Our Story
Our Unique Learning Philosophy: A Foundation for Flourishing Futures
Our distinctive educational philosophy guides children aged three months to five years, fostering genuine learning through exploration and discovery of Reggio Emilia, RIE, and Pikler philosophies. This, alongside the National Quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework, and the Western Australian Kindergarten Guidelines, shapes our curriculum, ensuring meaningful, child-centred learning in all studios
As dedicated members of the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange (REAIE), we’re committed to upholding and evolving the highest standards of this world-renowned approach, fostering a community of continuous learning and excellence.
Understanding Key Early Learning Philosophies
RIE, Pikler and Reggio Emilia
The RIE (Resources for Infant Educarers) philosophy centres on the profound belief that even from birth, infants are competent, capable, and unique individuals deserving of deep respect. Its core tenet is “Educaring,” a practice that transforms routine care moments, such as feeding, changing, and bathing, into rich, one-on-one interactions where the child is an active participant, not a passive recipient. RIE advocates for creating a safe, predictable, and emotionally nurturing environment where infants can freely explore and initiate their own play and development without unnecessary adult intervention. Caregivers are encouraged to be mindful observers, offering only the support needed for a child to master their own actions, thereby fostering an “authentic child” who feels secure, autonomous, competent, and genuinely connected to their world. This approach, founded by Magda Gerber, champions uninterrupted free movement, simple and engaging environments, and clear, authentic communication between adult and child.
The Pikler Approach, developed by Hungarian paediatrician Dr. Emmi Pikler, is closely aligned with RIE, as Magda Gerber was a student of Pikler. Its fundamental principle is an unwavering trust in an infant’s innate ability to develop naturally at their own pace, particularly concerning gross motor skills. A key tenet is the importance of free movement, meaning children should never be placed in positions they cannot achieve or leave independently (e.g., propping a baby to sit before they can sit themselves). This approach advocates for extended periods of uninterrupted, self-directed play within a safe, carefully prepared environment that invites exploration. Central to Pikler’s philosophy are unhurried, respectful caregiving routines, where caregivers engage “with the child, not to the child,” explaining actions and asking permission, thus fostering a deep sense of security, autonomy, and body awareness in the child. Observation is paramount, allowing caregivers to truly understand a child’s cues and needs without intervention.
The Reggio Emilia Approach, originating from the municipal infant-toddler centres and preschools of Reggio Emilia, Italy, following World War II, views the child as strong, capable, and competent, a co-constructor of their own knowledge, and possessing “a hundred languages” for expression. This highly collaborative and project-based philosophy places the environment as the “third teacher,” meticulously designed to be aesthetically pleasing, rich in materials, and provocative, inviting exploration, creativity, and connection. Central to the Reggio approach is the extensive documentation of children’s learning processes, making their thoughts, theories, discussions, and discoveries visible through various media to children, parents, and educators. The curriculum is emergent, driven by children’s interests and inquiries, leading to in-depth, long-term projects that allow children to explore topics using diverse “languages” such as art, drama, construction, and discussion. Educators act as co-learners, researchers, and provocateurs, guiding children’s inquiry, while strong emphasis is placed on the vital collaboration between children, educators, families, and the wider community.
How The Akidamy
Respects These Approaches
The Akidamy intentionally blends the Pikler, RIE (Resources for Infant Educators), and Reggio Emilia approaches to provide a rich, holistic, and deeply respectful early learning environment across all our studios, from Nursery to Kindergarten 4.
This integrated philosophy is meticulously aligned with Australia’s National Quality Framework (NQF), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and the WA Kindergarten Guidelines.
Pikler & RIE (Especially in Nursery & Toddlers)
- We fundamentally believe in respecting the infant and young child as competent individuals.
- Our Nursery prioritises free movement, allowing babies to develop naturally at their own pace without being placed into positions they cannot achieve themselves.
- Caregiving routines are transformed into moments of authentic connection and communication, where educators engage “with the child, not to the child,” fostering security and autonomy.
- Uninterrupted, self-directed play is highly valued, with carefully prepared environments that encourage exploration and discovery from the earliest age.
- This foundation builds confident, secure, and independent learners from infancy.
Reggio Emilia (Prominent in Kindergarten 3 & 4, woven throughout)
- Our school environment is designed as the “third teacher,” inspiring curiosity and creativity through open spaces, natural light, and diverse materials.
- We view children as active co-constructors of knowledge, encouraging them to express themselves through their “hundred languages” (e.g., art, drama, construction, discussion).
- Learning is child-led and inquiry-based, with in-depth projects emerging from children’s interests.
- Documentation of children’s learning journeys is central, making their thoughts, processes, and discoveries visible to all.
- Our specialist Atelierista and Pedagogista roles embody the Reggio commitment to artistic expression and pedagogical research, enriching learning across all studios.
Seamless Integration and Alignment
By weaving these philosophies together, The Akidamy ensures a continuum of respectful, child-led, and stimulating learning. This approach inherently supports the holistic development outcomes of the EYLF and the high standards of the NQF. For K3 and K4, this blended philosophy provides an ideal foundation, preparing children for school readiness within the comprehensive framework of the WA Kindergarten Guidelines, all while nurturing their unique capabilities and a lifelong love of learning.
The Akidamy Way
Nurturing Every Child's Potential
At the heart of every experience at The Akidamy lies this unique philosophical blend, designed to truly understand and elevate your child’s early years.
Collaborative & Child-Led
Child-Centred & Respectful
Genuine Relationships
We cultivate a strong sense of belonging and community, understanding that secure relationships with educators and peers are foundational to courageous exploration and deep engagement.
Educational Leadership in Every Studio
Dedicated Educators
The Environment as “The Third Teacher"
Our thoughtfully designed free-flow studios, alongside dedicated Ateliers, aren’t merely rooms but dynamic playspaces and outside environments that inspire creativity, connection, and sustained investigation. These spaces are architecturally designed with children’s education and safety meticulously in mind, supporting rich engagement in small groups and tailored one-on-one teaching.
Beyond Childcare, It's a School
Choosing the right environment for your child’s early years is a significant decision. At The Akidamy, we are fundamentally different from traditional childcare centres. We are an early learning school, dedicated to providing an unparalleled educational foundation that fosters a genuine love for learning and sets the stage for a lifetime of success.
Our commitment to this unique philosophy is evident in the tangible experiences your child has daily.
It’s woven into the fabric of our physical spaces and embodied by our dedicated team
Learning Environments
A Foundation for Flourishing Futures
This integrated philosophical framework means your child isn’t just attending early learning; they are actively participating in a rich tapestry of experiences designed to ignite a lifelong love for learning, foster resilience, and cultivate confident, compassionate individuals. It’s an approach that subtly yet profoundly prepares them, not just for formal schooling, but for the boundless opportunities of life, truly setting a foundation for their flourishing future.
