Emergent Curriculum at The Infants’ Home
At The Infants’ Home, we use an ‘emergent curriculum’ approach to support children's learning. This approach puts children's interests, ideas, and natural curiosity at the heart of the learning process.
‘Wow’ Moments in the Outdoor Classroom
Each visit to the outdoor classroom is an opportunity to engage with the natural world—through play, observation, movement, and curiosity. These experiences not only support physical development but foster a deep respect for the environment and each other.
A Child Safe Organisation
The Infants’ Home was founded in 1874 as the first and only home in Australia to provide accommodation and care for abandoned children and unmarried mothers and their babies. For over 150 years concern for the safety and welfare of children and young people has been at our core.
Managing Biting in Childcare – A Guide for Parents
Biting is both one of the most common and one of the most challenging issues that parents, educators and children themselves experience in childcare settings.
The Circle of Security Approach at The Infants’ Home
The Circle of Security Parenting Program is an evidence-based program which draws on 50 years of research into attachment. While designed for parents, the program can also guide educators to connect with children and to read and understand what they are ‘saying’ through their behaviour and actions.
Helping Children with Separation Anxiety
Separation distress or anxiety is a common and normal part of child development. It generally starts around six months of age and usually lasts until between two and a half to four years of age, although older children may continue to experience separation anxiety to some degree.
Helping your Child to Get Ready to Start School
While starting school is an exciting milestone for children and their family, it is also a big adjustment and can be a little daunting for all concerned. Fortunately, there are many simple things that parents and carers can do to help their child (and themselves) experience a positive transition.
Helping Children Manage Big Feelings: A Guide for Parents
Experiencing big feelings (or ‘tantrums’) is a normal part of early childhood development. Parents and carers play an important role in helping their child to manage their big feelings and to learn to self-regulate their emotions as they develop.
Building Bonds: How our Dads’ Playgroup is supporting Dads and Male Carers
The Infants’ Home’s Fathers’, Male Carers and Children’s Playgroup is a program where dads, male carers and children can come together to have fun and connection with each other.
Slowing the Merry-Go-Round of Illness in Childcare
Unfortunately, childhood illness and childcare often go hand in hand, especially when children first enrol and are still building their immune systems. Good hygiene practices in their centre and at home and keeping children home when they are unwell can help reduce the spread of infection.
Find the Balance—Navigating Children’s Screen Time
While there are many guidelines for how much time children should spend on screens, these are not always practical in the modern age, and sometimes other strategies are needed to navigate this issue.
Toilet Learning: Let the Children Lead the Way
Learning to use the toilet is a big milestone for a child. For many parents and carers, approaching toilet learning can be a little overwhelming. However, with patience, and by placing the child at the centre of the process, toilet learning can be an empowering and positive experience for all.