Support
Ilam Early Learning Centre
elc-admin@ucsa.canterbury.ac.nz
About
The University of Canterbury Students' Association (Inc) provides Early Childhood Education for children of students enrolled at the University of Canterbury to allow for attendance at lectures, tutorials and employment, and where places are available, for children of staff and the community.
Our teachers create a warm, friendly, multicultural atmosphere where children feel secure and comfortable. The centre's programme are based on Te Whaariki, the Early Childhood Curriculum. Each child receives individual attention to enhance positive development. The centre's philosophy is to observe each child and extend their natural interests.
Licensed for up to 50 children from birth to five years the teacher / child ratios are above the minimum standards. The centre is divided into 3 areas of care:
Babies:
The babies area cares for children from six weeks to one year. We ensure individualised programmes adjust to the infant's own rhythms, informed by a strong partnership between parents and staff. The ratio for this area is above requirements and is one teacher to three babies with a maximum of six babies at any time.
Toddlers:
In 'The Little End', (up to 24 toddlers aged one to turning three), children enjoy a secure environment including a large outdoor activity area. We provide a programme with both daily routines and challenging activities that encourage a toddler's developing cognitive skills and language.
The morning programme includes group morning tea, action songs from many countries, and group lunches at 11.30am (children bring their own lunch). The afternoon programme may include sleep according to the child's natural rhythm, and a range of self-choice activities followed by afternoon tea at 2.30pm and quiet music time. Again the ratio is above requirements with one teacher to four children.
Young Children:
In 'The Big End', up to twenty five children aged three and four enjoy resources, challenges and support for their widening interests and increased capacity to solve problems. Teachers encourage sustained conversations, queries, and complex thinking, including concepts of fairness, feelings, difference and similarity. Children are encouraged to investigate their interests and are supported through group learning situations based on these interests. In this children and their peers can inquire alongside each other, constructing multiple theories and allowing a synergy of learning to occur.
Children's' interests are extended through field trips – recent ones have included Science Alive as well as the University campus and community.
A major feature of Big End is the large outdoor area, where projects and activities are always in action. Children are encouraged to value the natural environment and take a role and responsibility for its care.
The morning programme includes table-top activities and outdoor exercise then mat time with stories and songs. After group lunches at 12.30pm (children bring their own lunch), children have self-choice activities inside or outside, afternoon tea at 3.15pm and later shared tidy-up and quiet time. The ratio is above requirements at eight children per teacher.
Parent Support:
Teachers value daily informal communications with parents and are happy to meet with you on a more formal basis by arrangement. Any comments, suggestions or ideas for improving the Centres' practices are welcomed, please discuss these with our Head Teacher or Licensee.
Bookings:
Ilam ELC's sessions are based on the needs of student parents. Core sessions are 9am to 12 noon, and 12 noon to 3pm. In addition, parents can book per semester starting from 8am through to 5pm. Flexibility can be made on a case by case basis around exam days.
The centre is open for summer school semester, mid November to mid February, with a three close-down over Christmas and one week in the July semester break.
Students who have re-booked in advance for the following February will not be charged if the child is away during the summer semester. The centre can help with WINZ subsidy applications. Parents are expected to maintain their booking without changes for the entire semester.
Rates:
The centre has a discounted rate for University of Canterbury student parents, with capped fees at 35 hours per week. For further details on the centre, frees and to arrange a visit, please contact the Administrator or Head Teacher on 348 4336.