Participation in meaningful early learning experiences is key for children to build essential skills, including cognitive and motor skills, social awareness, and language and communication abilities. These foundations set them up for further learning at school and beyond.

With a deep understanding and respect for what young children need to have the best start in life, Emali Early Learning Centres go the extra mile when it comes to providing early learning programs for children. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework, Emali educators set up bespoke play-based activities relevant to each age group, children’s individual interests and development.

Since establishment, Emali has embraced the uniqueness of each child and family, striving to provide more relevance and value to families. One way Emali does this is by providing specialised extra-curricular programs as a complimentary extension to the regular service offering.

“We understand families are increasingly busy juggling careers, social commitments and family time all while trying to fit in taking their children to dance classes, sport obligations, swimming lessons and more,” says Emali Director, Trish.

“Not only is it hard to find time to do it all, it can also get expensive signing up for everything. With this in mind, plus our desire to support local families in a meaningful way, Emali provides classes in-house for children. Currently, our most popular extra-curricular programs are Music and Movement and Sport and Activity.”

Emali’s Music and Movement program is planned and taught by qualified educator and experienced dance teacher, affectionately known to the children as ‘Princess Jordan’.

“This program combines music, movement, dance, song and also incorporates themes of cultural diversity,” says Jordan.

The planned activities in this program are all intentionally designed to enhance the children’s learning and development in fun ways. The more fun we’re having, the more learning is had!

“During classes, children build gross motor skills as they stand, jump or balance, language skills as they listen or sing along to songs, plus their overall health and wellbeing increases as they build confidence to try new things – particularly relevant to our Preschool children as they prepare to transition into school.”

Likewise, Emali’s Sport and Activity program is planned and taught by experienced academy coach, known to the children as ‘Soccer James’. This program incorporates different sports, games and physical activities to promote muscle development, coordination, fine and gross motor skills plus more.

From cricket, to soccer, to athletics and everything in-between, Emali’s Sport and Activity program supports children to control their movements as they run, swing or catch, understanding spatial awareness as they throw or kick balls to a target, it even sets the foundations of learning strategy as children follow instructions and game rules.

Another key take-away for all extra-curricular programs is the concept of teamwork, as they learn to communicate, cooperate, take turns while building friendships with their peers.

Emali’s vision to integrate the local communities surrounding each centre are reflected in their unique programs. For example, Emali Littlehampton embraces it’s Adelaide Hills farming community, building an on-site barn and incorporating animal interactions into daily learning programs.

Additionally, Emali Salisbury offers swimming lessons to children with their on- site pool, while the newest Emali in Campbelltown has a dedicated sensory space, designed in collaboration with Occupational Therapists at Motivate Kids, created for children to receive focused support as they learn to regulate their big emotions, improve specific physical capabilities and more.

With 9 South Australian owned and operated locations, each Emali Early Learning Centre is passionate about offering more opportunities for young children to learn. It’s a commitment to nurturing each child’s unique potential in a way that is engaging, meaningful, and relevant to their world.

By incorporating specialised extra-curricular programs and tailoring learning experiences, Emali sets a standard for high-quality early childhood education, supporting every child to have the best start possible – one enriching (and fun!) experience at a time.

To find out more about Emali Early Learning Centre and book a centre tour, visit: emali.com.au

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