The SOEL Story
School of Early Learning
Fifty years ago, the Schools of Early Learning (SOEL) began as a vision rooted in passion and dedication. Our founder, Bernadette Giambazi, envisioned a place where children could learn and thrive in an environment that nurtured their curiosity and creativity. This unwavering commitment to early childhood education laid the foundation for what SOEL has become today.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
The standards and practices in the childcare industry have significantly evolved since we opened our doors in 1974, and SOEL has been at the forefront of this transformation.
Our first centre on Williams Road, with its expansive gardens, pet kangaroo and large climbing tree, was one of the first centres in Australia to introduce educational programs. It helped pave the way to shift the industry from a care-focused environment to one centred on Education and Care.
Under Bernadette’s leadership as President of the Child Care Association of WA, she collaborated with government ministers to develop and refine the legislative framework and write the regulations we still adhere to today. She was later appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her services to the sector as a whole. Following in Bernadette’s footsteps, Directors Sas and Brett worked with the Child Care Association Committee to ensure our sector had a voice in the decision-making process for the industry.
SOEL was one of the first centres to adapt the Reggio Emilia approach teachings, integrating it into our thoughtful programs and environments. SOEL was among the few centres chosen across Australia to share our practices, contributing to the accreditation process and the development of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
Our Early Years Education Centres
SOEL’s journey has seen the establishment of bespoke early learning centres in vibrant communities such as Nedlands, Subiaco, West Leederville, North Fremantle, North Perth, Como and Attadale. Each centre reflects the unique character and spirit of its community while upholding the core values and philosophy of SOEL.
At SOEL, we believe in nurturing not only academic excellence but also holistic development. We focus on fostering children’s creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills. Our Pedagogy and Training team’s expertise has been instrumental in guiding SOEL’s continued growth and transformation, ensuring that we continue to deliver the highest quality education and care to every child in our care. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of early childhood education and care has set SOEL apart and established us as a leader in this field.
Our SOEL Logo
Our logo was developed using the research developed by one child Ruby, 3.6 years, over a number of months. Following her emerging interest in horses, Ruby spent time researching at the library. Ruby’s subsequent drawings demonstrate the benefits of research and artistic process, giving her the ability to express her understanding, with the Studio Coordinators encouragement and support.
The four horses illustrate Ruby’s growing knowledge of a horse’s movement, bone structure and muscles. Through these images Ruby shows her emerging understanding and shares her learning with her peers.
Our SOEL Alumni
SOEL takes immense pleasure in seeing many of our SOEL alums return with families of their own. It fills us with gratitude and pride knowing we are now providing care and guidance to a second and third generation. Witnessing the impact of a lifetime of work is truly special. We are incredibly thankful that our community has entrusted us with this incredible honour and take the responsibility very seriously.
Looking to the future
From SOEL’s early beginnings as a single centre in Nedlands to now operating bespoke Child Care and Early Childhood Education centres across multiple locations in Perth, we maintain a strong commitment to our philosophy while embracing innovation and new insights. We are humbled to be trusted by families all over Perth, with our continued success reflecting the dedication of our passionate staff, the unwavering support of our families, and the boundless inspiration and joy that the children bring us every day.