Programs

Early Learning Centre

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

The service is committed to maintaining strong links within our wider community and to build relationships that enrich and enhance children’s learning and well being. As part of Tamborine Mountain College and the wider College community, the aim is to ensure that the ELC children are fully prepared in every way possible to become confident and capable members of society.

every child should feel valued and supported in his / her own unique learning journey.

At Tamborine Mountain College it is our belief that every child has the right to experience the joy and wonder of learning. Learning is about experiencing the wonders of the world. Like never before, 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.

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.

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

The Kindy program follows the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The program is led by a Diploma trained Educator.

For your child to be eligible for the Kindy Program, they must be 3 years old at the time they commence the program.

Enrolment offers for our Pre-Prep program are based on:
1. Child’s age (turning 4 by June 30 in the year they attend) and;
2. The date we received your enrolment form.

As part of our commitment to the Queensland Government and all children in the year before they attend Prep, we prioritise children who are turning 4 by 30 June in the year they attend Pre-Prep. For your child to be eligible for the Kindy program, they must be 3 years old at the time they commence the program.

Click here for Fee Schedules

For your flexibility, you may choose from either our part-time (5 day fortnight) attendance pattern or full-time (5 days per week).

Please contact Miss Cassie Blacka - ELC Administrator or Mrs. Rachael Fernandez – ELC Director on 5545 3644 (option 3) or email: earlylearningcentre@tmc.qld.edu.au

Refer to Kindy / Pre-Prep Calendar in last tab.

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 inside environment has wonderful equipment, resources and technology. The children have access to Interactive White Boards, Chromebooks and tablets to research and explore further elements of our STEM program.

Our outside environment encourages children to explore, discover and learn through play. A brand new playground with equipment has been installed and will give your child the opportunity to develop their gross motor and co-ordination skills. Let’s not forget that it’s also a place to get messy, and exploration through our sandpit, mud kitchen and natural spaces will be just perfect for that!

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’ curricula 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.

Our ELC programs will run from 8.15am to 2.55pm, 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 2.55pm - 6:00pm.

MUSIC

Music is taught to the child by a qualified 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.

PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL EVENTS

Being a part of TMC and this allows us to easily participate in events happening at the College, ranging from larger events such as Under 8’s Day to smaller scale events such as assembly. Forming relationships with the Prep classes will also be a great transition-to-school program for the children.

Testimonials

“Dear TMC ELC Staff, Ross, Ariah, and I wanted to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for building such an embedded trust with Ariah. Teaching her not only developmental and learning skills but also working with her on her confidence. Providing a safe space filled with open communication and respect. Values we hold so close to home. Building determination and opening up her curiosity about the world around her. Ariah has made many friends and loves attending school. 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. Ariah will miss you all very much. Thank you for an amazing year, also all that you do to get our little ones ready for school. We hope we see you around TMC in prep. We will definitely be back when Luca is old enough! ” — Kayla & Ross, Parent of Ariah, 2022

“My 4yo daughter was attending another service on Tamborine Mountain prior to starting at TMC pre prep in June. She was very unhappy at the other service. Every day was a struggle – she didn’t want to go to kindy each morning and was so sad every day when we picked her up, after 4 weeks, she still couldn’t tell me any of her friends names. We decided to move her to TMC Pre-Prep and the change in her attitude towards kindy dramatically improved immediately! She 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!” — Tamara Gray - Parent of Mila, 2019

“We have absolutely loved Pre-Prep here at Tamborine Mountain College. Maharley has never been in any other care prior to starting here and was a bit unsure and nervous. But all the teachers have always been so supportive and caring and it didn’t take too long before Maharley settled in. Maharley has learnt so much this year and has developed in so many ways from self-confidence and academically and we have the amazing teachers here at pre prep to thank. We would highly recommend the center to anyone looking for a great learning environment with amazing staff. We will definitely miss coming to Pre-Prep next year but are lucky enough to be moving on to Prep just next door so we can still visit.” — Bec Croker - Parent of Maharley, 2019

“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.” — Richelle Collett, Parent of Sienna, 2019