Our Programs
SMALL DISCOVERIES. WONDERFUL POSSIBILITIES.
Room to wonder.
Space to become.
The Reggio Emilia approach is at the heart of our educational programs. At Piccolini’s Place, we see every child as capable, curious and full of ideas. Their questions, interests and relationships help shape the learning that unfolds each day.
Our educators listen, observe and explore alongside children, giving them time to investigate, revisit ideas and express their thinking in different ways. Learning grows through play, meaningful projects and the knowledge families share with us.
A Reggio Emilia approach to learning
Many ways to express an idea
The Reggio Emilia idea of the ‘hundred languages’ recognises children’s many ways of thinking and communicating. Drawing, clay, movement, music, building and storytelling give children different ways to explore and share what they know.
Questions that lead to discovery
A child’s question can become an investigation that grows over days or weeks. Educators follow these interests, offer materials and possibilities, and help children reflect on their discoveries.
Relationships that support learning
Children, educators and families learn with one another. Listening, sharing ideas and working together help children feel that their voice matters and that they belong.
The environment as a third teacher
Our spaces are part of the educational program. Across Piccolini’s Place, children can move between places for creativity, shared meals, investigation and connection.
An indoor atelier in every room
Each room has its own indoor atelier: a creative space where children can explore materials, develop ideas and return to their work. The process of experimenting, noticing and trying again is part of the learning.
A dedicated outdoor educator
At Piccolini’s Place St Helena, our dedicated outdoor educator makes space for little discoveries to become bigger adventures. Through a Reggio Emilia-inspired outdoor program, children can follow a question, try an idea and explore alongside others.
Our outdoor atelier
Atelier means art studio. At Piccolini’s Place St Helena, our outdoor atelier brings creative exploration into the open air, with Reggio Emilia-inspired activities and materials that invite children to design, make, investigate and express their ideas. The outdoor setting is part of the learning, not simply a break from it.
OUR LEARNING STUDIOS
Growing together, at their own pace
Our studio names reflect a world of care, nature and discovery. These age ranges are a guide; our team can talk with you about your child’s transition and current availability.
Nido — Nest
6 weeks–1 year
A gentle beginning, with warm relationships and time for sensory discoveries.
Explore NidoFiore — Flower
1–2 years
Room for emerging independence, movement, language and everyday wonder.
Explore FioreBosco — Woodland
2–3 years
Growing curiosity, imaginative play and connections with other children.
Explore BoscoGirasole — Sunflower
2½–3½ years
Opportunities to investigate, create and build confidence through play.
Explore GirasoleMeraviglia — Wonder
3–4 years
Shared ideas, deeper exploration and a growing sense of belonging.
Explore MeravigliaStella — Star
4–5 years
Space to collaborate, solve problems and develop confidence for what comes next.
Explore StellaCHURCHILL · COMING IN 2027
A new place for little possibilities
Our Churchill centre is coming in 2027, with Nido, Fiore, Bosco, Girasole, Meraviglia and Stella studios. The same Reggio Emilia inspired philosophy guides our approach across Piccolini’s Place. Contact our Churchill team for opening updates and enrolment enquiries.
The rhythm of a day at Piccolini’s Place
Our days respond to children’s interests and needs. A warm welcome, outdoor exploration, time to investigate and a restful pause all have a place in the rhythm of learning.
KINDERGARTEN AT ST HELENA
Kindergarten within long day care.
Piccolini’s Place St Helena offers kindergarten within our long day care service. Our centre opens Monday–Friday, 6:30am–6:30pm. In a familiar learning community, children can build relationships, explore their interests and develop confidence for the transition to primary school.
Explore kindergarten at St HelenaGROWING CONFIDENCE FOR SCHOOL & LIFE
School readiness is more than letters and numbers.
Our Reggio Emilia-inspired kindergarten connects early literacy and numeracy with ideas that matter to children. In a shared investigation, children might draw a plan, make a sign, tell a story, count materials or compare shapes and sizes. Mark-making and early writing become ways to communicate, not isolated drills.
These experiences give children opportunities to listen, explain their thinking, solve problems together and keep trying. Alongside everyday routines and growing independence, they help build a foundation for the transition to primary school — at each child’s own pace.
Getting ready for school includes feeling secure, communicating needs, forming friendships and having the confidence to explore. It is a gradual journey, not a test or a promise that every child will reach the same milestone at the same time.
Belonging & relationships
Taking turns, listening to others, joining shared play and learning to work through everyday challenges.
Independence & wellbeing
Practising familiar routines, looking after belongings, asking for help and recognising feelings.
Curiosity & communication
Sharing stories, exploring sounds and numbers through play, testing ideas and staying with a question.
Kindergarten sits within our long day care service at St Helena. Families and educators can share what they notice about each child’s interests, strengths and next steps, supporting a thoughtful transition to primary school.
Talk about kindergarten on a tourCONTINUE EXPLORING
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