Services
Our programs
We run on a very individual philosophy of a slower-paced environment, an empowering approach, supporting children to use problem-solving and critical-thinking skills throughout situations to build their self-esteem, confidence and sense of self. We place a huge emphasis on creating learning opportunities in areas that children enjoy. We implement risky play into our programs and believe that when children are supported and given opportunities to risk assess, learn through experience and receive support when it’s needed, their development and trust in themselves flourish. Risky play can be uncomfortable at times but we believe it is one of the most important parts of children's development. We hold value in creating community within the group and in the wider community. This includes the land on which our programs take place, the environment surrounding us, acknowledging the traditional custodians of the land, working with families in a collaborative approach, facilitators who prioritise relationships with our community and building connections with each child in our programs. We believe that there needs to be more access to services where children can have a safe attachment with facilitators, they can be free to express themselves, and families feel supported in the space and as if they belong and this is exactly what we provide at The Haven programs.
Our learning style is very much of intention and aligns with conscious education. It is minimalistic but each interaction in our program is carefully curated. Essentially, we believe that when a child’s foundations are supported and they feel safe, they will flourish in all areas.
Complete Beings Programs
Our Wednesday Complete Beings Program is targeted at 4.5 -12 years old.
In 2024, we are based at Everton Upper Community Centre. These programs run as a supported drop-off which means that we move at the child’s readiness to be away from parents and can work with families in what suits them best. We engage in grounding and rooted activities such as creating gardens, cooking and creativity individually and as a group. We have space for free play and look at learning concepts that help us with projects we are completing. Simply, we learn through experience and often that might mean learning new skills because we need them in something we are creating! We look closely at regulating our emotions and being comfortable voicing our needs and boundaries with each other. We are a creative space and children are supported to create and develop their ideas. Art is a big part of our program and we often have a creative station available to children throughout the day.
Wednesdays
4.5 -12 years
9.30am - 2pm.
Nature Play program
Our Nature Play program is an inclusive service so children of all ages and accompanying families are welcome. This program allows children to connect with nature and explore all it has to offer. There will be play invitations set up but it is completely child-led and kids are free to move around and explore as they wish. On occasion, there may be activities or group times where we will come together but the majority of the time, it fosters children’s connection to their imagination and to nature by fostering free, child-led play.
Our Nature-Play sessions are run on Thursday’s from 10am-12.30pm in Wodonga.