Curiosity is a strong desire to know or learn something. Children are naturally curious and curiosity is the fuel that drives their learning.
With this in mind, former Miss Universe Malaysia, Carey Ng founded the Curious Child Center.
The childhood education centre uses the Reggio Emilia approach which provides enriching programmes for curious children.
It also aims to support parents wanting a good work-family balance.
Therefore, Ng chose Common Ground in Citta Mall, one of the fastest growing co-working space providers in Malaysia, as the location for her centre.
She said she wanted to support a community in which parents can achieve their goals while someone trusted took care of their children in an enriching way.
The environment is the Third Teacher
The centre has a vibrant interior which is specially curated for developing children’s creativity and encouraging curiosity.
There is a junior theatre for budding young artists which can also be utilised for story telling sessions.
A ball pit and sand pit provides space for sensory play – a type of play that encourages mindfulness, relaxation and learning about their world.
Additionally, a music wall made up of pot and pans and tupperwares allows children to explore sound and music.
Finally, there is also a study area for learning and colouring activities.
Ng, who is mum to 1-year-old daughter Shaelyn Rey, says: “My focus is to create stimulating programmes for them because it is important for children to find their own tools and explore the environment around them before they reach full problem-solving potential.”
The Reggio Emilia Approach
The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy focused on preschool and primary education.
Teaching is student centred and children are seen as strong, capable and resilient.
It is based on the principles of respect, responsibility, and community and emphasises exploration and discovery through a self-guided curriculum.
“Curious Child Centre believes in nurturing the biggest asset that is innate in the child, their curiousity! It is a language that is often lost when we are moulded over time. We believe strongly in the Reggio approach and how it equips children for school and life,” said Ng.
The programme
Curious Child Centre caters for babies as young as six-months-old up to children six-years of age.
They have qualified teachers and a head nurse to care for the children.
“We create a home-like environment and hope to bring a safe amount of exposure to the kids in preparation for the real world. Children need an honest, fun, happy and resourceful environment to maximise their potential and learning in the long term,” Ng explained.
Among the tailor-made programmes are:
- Baby Explorer: a sensory exploration and parent-baby bonding programme that stimulates the baby’s development;
- Language Class: a fun learning programme that includes bi-weekly Mandarin classes;
- Little Chef: a programme that teaches about nutrition, food science and preparing a simple meal; and
- Little Scientist: a programme that helps children discover science through DIY projects and exploring the natural surroundings.
Here, children will learn language and literacy, Math, art and craft, speech and drama, physical movement, music and movement, natural science, imaginative play and more.
The small teacher-to-child ratio classrooms provide ample opportunity for child-led investigative learning and project based approaches. The emphasis therefore is always on exploring and creating.
“We also have occasional workshops such as kids yoga and hip hop dance. My hope is to see both children and parents reap from our services,” Ng said.
Curious to know more? Visit the centre at Jalan PJU 1a/48, Pusat Perdagangan Dana 1, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia or call 0167513329 for more information. Further details on their site here.
