HOME ROAD KINDERGARTEN MISSION STATEMENT

To meet the interests and needs of children through highly integrated play-based programs; and ensuring best practice, care and education through educators and families working together.

PHILOSOPHY – BEING, BELONGING, BECOMING

Home Road Kindergarten is a children’s centre which provides a range of carefully planned play based programs to meet the developmental needs of children in the three to five age group.  We are a community of educators, parents and guardians working together to advocate for best quality care and education, which also establishes the foundations for children’s life-long learning.

We believe play is crucial to the development of all children.  It encourages children to imagine, explore, experiment, communicate, reflect, cooperate, problem-solve and actively engage in the physical and social environment to promote learning.  Our programs are shaped by our understandings and observations of the children and reflect the National Early Years Learning Framework, the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the National Quality Framework.

We deem children to be unique, curious and capable learners.  Our programs are designed to facilitate learning by listening to the children and being responsive to their interests.  We acknowledge children will do this at different rates and through different learning processes so our programs are flexible to support this. 

Children are encouraged to exercise their independence and choice, to try new things and to be positively guided by others.  Our programs provide teachable moments that are adult led and opportunities that allow children to lead their peers.   We favour the use of a balance of both structured and unstructured play for children to develop positive attitudes to learning and exploring, and we place an emphasis on the process of creativity and not the end product. 

We value the outdoor environment as a primary need of children’s time and space to physically and socially explore nature.  We believe in encouraging the children to learn about environmental and conservation practices with an emphasis placed on wise water usage, recycling to reduce our rubbish, composting, edible gardening and a sense of regard and responsibility for all living things.

We acknowledge that children develop socially and emotionally in the kindergarten year.  Through play and adult role-modelling, we aim to provide opportunities for all children to experience a wide range of situations to help them develop self-confidence and resilience that will enable them to succeed in their ever changing world.

We value good health and wellbeing and promote the programs ‘SunSmart’ and ‘Asthma Friendly’. 

We value parents’ contributions to our programs through rosters, communication, the Committee of Management, fundraising and in any way they feel comfortable.

Our kindergarten promotes community awareness, community values and we provide children equal opportunities to actively participate in their community.  As part of promoting cultural competence we learn about and reflect on many cultures including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

We recognise that children will develop to their full potential when they are loved and valued and we will endeavour to create a place for them that is welcoming, safe and fun.    

PRACTICE PRINCIPLES

The practice principles guide learning and development through a holistic approach.  We acknowledge it is through effective partnerships, integrated teaching and learning approaches and reflective practice that children’s health, safety and wellbeing is fostered.

Highlighted words – are considered to be deep-seated in the Early Childhood Australia’s ‘Code of Ethics’.

CHILDREN

1. That it is children’s right to play, learn and have fun.
2. That positive self esteem and sense of identity is developed through an environment which encourages and develops confidence, resilience, independence, creativity, curiosity, communication skills and the expression of feelings in socially acceptable and appropriate ways.
3. That diversity is respected and celebrated.

PROGRAM

1. That the programs reflect the outcomes of the National Early Years Learning Framework, the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the National Quality Framework.
2. That the programs are carefully planned to meet individual needs of children based on their development, strengths and interests.
3. That children are encouraged to explore, experiment and solve problems creatively with appropriate techniques and skills modelled.
4. That children feel they are valued members of a group.

EDUCATION & ADMINISTRATION STAFF

1. That all staff act in accordance with this philosophy and workplace policies, standards and practices that are fair and non-discriminatory.
2. That all staff build collaborative relationships based on trust, respect and honesty with children, families, committee of management and colleagues.
3. That all staff will act with integrity in relation to issues that impact on this profession, young children and families.

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT

1. That all committee members be respectful and appreciate the work and dedication that every staff and committee member brings to their role and work.
2. That all committee members collectively will take part in discussions, conversations and provide constructive feedback as a democracy.
3. That all committee members listen to other parents' queries or concerns and provide help where possible.
4. That all committee members have the courage to work with the entire committee and staff to achieve the common goal – the growth and continued viability of a great kindergarten.

ENVIRONMENT

1. That a respect and justice for the physical and social environment be fostered and encouraged.
2. That the indoor and outdoor environments are equally important and these spaces reflect the children’s needs for time, space, choices, challenges, materials, socialization and independence.

FAMILIES

1. That all families act in accordance with this philosophy and the centre policies, standards and practices that are fair and non-discriminatory.
2. That all families feel a sense of belonging and inclusion through demonstrating respect for all parents and their children.
3. That all families demonstrate respect for all staff by listening, assisting and being mindful of confidential information discussed.
4. That all families are encouraged to share their culture, customs, language and beliefs.
5. That all families are encouraged to be part of the decision making regarding their children’s education and support their children’s learning and development at home.

Home Road Kindergarten’s Philosophy is based on Early Childhood Australia’s ‘Code of Ethics’ and is developed in consultation with educators, children, committee of management and families.

Families are welcome to view these websites relating to standards mentioned in the Philosophy:
National Early Years Learning and Development Framework – http://www.acecqa.gov.au/storage/Final%20EYLF%20Framework%20Report%20-%20WEB.pdf

Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework – http://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/edulibrary/public/earlychildhood/learning/veyldframework.pdf

National Quality Framework –
http://www.acecqa.gov.au/home/

Reviewed February 2012