Children's Services Philosophy
Blacktown Council’s Child Care Centres and Preschools strive to provide high quality Early Childhood Services.
We believe that :
- Positive self esteem and high self worth assists a child to have lifelong strong emotional intelligence that gives them the ability to cope with life’s challenges.
- Each child is an individual with unique needs, interests and strengths.In their own time, every child will achieve milestones in their learning and development therefore, it is important to cater for each child.
- We acknowledge and respect the many differing social and cultural backgrounds of children in our care and the experiences these bring from the home environment.
- It is essential to maintain continuity between the home and the Centre.
- Play is the learning process that enables children to learn through concrete “hands-on” experiences such as doing, experimenting, predicting, achieving and making mistakes.
- Children have the right to equality and respect.Respecting the needs, feelings and property of others is a mutual practice which assists in the development of compassion in others regardless of age.
- All children should be given equal opportunities to explore and play within their environment regardless of age or gender.
- Routine times are an integral part of the child’s learning experience and take into account their home and cultural backgrounds.
- Consistent limits and appropriate guidelines will assist children to develop the ability to monitor their own behaviour in social and conflict situations.
- Children have the right to feel safe and secure in their environment.
- Children learn through responsive and reciprocal relationships.
- Relationships are important to a child’s health, well being and development.
We aim to :
- To develop positive self-esteem, self concepts, independence and ability to use initiative.
- To empower children to grow and learn.
- To foster growth and positive attitudes and to give values to assist in decision making.
- To create a learning environment in which each child can develop at his or her own pace by individualised programmes.
- To foster continuity between home and the Centre.
- To reflect an inclusive approach to develop positive gender, racial, cultural, class and individual identities.
- To provide a caring environment in which all children can feel safe and secure.
- To develop in children an interest and curiosity in their world.
- To support and enhance the child’s growth, development and learning.
We aim to do this by:
Children:
Acknowledging that children are capable and resourceful and are active contributors
in their learning process.
Recognising that each child is unique and valuing the child’s sense of self and
individuality.
Encourage children to think, feel, ask and explore through positive and authentic
interactions.
Programming:
Through implementation of the Emergent Curriculum and the NSW Curriculum
Framework we build on children’s interests and knowledge as individuals within the
group.
Having flexible routines so that children are given choices and are co-constructors
in their learning.
Creating opportunities for children to engage in a variety of experiences that encompass
all developmental and key learning areas.
Relationships:
Inviting and welcoming families to be involved in the programming by working
collaboratively with staff.
Respecting that staff have strengths, talents and interests to contribute to the
programme.
Developing a trusting relationship with each child and their family.