to express their feelings, form friendships, and develop empathy. With consistent routines, warm relationships, and opportunities for shared experiences, toddlers learn to understand and respect themselves and others.
Our Preschool Approach
100 Languages of Children
In our pre-school rooms, the 100 languages of children are deeply embedded in our Reggio inspired approach to learning. We understand that children communicate and make meaning through art, music, movement, storytelling, imaginative play and more… This philosophy is central to our curriculum, where we create a rich, stimulating environment that encourages children to explore and express themselves in diverse, creative ways. By fostering these varied modes of communication, we help children develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their world.
Capable & Confident Active Citizens of the World
We see every child as a capable, confident, and active citizen of the world. Our approach fosters their independence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, enabling them to navigate the world around them with a sense of purpose and agency. By providing opportunities for leadership, collaboration, and meaningful decision-making, we encourage children to take an active role in their own learning and in their community, helping them develop a strong sense of responsibility and the confidence to make a positive impact in the world.
Children Have Rights
Central to our philosophy is the belief that children have inherent rights—rights to learn, to be heard, to express themselves, and to be treated with dignity and respect. We honour these rights by creating an environment where children are empowered to voice their opinions, ask questions, and actively participate in their own learning journey. By respecting each child’s individuality and fostering an inclusive environment, we help children understand their rights while encouraging them to respect the rights of others.
Social Justice, Resilience & Adaptability
Our preschool program emphasises the importance of social justice, resilience, and adaptability in preparing children for a dynamic and interconnected world. We guide children to recognize the value of fairness and equality, encouraging them to embrace diversity and understand the importance of inclusivity. Through intentional discussions, group activities, and real-world problem-solving, children learn to navigate challenges with resilience and adaptability, building emotional strength and the ability to approach change with confidence. These foundational skills empower children to become compassionate, flexible individuals who can thrive in any environment.
Transition to School Program
At HazelGrove, being “ready” goes far beyond academic basics. While name recognition, early numeracy and literacy are important, we believe that true readiness comes from the holistic development of the whole child. Emotional regulation, social confidence, the ability to build and maintain friendships, communicate effectively, ask questions, follow instructions – and most importantly, a genuine love for learning – are at the heart of our approach.
Well-being Curriculum
Child Safety and the Power of 'No'
At HazelGrove we prioritise the safety and well-being of every child, ensuring they feel secure, respected, and heard. We believe that part of nurturing a child’s sense of autonomy and self-worth is empowering them with the understanding that they have the right to say ‘No.’
Children are taught that they have the power to set boundaries and express their feelings, and that their voices matter. Saying ‘No’ is not only a tool for personal safety but also an important aspect of developing emotional strength and respect for oneself and others. We foster an environment where children are encouraged to trust their instincts, communicate their needs, and know that they are supported in their choices.
By respecting each child’s right to say ‘No,’ we create a space where children can develop confidence, self-advocacy skills, and an understanding of personal boundaries—values that they will carry with them throughout their lives.
PALS Social Skills Program
The PALS (Play and Learn Social Skills) Program is a key component of our curriculum. Through this program, children learn to greet others, listen attentively, share, take turns, and navigate complex emotions such as fear, sadness, and anger. They also develop problem-solving skills that help them resolve conflicts with peers.
The PALS program features three friendly puppets— Kate the Kookaburra who is the teacher and Anna the Kangaroo and Jack the Koala are the children. These puppets guide children through social scenarios, offering practical examples of how to handle various social and emotional situations. These puppets help bring the lessons to life and make learning fun and engaging for all children – from infants’ stage to preschool stage. For each session notes for families are shared via our OWNA App.
The PALS program is an Australian, research-based educational resource developed by clinical psychologists and early childhood educators. It is specifically designed for use in early childhood education, providing a structured, evidence-backed approach to fostering social and emotional competence in young children.
Emotional Toolbox
EMOTIONAL TOOLBOX provides children strategy or ‘tools’ to deal with how they are feeling rather than suppress these emotions.
“As we continue to use e-learning, virtual teams, artificial intelligences, social networking & will continue to do so much more in the future; Social & Emotional intelligence will be fundamental in maintaining relationships and contribute to individual & organisational success.”
Physical Tools
This helps to release Emotional Energy through Physical Activity. This may include Running, Playing Soccer or other physical sports, Dancing or some other Physical Activity which the child loves.
Relaxation
This helps a child to Relax & the ‘Calming Cubby’ in every room plays an important role. Here children may have tools such as audio stories, fidget toys, scents such as lavender, books, soft cushions to relax. Educators may assist by practicing breathing exercises, mindfulness & yoga.
Social Tools
This includes the support of a peer, friend, family or teacher. A hug, a cuddle and a sympathetic listening ear goes a long way in emotional regulation.
Thinking Tools
Reflecting about emotions, ‘Why am I feeling this?’ looking at your face in the mirror to decipher the feeling and then talking about it with a trusted person helps immensely with Social & Emotional regulation.
Special Interests & Other Tools
These can be personalised depending on a particular child. They may include items such as a security toy or blanket, family photo or mum’s clothing (especially beneficial for babies who can still smell their mum creating feelings of security).
Community Curriculum
Community is central to our Reggio-inspired curriculum. We believe that a child’s learning is enriched by the connections they build within their immediate and broader communities.
These include Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ communities, the diverse cultures of the children and educators in our program, and the wider community we live in.
We actively involve the children in community-based initiatives, helping them understand the value of contributing to and engaging with the world around them. Some of the initiatives we’ve been involved in include:
- Bake It Blue: Raising funds for Jeans for Genes Day to support children’s genetic research.
- Street Library: Contributing to our local community by setting up a shared space for reading and learning.
- School Tree Day: Participating in environmental efforts through planting and caring for trees.
- Community Excursions: Visiting our neighbours, exploring the local garden reserve, and learning about our natural environment.
- Incursions: Hosting engaging workshops and learning experiences such as:
- Animals of the Dreaming – Exploring Indigenous Australian culture and animals.
- Hatch ‘n’ Grow Duckling Life Cycle – Understanding the natural cycle of life through our duckling hatching program.
- Road Safety Workshops for children – Teaching vital safety skills for the road.
- Operation Christmas Child – Supporting the Samaritan’s Purse project by filling shoe boxes with gifts for children in need.
- Supporting Dougal Bear Cancer Council – Raising awareness and funds for cancer research through community participation.
Through these experiences, we aim to instil in children the importance of social responsibility, empathy, and the power of community connections, all while fostering a deep sense of belonging and pride in the world around them.
Sustainability Curriculum
Connecting with the UNESCO Sustainable Development Goals, we have created a Sustainability Action Plan to transform our Practice.
Our Aim: We are committed to protecting our environment to ensure a sustainable future for our children and through continuous improvement; we strive to be better tomorrow than we are today.
Our Service actively participates in caring for our environment and promotes sustainable practices through educating and working with the children, educators, families and the wider community.
Learning about sustainability starts with our everyday practice. Infants and toddlers learn by watching adults model these behaviours. They may learn through song or rhyme as educators verbalise what they are doing. Older children and pre-schoolers can begin to reason why practices are needed and to understand the impact that their actions have on the planet.
Our Children are our future and will be the caretakers of our environment!
We believe that “working with the world’s youngest children is crucial to the connections required to implement early childhood education for sustainability (ECEfS) and to promote transformative change towards a society which respects the global needs of sustainability.” Click here to learn more.
Our Educators are the early learning framework that scaffolds the future of our children
We will embrace the learning opportunities we provide to our children, families and the wider community, these include promoting awareness of the environment through ‘green housekeeping practices’ such as healthy eating, gardening, minimising waste, recycling and reducing water and energy consumption.
Our Families & Community are the guardians of our most important assets
Our families and the wider community are encouraged to adopt sustainable practices and share ideas as a commitment to our children and their future.
Health & Safety Curriculum
At HazelGrove, health and safety are fundamental aspects of the curriculum, and we are committed to creating an environment where children feel safe, secure, and nurtured. Our approach to health and safety extends beyond basic physical care and includes fostering emotional well-being, developing healthy habits, and ensuring children understand the importance of personal responsibility.
Physical Health & Hygiene
We encourage children to develop healthy habits through age-appropriate activities that focus on hygiene, nutrition, and physical activity. As part of this, we incorporate the Munch & Move program, which is designed to promote healthy eating and physical activity among young children. This program teaches children the benefits of eating nutritious foods and staying active, providing them with the tools to develop lifelong healthy habits. In addition to promoting good hygiene practices such as washing hands before meals, we also encourage children to enjoy physical activity through active play, which supports coordination, strength, and overall well-being.
Emotional Well-being & Mental Health
We understand that emotional health is just as important as physical health. Through our PALS Social Skills Program and other emotional development activities, children are taught how to recognize and express their feelings, manage stress, and develop resilience. We support children in building self-awareness, self-regulation, and positive coping strategies, ensuring they feel emotionally safe and supported.
Safety Awareness & Practices
Safety is a priority in every aspect of our program. We educate children on safety practices, both within the preschool environment and in the broader world. This includes basic safety rules, such as understanding how to safely navigate spaces, road safety, and fire safety. Our educators’ model safe behaviour, reinforcing the importance of respecting boundaries and looking out for one another.
Additionally, we have designated Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Officers who ensure that our preschool environment complies with the highest standards of safety. These officers regularly assess our practices and ensure that safety protocols are followed, providing peace of mind for children, families, and staff.
By integrating health and safety into our daily routines and curriculum, including the Munch & Move program and WHS oversight, we help children develop the skills they need to stay safe, healthy, and confident as they navigate their world.