For many families, the term ‘childcare’ suggests something simple: a safe place where children are cared for while parents work. But when we talk about early learning at ECMS, we’re talking about much more than care. We’re talking about a learning journey – a place where the magic of discovery, play and relationships forms the foundation of lifelong learning. In every ECMS service, no matter the model (early learning centre or kindergarten), every moment is intentional. Every child is seen, and every interaction is a chance to learn.
It’s time to shift the way we talk about early childhood education – because language matters.
Why language matters – and why learning starts from day one
The Early Learning and Care Council of Australia recently celebrated a long-awaited shift in the way we describe our profession. The term child care worker has been officially replaced with titles like Early Childhood Educator and Children’s Education and Care Service Director. As ELACCA CEO Elizabeth Death explained, “the way we talk about early childhood educators reflects and reinforces the value we place on their work. Language matters when it comes to respecting our profession” (ELACCA, 2024, p. 1).
This is central to our approach at every ECMS service. Our early childhood educators are qualified professionals – shaping the futures of children through play-based, intentional learning. And we know that learning doesn’t just happen once children start school. It happens every day, in every space, in every ECMS early learning centre and kindergarten.
The power of early learning in long day care
Sometimes the term childcare or long day care carries with it a perception that the work is mostly supervision, or even that learning starts when children turn five. But the evidence tells us otherwise. As Early Childhood Australia notes, “Quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) helps to amplify children’s natural skills and abilities” – especially in the first five years, when their brains are wired to learn rapidly (ECA, 2024, p. 1).
At ECMS, every early learning centre environment is a rich, engaging learning space. Our educators design programs that foster creativity, problem-solving and curiosity. They notice what children are interested in and build learning experiences around children’s ideas – whether it’s counting bugs in the garden, asking questions about how things work, or exploring storybooks and language, teaching is always with intentionality.
We embed play as the vehicle for learning – because play is not just fun. It’s how children think, communicate, experiment, and grow.
How our pedagogy brings it to life
Our Pedagogy at ECMS blog explains it best: “We see children as active participants in their own learning – capable, curious, and full of potential.” Our educators aren’t filling empty vessels with knowledge. They’re co-constructors – listening, responding and extending learning through everyday interactions.
You’ll see this in every one of our services. Our Becoming with place at Bulldogs Community Children’s Centre blog shows how in every setting, we tailor experiences for each child and community, ensuring every moment is inclusive and meaningful.
It’s not just about what we teach. It’s how we teach – through trusting relationships, intentional planning and warm, welcoming environments that honour each child’s identity. At ECMS, we know both the teaching and the learning matter, and that’s why we lead with and through our pedagogical framework in all we do.
Learning that lasts a lifetime
The Early Years Learning Framework reminds us that, “Children’s learning is dynamic, complex and holistic. Physical, social, emotional, personal, spiritual, creative, cognitive and linguistic aspects of learning are all intricately interwoven” (AGDE, 2022, p. 14).
That’s what happens at ECMS – in early learning centres, kindergartens and integrated kindergarten models. Children learn to navigate the world around them, solve problems, express themselves and engage with others. These are foundational to readiness for learning and lifelong success.
And our teaching teams are more than observers. They are researchers, reflectors and relationship-builders. They intentionally guide learning through play, conversation, movement and discovery.
What families can expect
When you enrol your child in an early learning centre at an ECMS service, you’re not just choosing a model that may support your family – you’re choosing a proven early learning approach backed by research, values and deep community connection.
You can expect:
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Qualified educators who plan learning with intentionality
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A play-based curriculum linked to the EYLF v2.0
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Warm, inclusive environments where children feel seen and heard
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Ongoing communication and partnership with your family
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A genuine commitment to equity, inquiry and relational teaching
At ECMS, early learning doesn’t start at kindergarten. It starts now. And it happens here – whether your child attends two days a week or full-time, from infancy through to school transition.
What early learning really means
Whether its sessional kindergarten or within an early learning centre, every child who enters an ECMS service is supported as a learner, by a qualified teaching team. Every moment, every discovery in play, every interaction, is a meaningful part of their early learning journey.
As a family, you’re not just accessing care. You’re entering into a learning relationship – one that supports your child’s development across all domains, builds confidence, and creates joy in discovery.
Because at ECMS, early learning isn’t something that begins at age three. It’s something we believe in, plan for, and celebrate – from the very beginning.
References
Australian Government Department of Education. (2022). Belonging, Being & Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (V2.0). https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf
Early Learning and Care Council of Australia (ELACCA). (2024). ELACCA celebrates long-awaited overhaul of language about early learning profession. https://elacca.org.au
Early Childhood Australia. (2024). How to talk about early childhood education and care. https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au