Update from our CEO

Building Strong Foundations through Educational programs and practice.

By Samantha Kolasa, CEO

As CEO of Glen Education, I have the privilege of witnessing, every day, the remarkable growth that occurs in our kindergarten rooms. For families with children aged three and four, this stage of learning is both exciting and foundational. It is during these early years that children begin to build the skills, confidence, and curiosity that will shape their future learning journeys.

A key element guiding the quality of this experience is what we refer to as Quality Area 1: Educational Program and Practice. While this may sound like a technical term, its impact on your child’s daily experience is both meaningful and profound.

At its heart, Quality Area 1 is about ensuring that the learning experiences we provide are thoughtful, intentional, and responsive to each child. It means that our educators are not simply supervising play, but actively designing environments and opportunities that support learning through play, exploration, and discovery.

For children attending kindergarten, learning does not look like worksheets or formal lessons. Instead, it happens when they build with blocks, engage in imaginative play, explore nature, ask questions, and interact with their peers. Under Quality Area 1, our educators carefully observe these moments and use them to guide future experiences. For example, if a group of children shows interest in insects, our educators might introduce books, outdoor investigations, and creative activities that deepen that curiosity while also supporting language, science, and social skills.

This approach is known as a play-based learning program, and it is widely recognised as the most effective way for young children to learn. It allows children to develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and emotional resilience - all essential for school and life beyond.

Another important aspect of Quality Area 1 is that every child is seen as an individual learner. Children develop at different rates, and they bring unique interests, strengths, and cultural backgrounds to their learning. Our educators take the time to understand your child, what excites them, what challenges them, and how they learn best. This ensures that each child feels valued, supported, and capable.

You may have noticed educators documenting your child’s learning through photos, notes, or digital platforms. This is not just about keeping you informed - although that connection with families is incredibly important. It is also a key part of our practice. By documenting learning, educators reflect on what is working well and where they can extend your child’s development further. It allows us to plan intentionally and continuously improve the educational program.

Quality Area 1 also emphasises strong partnerships with families. You, as parents and caregivers, are your child’s first and most important teachers. Your insights, values, and aspirations for your child play a vital role in shaping our program. Whether it’s sharing a cultural tradition, discussing your child’s interests, or providing feedback, your involvement enriches the learning environment for all children.

From a leadership perspective, ensuring excellence in Educational Program and Practice is one of our highest priorities. We invest in ongoing professional development for our educators, ensuring they stay informed about the latest research and best practices in early childhood education. We also foster a culture of reflection, where educators regularly evaluate and refine their programs to maintain the highest standards.

Why does all of this matter? Because the early years are not just preparation for school, they are the foundation for lifelong learning. When children experience high-quality educational programs, they develop a love of learning, confidence in their abilities, and the social skills needed to build positive relationships. These are outcomes that extend far beyond the kindergarten years.

At Glen Education, we are deeply committed to providing an environment where your child can thrive. Quality Area 1 is not just a requirement we meet, it is a standard we embrace. It reflects our belief that every child deserves a rich, engaging, and meaningful learning experience.

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s early education. Together, we are building the foundations for a bright and successful future.