We teach children to love and protect the world around them.
At Dubbo Early Learning Centre, environmental responsibility is more than just a topic—it’s part of our everyday way of life. From composting and frog ponds to solar panels and second-hand treasures, we help children understand how to care for the world through hands-on experiences that are fun, meaningful, and grounded in real-world action.
Thoughtfully Designed Spaces and Resources
We deliberately use fewer store-bought toys and focus instead on creating rich, imaginative environments. Our “activity pockets” are small enclosed spaces where children can engage deeply in play, without interruption. These flexible setups allow us to introduce a concept—like composting or sustainability—and then observe how children explore it further through play using loose parts and natural materials. Our approach encourages creativity, independence, and deep thinking.
Learning Through Local Connection
Our sustainability practices reflect the needs and interests of our children and the community. Excursions often begin with a child’s question—about drains, ducks, or energy—and lead to in-depth environmental projects. For example, the children’s curiosity about drains led us to explore the nearby pond and build our own frog bog. They’ve also helped plant and grow wattle trees and study water quality using real tools and observations.
Informed by Research and Best Practice
We use recognised research and national guidance to shape our approach to sustainability. Our educators engage with resources like Researching Early Childhood Education for Sustainability – Challenging Assumptions and Orthodoxies and the ACECQA NQS Professional Learning Program. Our Approved Provider contributes to international research through the Transnational Dialogues for Early Childhood Education for Sustainability, ensuring our practices stay current and impactful.
Reflecting and Evolving
Our team regularly reflects on how to improve the way we use resources and support environmental learning. This has led us to offer new materials to younger children, source items that reflect cultural diversity, and provide a variety of loose parts—both natural and man-made—for creative, open-ended play. These changes are driven by our belief that all children are capable and that our environments should reflect who they are and what they care about.
Learning With Families and Community
We love working with our families and local community to bring sustainability to life. Local businesses donate materials like paper, maps, car parts, and machinery for children to investigate and repurpose. Families generously contribute books, pipes, clothing, and natural materials like logs and branches. These contributions enrich our learning spaces and model a shared commitment to caring for the environment.
Everyday Sustainability in Action
We help families understand sustainability in practical ways too. One example is our “swap-and-go” clothing rack, where families can donate outgrown clothes and pick up new sizes—supporting the circular economy and reducing waste. With 100 solar panels powering most of our centre, children also learn about renewable energy firsthand. Our reflections continue to lead us toward new learning opportunities, such as excursions focused on solar energy and visits to businesses involved in clean technologies.