Overview

Centre Philosophy

At Southwold Street Kindergarten, we have a strong awareness of the wider community and the importance of belonging are reflected in our learning environment. We embrace diversity and believe in the preservation of family culture, languages and traditions. We acknowledge and respect the land of the Wurundjeri people who are part of the Kulin nation on whose land we are privileged to be situated. We pay tribute to the elders past and present.

In accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child, educators are committed of the right of all children to feel safe, and be safe, at all times, and we comply with the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards, including:

• Promoting the safety of all children and their families
• Promoting the cultural safety of Aboriginal Children
• Promoting the cultural safety of children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Promoting the safety of children with a disability

There are two Curriculum Frameworks that we use at Southwold Street Kindergarten to support and guide both our practice and philosophy. The Frameworks are the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Both frameworks use a holistic approach to enhance children’s learning outcomes. These outcomes aim for children to become involved and confident learners, to have a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, to be effective communicators, and feel connected to their world.

We welcome and respect parents/families’ interactions and acknowledge that children come to our service with existing knowledge. Our kindergarten actively collaborates with inter-disciplinary services, such as the Preschool Field Officer and Maternal & Child Health Nurse. We believe in the importance of collaboration and professional partnership with our local schools to support transition to school.

We as educators have respect for relationships within the team and value each team member’s wealth of knowledge, commitment and dedication as professionals. All Educators at this centre adopt a professional approach in regards to confidentiality, respect and ethical conduct at all times. Educators are provided with on-going professional development to ensure we continue to provide a quality service. Children are individuals with different needs, who learn at their own pace. They are competent, confident and capable learners with enquiring minds for knowledge. We plan for each group’s needs, and therefore the programs will be different for each group even though the philosophy underpinning them is the same.

The emergent program is used alongside the permanent program and is modified according to the children’s strengths, interests and abilities. An emergent program encourages educators to communicate with children through sustained shared thinking and intentional teaching which actively promotes children’s learning. Our Educational program places equal importance on indoor and outdoor play spaces and experiences to support children’s learning. We appreciate the natural world around us and our place within it. Here at Southwold Street Kindergarten we make sure interaction with nature happens across all our environments. Through these wonderful interactions children can be curious and adventurous and learn about their impact on the world around them.

We support a play based learning environment where children become confident and competent learners. Children are encouraged to explore, engage and be stimulated by their kindergarten environment.

Southwold Street Kindergarten recognises that families play an important role as their child’s first teacher. Consequently we encourage parents to visit at any time during their child’s program. We value the active participation of parents in their children’s program.