Curriculum

Image of child (Malaguzzi 1994)

As a collaborative professional team, we hold a shared image of child. Our image of child positions children as the heart of our curriculum.

Our recent aspiration for our image of child is:

“We seek to position children as competent and confident learners who are able to communicate their understanding of the world around them.”

Ethics and Social Responsibility

We are committed to upholding the dignity and rights of children, working in their best interests and to supporting their development as socially responsible citizens.

Our Approach to Sustainable Practices
- Food is not used for play within our curriculum, reflecting our commitment to minimise food waste.
- Environmental considerations inform our selection of resources and materials, with a preference for reusable and recyclable options.
- Water play is limited to the use of collected rain water, supporting sustainable water use and conservation awareness.

Sustainable Projects - Newsletter October 2025

Our Approach to Celebrational Events
- Events held at Totom House are conducted in ways that are respectful of diverse family values, cultures and circumstances and respectful of children’s psychological and physical safety.
- Product-based, consumable celebration methods are not included in our curriculum.
- We strive to help children make authentic and respectful connections to the deeper significance of traditional events, wherever possible and relevant. Related teaching and learning takes place within each studio’s program, rather than through centre-wide celebration of events.

Celebrations - Newsletter July 2025

Studios

At Totom House, we welcome children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age. Children are grouped into three studios, primarily by age.

Junior Studio - 6 weeks to 2 years

Our primary focus in the Junior Studio is to establish and foster safe, secure and nurturing relationships with each child. Feeling secure and developing a sense of belonging in the care setting is essential for learning and supports children in reaching their developmental potential.

Senior Studio - 2 to 3 years

In the Senior Studio, we respect children’s growing independence. We acknowledge and celebrate the effort children make as they learn and develop new skills. A variety of strategies are used to support children to self-regulate, overcome challenges and navigate a wide range of emotions while they learn to work with other children.

Preschool Studio - 3 to 5 years

The Preschool Studio supports children in consolidating their skills and extending their thinking. Our curriculum creates opportunities for children to express their ideas and understanding of the world around them. We place an emphasis on children’s social, emotional and intellectual development, encouraging collaboration, independence, self-regulation, and decision making about matters that affect their lives.

Outdoor Environment

Our spacious outdoor learning environment is filled with a range of natural elements, inviting open-ended play, interactions, exploration, discovery, and connection with the natural world around us.