Lighthouse Early Learning

Beginning the Encounter Journey

At Lighthouse Early Learning your child will embark on an amazing journey in preparation for school. Our Centre offers a high quality early childhood program for children aged from 3½ to school age. As an early learner at Encounter Lutheran College, your child is afforded every opportunity to grow into a resilient and happy child. We seek to create a proactive and engaging environment which caters for their well‑being and stimulates natural inquiry.

Our inquiry-based curriculum follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and the Early Years Learning Framework. This provides children with a balance of structured programs and play-based experiences that help build a firm foundation for future learning. We take inspiration from the Reggio Emilia philosophy and recognise children as strong, competent and resourceful learners. With a relevant and personalised curriculum, small group sizes and a welcoming ‘homely’ environment, we provide peace of mind for parents. Our purposeful learning experiences build upon individual strengths, needs and emerging interests.

Highly qualified staff work in partnership with families to ensure learning experiences are meaningful and decision-making is shared by providing a curriculum which promotes the participation of all children.

Our Centre is rated EXCEEDING in the National Quality Standards of the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority.

As an approved long day care provider, our Centre is open for 48 weeks of the year. Optional after school and holiday care is available. Eligible families are able to claim Child Care Benefits for Early Learning fees.

Online Enrolment Application Form

Open House & Official Opening

An Open House and Official Opening of Lighthouse Early Learning together with the Wilderness Centre (our new Middle & Senior School learning space on Block 69 at Wurar Ruwi) will be held on Wednesday 25 September from 4.30pm until 6.00pm. We’d love you to join us! Register online via the following button.

OPEN HOUSE: Lighthouse Early Learning

The Best Start

Lighthouse Early Learning at Encounter Lutheran College is designed to support play based, child centred learning. The Centre implements the Australian National Early Learning Years and our dedicated staff members are also trained in the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (PYP) and inspired by the world renowned Reggio Emilia Education Project.

The National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) ensures children’s senses of belonging, being and becoming are fully celebrated through the development of identity, wellbeing and communication as well as making connections and contributions and becoming confident and involved in their learning and the world around them.

The PYP approach focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer both in the classroom and in the world outside and aims to foster international mindedness.

Lighthouse Early Learning reflects the Reggio Emilia philosophy of experiential learning and the belief that the environment is the child’s third teacher. We strive to find ways for children to connect to their natural environment and learn about sustainable practices. We have created a ‘homely’ environment which fosters smoother transitions for children between home and the Early Learning Centre.

We believe these three integrated approaches give our students the best possible start – not just for schooling – but for life.

Our Session Times
Monday – Friday 8.00am – 3.00pm
After School Care 3.00-5.00pm

Lighthouse Early Learning is open each weekday during the term time. Our Centre also offers an exciting Holiday Care Program each school holidays.

Our College Connection & Transition to School

College Connection
Along with the convenience of being situated on the College grounds, Lighthouse Early Learning also offers:

Inclusion in College activities and events
Visits to the College library (The Nest) for story time and an opportunity to borrow books
Use of the College nature play spaces, oval and gym facilities
“Buddy Time” with Junior School students
Access to specialist teachers and expertise

Transition to School
An additional benefit for your child will be the seamless flow into our College Junior School.

Frequent interaction with staff and students in Reception assists with the familiarisation of the next step in your child’s educational journey.

College entry will be a natural continuum of the nurturing Christian care that is experienced at the Early Learning Centre. Enrolment into the College will require a separate enrolment form to be completed and an interview with the Head of Junior School. This information can be obtained from the College Administration.