IN FOCUS: Now it’s even kooler for Tarneit kidz

Kool Kidz Tarneit owner, Sam Johnson. (Damjan Janevski)

Kool Kidz Tarneit is open again following bright new renovations embracing spaces that foster play-based learning and social awareness.

Owner and approved provider Sam Johnson says the results can already be seen after a revamp of Kool Kidz Tarneit, the fresh look enabling a change in direction for the service.

“We have actively steered away from a technology focus in early childhood following research and have reinvested into the importance of play-based learning and inquiry-based learning – renovating the rooms to incorporate an interdisciplinary learning approach,” she says.

“The children learn about ‘big ideas’ through the whole room being focused on this by setting the stage for learning.”

“Since this change in direction, the children are running in every day, socialising more, learning how to play respectfully and communicate well whilst having a lot of fun.

“The only tears we see are at home time as they do not want to leave!”

“It is really wonderful to see children develop and learn and not even being aware of it, learning vital skills such as problem solving, communication and social skills that are fundamental to achieving a productive and happy life and being a fully-rounded little person.”

The new look childcare service has lighter colours and furnishings but it feels homely with touches of greenery, soft cushions and couches in every room, ready to have a snuggle with the children.

By creating a home away from home, Sam hopes to support children so they feel at ease quickly and learning will follow naturally from this.

The service also has special incursions included in the cost every day of the week, including Hey Dee Ho/Fiction Factory on Mondays, Yoga on Tuesdays, Mini Maestros on Wednesdays, Little Action Heroes on Thursdays and Activ 8 on Fridays.

Details about the incursions are available on the website.

Kool Kidz Tarneit is also the only long day care centre in Tarneit to receive the coveted “exceeding standards” status from the Department of Education.

Sam says she and husband, Ian Johnson, started the business after accessing day care services themselves for their two daughters.

She said they wanted to offer the kind of centre they were looking for, which was an extension of their family and community.

“After realising how valuable this service is in supporting families, Ian and I decided we wanted to support and help others just like us,” Sam says.

“We emigrated from the UK with no family to lean on and this kind of care really saved us at the time. We wanted to offer this experience and service to our local community.”

 

Kool Kidz Tarneit, 642 Tarneit Road, Tarneit. Opens 6.30am-6.30pm Monday-Friday. Inquiries: 9748 2004 or visit koolkidzchildcare.com.au