Immanuel Early Learning Centre named as Excellent by ACECQA

Immanuel Early Learning Centre (IELC), on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, has been given the Excellent rating by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). 

The rating was issued on 11 June, and was given in honour of its: 

• collaborative partnerships with professional, community or research organisations  
• positive workplace culture and organisational values, sustained commitment to professional development and support of educators  
• practice and environments that enhance children’s learning and growth.  

Wrap around supports

Families had expressed concern to IELC about being able to access allied health services such as speech pathology and occupational therapy. In response the service has integrated a multiprofessional team including a Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, and psychologist to work alongside educators with children at the service. 

The service allocates funds for individual needs-based assessments, and implements allied health sessions at times that best suit the children. 

Since the implementation of the team Improved outcomes have been identified for children and families, leading to early detection of additional needs, implementation of early intervention and providing a collaborative team to support children and families. 

As former IELC children transition to formal schooling the service facilitates ongoing sessions with allied health professionals before and after school in a dedicated therapy space. The allied health professionals are supported by an Inclusion Support Officer who facilitates mentorship for all educators. 

Regular access to active coaching while working directly with children has fostered continuous professional development, enhanced collaboration and empowered educators to integrate new strategies across the service.

Mind Bubbles

IELC was an integral part of the development of a neuro-play program, Mind Bubbles, which supports children’s regulation skill development and fosters a common language around emotional wellbeing. 

Initially, IELC engaged as a pilot service and led collaborative critical reflection between its primary allied health professionals and the program’s neurologist. This program not only enhanced children’s emotional regulation, but also empowered IELC educators through team professional development and coaching, leading to its extension across different age groups. The neuro-play program has become a nationwide program available online across the education and care sector due to its mutually beneficial partnership.  

Therapy dog

In response to a specific need identified by IELC, a therapy dog was introduced to the service’s daily routines, providing a calming presence across the service. The therapy dog quickly became crucial in supporting children through moments of dysregulation and grief, enhancing their emotional wellbeing. IELC has strategically enhanced its transition to formal schooling initiatives where the therapy dog spends time in the school with the children during their transition phase.  

Collaborative partnerships

Identifying as a leader in the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector, IELC has a strong commitment to the early intervention, regulation and transitional needs of its children. 

The service has developed exceptional collaborative partnerships across multiple programs and initiatives, with its influence spanning across generations and countries. The service has taken into consideration many contextual factors in its program developments including service location, individual needs of children, families and the community.  

Learn more about IELC here. More information about the Excellent rating can be found here. 

The rating for IELC will remain in place until 10 June 2029.