Early Learning Centre
3-5 Year Olds
With a focus on learning through discovery, exploration and play, we nourish each child’s unique potential to give them a flying start on their lifelong educational journey.
Preparing young minds to thrive at school
Based in Victor Harbor, Little Investigator Early Learning Centre delivers education and care to 3- to 5-year-old preschool children.
We believe that your child’s natural curiosity is their biggest gift. Through structured and play-based learning in our well-equipped and welcoming ELC, we aim to harness this curiosity to inspire your child’s growth and development.
In contrast with traditional daycare and childcare, Little Investigators provides social, physical, emotional, personal, creative and cognitive learning delivered by qualified and experienced educators. This learning is guided by a formalised learning framework and our Learning Philosophy.
Increasingly, families are opting for the research-backed benefits of an early education during the important early formative years – giving their child every opportunity to thrive as they transition into school.
We are proud to part of the State Government’s Flying Start initiative from 2026. As a partnered preschool, we can offer our students eight terms of preschool, commencing in our three-year-old program.
Below we have listed just a few of the things that make our Early Learning Centre unique:
Below we have listed just a few of the things that make our Early Learning Centre unique:
Individual attention for every student
Our separate learning spaces and the number of Early Childhood Teachers we employ allow us to plan a wide range of learning opportunities daily, deliver our age-appropriate Pipi and Penguin/Pelican Programs, tailor learning to the developmental and social/emotional needs of each child, and provide more one-on-one care.
Opportunities to be involved
We’ll provide you with regular updates to give you peace of mind and so you can witness your child’s learning as it happens. Social events, opportunities to volunteer, and a welcoming culture keep our community connected.
Flexibility for families
We operate from 8am to 5pm each day and deliver vacation care (8am to 4pm). Your child can start any time of year after turning 3 and commence Reception either at the start of the year or mid-year via our Prep class. Plus, eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy.
'Big school' facilities
In addition to the ELC’s fantastic facilities, learners benefit from Investigator College’s learning spaces – whether reading in the library, staying active in the gym or school playground, meeting animals in the Ag Shed, or discovering nature in our Nature Play Area or at our Currency Creek EcoCentre.
Unique learning opportunities
Unique learning opportunities include Japanese, Environmental Science, and Music with the school’s specialist teachers; fortnightly Bush Kindy; intergenerational learning; buddy classes with older students; and engaging local excursions. In our well-equipped ELC, many spontaneous learning opportunities also arise during play, in addition to structured learning.
Continuity of education
All Early Learning Centre enrolments are guaranteed a place at Investigator College. When students transition to school, they can focus on their learning, because they already know their surroundings and the familiar, friendly faces of our staff.
Our learning focus
Through our two age-appropriate, holistic learning programs, we help early learners become school-ready by nurturing:
A strong sense of identity
We support students to develop autonomy, self-worth, resilience and wellbeing, get in touch with their feelings, and become aware of who they are.
Social skills
We encourage early learners to share, cooperate, reciprocate and work together, while being fair, patient and attentive, and enjoying the company of their peers.
Emotional skills
We help early learners to express their needs and develop self-regulation, while fostering empathy for other people, animals and the environment.
Cognitive skills
We foster memory, focus, problem-solving, attention to detail, reasoning, and creative thinking, while introducing novel concepts and instilling a love of learning.
Physical skills
We create an environment where early learners can stay active and develop the motor skills and coordination to explore their world and use new tools.
Early literacy and numeracy
We assist students to express themselves through early writing, speech and creative activities, while familiarising with mathematical concepts and processes.
Our facilities
Occupying a peaceful corner of Investigator College’s campus in Victor Harbor, Little Investigator’s learning spaces include…
Pipi Room
Home to our youngest cohort (3-4), this room is designed to build foundational skills like independence, confidence and self-regulation, providing the platform for literacy, numeracy and other learning.
Pelican & Penguin Rooms
Specially fitted out for our older cohort (4-5), these two rooms provide direct access to Junior School facilities and support increasingly structured learning.
Sheltered outdoor learning
This space supports a range of creative activities such as art and craft, provides a great space for lunches, and is used during the Early Learning Centre’s social events.
Outdoor play space
Providing the room to stay active and engage in a wide range of learning, our outdoor space features a sand pit, man-made creek, and play equipment, and neighbours the school’s Nature Play area.
What families are saying
“From the first day every educator knew my daughter’s name, what she liked and how to help her grow and flourish. Every day is new and exciting and she comes home with stories of nature play, PE, music, new things she’s learned, experiences with chickens and lambs.” — Haylee
“I have had three children attend Little Investigators and could not recommend the facility enough. It is obvious that the staff care deeply about the wellbeing of the children in their care. The facility is always clean and the activities engaging. Communication home is consistent and positive!” — Danielle
Discover life and learning at Little Investigators ELC
A whole new world of opportunity awaits. We would love to welcome you into our growing community. Take the next steps to experience the Little Investigators’ difference.