We believe that all members of the Centre community - children, parents, staff, visitors and general public - deserve equal treatment in their dealings with the Centre. We believe that all members of the Centre community approach the Centre with identical rights. These rights are consistent though needs and expectations may be as alike or as different as us. We believe that all members of the Centre community deserve an environment which is clean, hygienic and safe; friendly, welcoming and relaxed; caring and supportive; comfortable, secure and home-like.
The environment should invite, welcome and include all, and actively pursue access for all. We seek to create a sense of belonging and encourage and engender commitment and trust. The environment is shaped by policies and practices, which are developed, implemented, and reviewed to reflect the unified, aspiring whole. Children, families, staff and visitors receive recognition of and respect for individuality and individual needs, the whole person, and the diversity of culture, customs and beliefs. These beliefs are reflected in policy and practice and emphasise consistency between home and childcare.
We believe all should be treated equally and with respect, and be provided with opportunities for self-expression. Interactions between children, families and staff are characterised by support, praise and encouragement to help develop independence, positive self-esteem, self-confidence and self-control. We recognise that these skills are central to development and form the basis of effective guidance and discipline. We aim to provide a total learning environment: a Centre which is consistent (as a whole and in its parts) with stated philosophy in its expectations, behaviour, interactions, recognition and/or assignment of roles, its routines and structures, and presentation of the physical environment.
Our environment offers real roles in decision making, give real attention and the opportunity to be heard, listened to and to express feelings, needs, wants and opinions. It provides opportunities to seek information or advice, and to receive it. We recognise the limits of a shared social environment and assist all in the development of prosocial behaviour. We believe that communication is an essential ingredient of a successful program. The Centre ensures that all members of the Centre community are fully aware of all aspects of the Centre that affect them - daily, weekly or on an ongoing basis. We believe that our communication reflects a right to knowledge and understanding of the service and related issues. We ensure that out communication is maintained to ensure that is thorough, up-to-date, and reflect collaboration in care. A proper and appropriate regard exists for confidentiality. We are committed to the provision of parent managed care, informed by early childhood professionals, community members and other parents, and reflecting a sound base of knowledge.
We are committed to the provision of extended hours care which reflects the real and varied care needs of families and the community; and which recognises that flexibility in access and enrolment in basic to the changing needs of families and the community. We believe that a consistent staff team is crucial for all participants in the programme - offering the security and familiarity of known faces to children and parents, and encouraging the development of trust and understanding as a basis for quality interactions
Children's needs
We believe that all children deserve quality care, which fosters development and growth towards each individual's highest potential. We believe that children's play is the single most effective and appropriate vehicle for their learning and holds a place in their world equal to everyday experience. Play emphasises learning through process rather than as judged by its product. In play children can be extended in interests and abilities and express their needs. The program recognises the individual needs of the whole child. A quality program is characterised by activities and experiences that balance stimulation, flexibility, newness, diversity, creativity, investigation, experimentation and discovery, with a reliable routine, familiarity, consistency, security and warmth. We aim to incorporate in the children good habits of nutrition, health, safety and hygiene.
Family needs
We believe that family involvement and support is essential for the running of a high quality service. Families are introduced to all aspects of the Centre program at enrolment, and are regularly updated regarding changes.
Families are encouraged to participate in the Centre program to the extent and in ways that they are comfortable. Families are always welcomed to visit the Centre and take part in the routines and activities.
Information is available to all regarding all aspects of Centre Management and operations, philosophy and policies and practice and should reflect a consultative and collaborative development. This information should be available in community languages wherever possible.
We believe families and staff should co-operate to maximise the exchange of knowledge about the children. Families will be provided with ready access to basic information about their child's day, and have opportunities for in-depth discussion by appointment.
Families and staff work together to identify areas of interest and seek resources outside of the Centre to extend their knowledge.
The staff team
The staff team reflects a diversity of education, training and life experience. A team teaching approach demonstrates respect for individuals within the team, enhance the centre's range of resources, and increase the benefits of shared knowledge and ideas, skills and tasks. Staff are encouraged to continue in their professional development - identifying skills and abilities and nominating training and resources to enhance them.
Staff have a genuine role and choice in decision making, and feel involved and included in all areas of service delivery and development.
Policy Statement
The following policies have come into being as a result of a number of factors. The successful operation of a child care centre requires a co-ordinated effort by children, parents and staff. A defined set of policies helps us all to be sure of what we do, why we do it and whether or not we are consistent in our actions. The policies following are not rules or regulations. They are intended as guidelines to ensure that limits are set to aspects of the centre's operation, but remain a living statement of ideas, which change in response to new ideas, new perspectives, and new children. Policies can live, grow and improve as we all do.
SOURCED: Our philosophy and aims are all combined from Management, Staff and their teaching practices, families that utilise the service and recent research in the Early Childhood field.
