Early Learning Centre

Tamborine Mountain College Early Learning Centre (ELC) ensures ELC children have a safe and nurturing environment to develop all of the skills essential for a smooth transition to Prep.

Our service is committed to maintaining strong links within our wider community and to build relationships that enrich and enhance children’s learning and wellbeing. At Tamborine Mountain College our aim is to ensure our ELC children are fully prepared in every way possible to become confident, capable and school ready.

"Every child should feel valued and supported in their own unique learning journey."

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Our Early Learning program is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for our youngest students, laying the foundation for a lifelong journey of exploration and discovery. At our Early Learning Centre you will discover our play-based curriculum, which fosters the development of essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Our passionate educators guide students through a range of engaging activities that ignite creativity and curiosity. We understand the unique needs of early learners and prioritise creating a safe and supportive atmosphere where every child can flourish.

"Over the past three years, our two children have had the most wonderful experiences in the ELC. The activities that are organised have engaged and inspired them. They feel safe, secure and seen, in your care. You have enriched their lives and helped to foster a love of learning and of coming to school. I cannot speak highly enough of the ELC and OHSC. It is a wonderful place for children."

Parent ELC

Kindergarten Program

The Pre-Prep program is an Approved Kindergarten Program which follows the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG). The program is led by a degree qualified Early Childhood Teacher. The guidelines promote learning and development through a play-based curriculum that embraces learning through discovery, exploration, real-life engagement, routines and transitions.

For your child to be eligible for the Pre-Prep program, they must turn 4 years old by 30 June in the year that they attend Pre-Prep. Children who are 3 by the start of Term 1 are considered for any additional positions ( Early Entry). Applications for children turning 3 later in the year will be considered based on availability.

Enrolling in the Pre-Prep Program at TMC will also give you priority access into Prep at TMC.

Valued and Supported

At Tamborine Mountain College every child has the right to experience the joy and wonder of learning. Learning is about experiencing the wonders of the world. The journey of education is one that inspires, engages and enhances children’s knowledge of the world around them. At Tamborine Mountain College it is our goal to instill within our children a love of learning that will stay with them for life.

"Mila was excited about going to kindy, she never wants to leave at home-time and she has made some very special friends. The teaching staff are magnificent and have really connected with her – She can’t tell me her favourite teacher... well she tries, but she just lists them all!"

Parent ELC

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum follows Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG) and Early Years Learning Framework of Australia (EYLF). We promote play based learning following an emerging program of child led interests. Teachers create intentional learning opportunities to support individual and group learning.

Families can keep up to date with all the fun and learning with StoryPark. We make it our priority to have families involved as much as possible in their child’s learning journey. StoryPark is a documenting platform which allows educators to communicate with families about all the wonderful learning your child is participating in during their day. You will be able to access the program that is being delivered and give feedback instantly. It allows you to work more closely with your child’s teacher by commenting on learning stories or adding to plans and programs.

Our Environment

At Tamborine Mountain ELC we are dedicated to empowering every student by providing them with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed socially, emotionally and academically.

Indoors, students have access to a variety of learning spaces to inspire children to explore their interests through art marking studio, loose parts, fine motor, numeracy and literacy-based experiences. Interactive White Boards, allows them to engage with educational resources and technology.

Outdoors, we have created an environment that encourages children to explore, discover, and learn through play. We have beautiful open space with large built in playground features that are not only fun but supports the development of gross motor skills and coordination in your child. This space is not just for play; it's a place where they can get messy, fostering creativity and hands-on exploration. Our sandpit, mud kitchen, and natural spaces are perfect for such immersive learning experiences.

"Ariah comes home every week with new songs, new words and lots of creativity. We haven’t had a single day we haven’t been happy with the program and care of Ariah. "

Parent ELC

Our Educators

The educators at the Early Learning Centre have been carefully selected to ensure that we have the most highly qualified, experienced and passionate teaching team. The teachers are specialists in implementing early years’ curriculum and pride themselves on delivering a program that is nurturing, engaging and stimulating for the children. Our teachers and educators are patient, understanding and above all, dedicated to making your child’s learning experience truly wonderful.

Hours of Operation

Our ELC programs will run from 8.15am to 3pm, five days per fortnight (3 days one week and 2 days the following week), or fulltime 5 days per week. The program follows the Tamborine Mountain College’s school terms. Extended hours care for your child is also on offer through OSHC (Outside School Hours Care) at the Early Learning Centre, where your child can attend flexible sessions between 6:30am - 8.15am and 3pm - 6:00pm.

Extra Curricular

MUSIC

Music is taught to the child by our TMC specialist music teacher. The children learn fundamental concepts such as tempo, pitch and rhythm, learnt through fun songs and rhymes.

FRENCH

Your child will learn French as part of the Pre-Prep program. This is the second language taught within TMC. The language will be taught through fun songs, games and rhymes.

INCURSIONS

There will be opportunities throughout the year for us to invite visitors into the Early Learning Centre, which will be reflective of special interest areas within the program at that time. Exciting incursions will expand children’s interests and open their mind to new thoughts and opportunities.

SPORT

Pre Prep has a weekly P.E lesson with the college's P.E Teacher with a focus of fun, fitness, skill development and game play. Pre Prep enjoys going to the grass area for these activities.

First step to Prep Program

Our Program is designed to support a smooth and confident transition from Pre-Prep into the first year of formal schooling. The purpose of this program is to ensure that both students and staff from the Early Learning Centre (ELC) and Prep develop strong connections, setting the foundation for a successful start to school life.

Throughout the program, students will have the opportunity to become familiar with key aspects of the Prep environment, including classroom routines, expectations, and various areas of the College campus. Where possible, individual student needs will be identified and assessed to help ensure personalised support during this transition period.

One of the great advantages of being part of the TMC community is the opportunity to participate in College-wide events. From larger celebrations like Under 8’s Day to more regular activities such as assemblies, and athletic carnival. Our children enjoy authentic interactions within the broader school environment, these shared experiences, along with regular visits and interactions with the Prep team, help build meaningful relationships and support each child’s sense of belonging, confidence, and readiness for the next step in their educational journey.

"We are so happy with the Pre-Prep program at TMC. Sienna has only attended the last two terms and we have seen her grow so much. Sienna never wants to leave at the end of the day and has learnt so much in a short time."

Parent ELC