Our Philosophy

Preamble

The Three Bears Kindergarten's philosophy is a written statement about the centre's values and beliefs. It provides an important framework upon which program decisions are made and highlights how the centre works with children, educators, families and the wider community. Educators are encouraged to use the philosophy as a basis for their programming and decision making within the service. We encourage all staff and families to be familiar with the centre philosophy and to be involved in its annual evaluation.

Educators

Our educators work as a team to provide high quality care and education. Each educator brings different strengths, skills and resources to the centre and these are supported and shared by all. We acknowledge that learning is life-long and are committed to professional development on a continuing basis for all educators. As professional people we continually examine what happens in our centre and reflect critically on what can be changed for the better. Our educators take a holistic approach to children's education, paying attention to children's physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as cognitive aspects of learning.

(Early Years Learning Framework: Belonging, Being and Becoming. Practices Pg 14)

Families

We recognise that families are children's first teachers and that the best outcomes for children are achieved by working in partnership with families. For this to occur we need to encourage genuine communication, where information is shared and opportunities are made for decision making. At the Three Bears we aim to create an atmosphere which makes all families and children feel welcome and respected and able to share their values and ideals.

Children

We believe that children are resourceful learners who are capable of constructing their own knowledge of the world around them. We aim to promote respectful and reciprocal relationships that support children to:

We hold high expectations for all children's achievement in learning but recognise that there can be barriers to success. The curriculum is therefore planned to promote the inclusion and participation of all children regardless of their circumstances or abilities.

In our centre educators strive to reflect Australia's commitment to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child and accept that we have an obligation to protect children from harm, respect their dignity and privacy and safeguard and promote every child's wellbeing.

(National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education 2009 Pg. 10)

Environment

We believe that the environment needs to encompass all areas of development and should provide a secure base for the child to explore and learn. It needs to be stimulating and inclusive, a place where each child can learn through play, grow and develop at his or her own pace.

Respect for Diversity

We recognise that Australia is made up of many diverse cultures and that respecting these cultures means valuing and reflecting them within our curriculum. For Australia this includes promoting understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander ways of knowing and being.

(Early Years Learning Framework: Belonging, Being and Becoming Principles pg 13)

As professional educators we need to value each child's own abilities and respect the different ways in which families live their lives and raise their children. We acknowledge that diversity adds richness to our curriculum and provides opportunities to learn about difference and similarity and to find ways to learn how to live together.




This Policy will be evaluated at least annually to reflect the changing values of the community.

Kids playing at Three Bears Kindergarten