About us
Our philosophy
Our philosophy is a guiding document that reflects our values for early childhood education at Home Road Kindergarten.
Our community is cultivated on Boonwurrung Country, and this is where we take the time to learn about culture and history so that we can foster a deep respect for Country and First Nations perspectives.
We recognise that time spent with nature has lasting benefits for our learning as well as our mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Our relational pedagogy is deliberate, and our practices are based on attachment theory and an understanding that we learn through relationships with people and place.
We are kind. We create space for feelings and remain with others as they experience emotions. This is how we foster empathy and learn to know and like ourselves and each other.
We have time for each other and respect each other’s right to learn and explore at our own pace and in our own ways.
We share knowledge and are willing to challenge what we know and consider what we don’t yet know.
We recognise every member of our community as unique and support their right to authentic expression.
We are courageous advocates for the rights of children, families and educators within the early childhood sector and broader community. Our approach encourages us to question social norms and to engage in issues of inclusion, gender equity, social justice and universal human rights.
A tour of our Kindergarten
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Home Road Kindergarten is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This is the primary focus of our philosophy, education, care and decision-making.
Home Road Kindergarten has zero-tolerance for child abuse.
Home Road Kindergarten is committed to providing a child-safe environment where children and young people are respected, safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.
Every person involved in Home Road Kindergarten has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people are at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.
The Child Safe Standards require organisations involving children to have policies, procedures and practices to keep them safe. Home Road Kindergarten has a Child Safe Standards Coordinator on the Committee of Management, to ensure best practice and continuous improvement.
Our educators
Home Road Kindergarten is fortunate to have dedicated and nurturing educators who have a wide variety of interests and skills such as art (craft, sewing, painting and drawing), nature pedagogy (insects, vegetable gardens, wildlife), literacy and numeracy, social and emotional development, neurodiversity and health and nutrition.
All kindergarten educators meet the training and qualification requirements as set out in the Education and Care Services National Law Act and Regulations. All of our kindergarten teachers are degree qualified, and the majority of our co-educators hold a Diploma qualification or above. The minimum qualification required for co-educators is Certificate III, however, Home Road Kindergarten prides itself on supporting staff to continue their professional learning, development and growth.
All educators possess and regularly update their First Aid, CPR, Asthma, Anaphylaxis and EpiPen training.
The Committee
The HRK Committee of Management (the Committee), has the overall management responsibility for the service, including:
As a service manager, how the centre will operate including sessions, timetabling, facilities, resources, equipment and policies.
As an employer, this involves the employment, payment and retention of kindergarten staff as well as staff appraisals, professional development and relief staff.
As an approved provider, we are responsible for all operational matters including fulfilment of licensing and legislative requirements, reporting to the Department of Education, Council, ACNC, the ATO and other regulatory bodies.
The Committee has the support of Hobsons Bay City Council and Early Learning Association Australia to provide advice and assistance in our roles. The help and input of parents are pivotal to the existence of the kindergarten. Joining the committee is very rewarding, and there are roles for people with a variety of passions and experience. You can apply for grants, review a policy, interview prospective staff, organise a fundraiser or run a working bee.
Our statement of philosophy and strategic plan is at the heart of our governance and guides our decision making. It is the shared goal that informs our business decisions and ensures our actions are in the best interests of the organisation. The Committee recognises that high standards of professionalism and commitment start with us. We, therefore, strive to ensure our actions have a positive flow-on effect throughout the centre.
To view the Committee Position Descriptions, download the pdf.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, live and play, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their culture and Elders past and present and welcome the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.