Early learning centre woven into retirement village for intergenerational experience
LONDON: Early learning centres are increasingly being woven within retirement villages to enhance intergenerational experiences.
As a partnership between not-for-profit aged care provider, ECH and SA Montessori, Echoes Montessori Early Learning Centre is believed to be the only one of its kind in Australia, purposefully built as an “intergenerational village” inside the ECH retirement facility.
Barbara Langford and her daughter Jessica operate the learning facility and said since it’s establishment in early 2022, the benefits have been huge.
“Things are happening every day […] children will daily wave and call out to residents on their balconies or meet them in the garden,” Ms Langford said.
Echoes Montessori is partnering with Torrens University on a research project to investigate how the concept could be broadened and incorporated in future community planning.
