Bauer Street Community Children's Centre
PHILOSOPHY
In relation to children we:
• Recognise that every child is unique in needs, interests and capabilities and as a centre we respect and value differences.
• Ensure that the ‘whole’ child will have their individual needs met, in a calm, harmonious environment that is free from bias and prejudice, and that encourages children to develop socially, intellectually, and emotionally as well as sparking their imaginations and creative instincts.
• Assist each child to reach their own potential by encouraging each child do this at their own pace and according to their individual needs.
• Highlight the importance of encouraging children to take risks in their learning while promoting self-esteem and self-confidence.
• Accept that children learn through play and it is through these play experiences that children learn to make sense of the world around them.
In relation to the Staff we:
• Work together in providing a caring, nurturing and stimulating environment, where children feel comfortable and are empowered to try new activities and experiences.
• Are viewed as the facilitators in the learning process of children rather than directing their learning
• Enrich the lives of young children by encouraging the love of learning through positive experiences, in an aim to set each child on a path for life long learning.
• Are committed to extending our knowledge and expertise in the field of Early Childhood by attending in-service training and professional development seminars relating directly to our Centre.
• Believe that the quality of our Centre is directly linked to the quality of the staff. It is vital for the staff to keep up to date and enthusiastic about changes in the field of Early Childhood.
• Engage in critical reflection on individual practices as a tool for professional development and renewal.
• Act professionally at all times and in any circumstances.
In relation to the Centre / Environment we:
• Provide an environment that is nurturing, loving and responsive, one that promises a commitment to children and supports a variety of learning opportunities where children are free to explore.
• Provide an environment that is stimulating and challenging for the children and that caters for the individual needs of each child.
• Have created an environment where there is a balance of learning, love, security, freedom, independence, consideration for others and a feeling of self worth within the Centre.
• Endeavour to create a comfortable place for the families and children, where lasting memories and friendships are made.
In relation to Our Program we:
• Provide a program that is based on current research, which tells us that ‘play’ is the best medium for learning and development in the Early Years. Through our program Children learn through play by focusing on individual strengths, interests and needs.
• Adopt a strategy of individual and group observations of children; staff and family collaboration; and acknowledgment of the children’s needs and interests as a tool that forms the basis of our effective educational program.
• Maintain a program that is non-sexist, multicultural and anti-bias curriculum that will help children to recognise the importance of each individual.
• Provide a program that is inspired by the children’s curiosity and imagination. We highlight the importance of staff observations in children’s play, in order for them to support emergent projects and creations that come directly from the children instead of staff.
• Ensure our program is flexible so that unplanned interests and events can be followed through.
• Believe that children learn best through hands on experiences where they are actively involved. We encourage experimentation and investigation wherever possible through a collaborative approach.
In relation to the Parents and the Community we:
• Encourage family and community involvement within the classrooms and in the children’s lives.
• Endorse and support family values and the community wherever possible.
• Consider families are an integral part of the Centre and we welcome input and suggestions.
• Encourage all families to be actively involved in their child’s Early Childhood journey within our Centre through activities and events.
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