PROGRAMS
OUR EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
We are committed to providing a developmental and educational program which caters for each child’s individual needs, abilities and interests. Our educational program is delivered through an intentional, play-based pedagogy aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) V2.0. Our program continues to develop as we use the relationships children have with their families and communities, working in partnership with parents, to ensure each child’s knowledge, ideas, culture, abilities and interests are the foundation of our programs.
We encourage children to be responsible for their own learning through choices in experiences, interests and routine. We use conversations, actions and play as the basis for teaching which involves the children being partners in teaching by seeking out ideas, opinions, thoughts and questions. We encourage children in promoting their independence and self-help skills by assisting within the routine and involving the children in interest-based projects to further enhance their learning and knowledge. We value children and family input and encourage family involvement in order to gather a comprehensive and holistic view of the child.
We know that children learn effectively through play and educators who are diligent in their responsiveness to each child support this. Applying strong intentional teaching practices provide the children with an authentic and meaningful learning environment that challenges, supports and nurtures a child’s development.
If we as educators have any areas of concern about your child’s development, we will inform you and share our observations and advise of follow up assistance e.g., speech therapy. We understand this may be a sensitive topic and it is always your decision to follow up intervention. Educators are willing to discuss any aspect of learning and development with parents and support discussions with allied health professionals.
EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK (EYLF)
The Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 (EYLF) guides early childhood educators, early childhood teachers and approved providers to inform educational programs and practices that emphasise play-based learning and extend and enrich children’s learning and wellbeing from birth to 5 years and through the transition to school.
The EYLF was reviewed and updated and released in early 2023 to ensure the framework reflects contemporary developments in practice and knowledge while supporting educators to promote the learning, development and wellbeing of each child.
The vision of the EYLF is: All children engage in learning that promotes confident and creative individuals and successful lifelong learners. All children are active and informed members of their communities with knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives. (EYLF, V2.0, p.6)
Fundamental to the EYLF is a view of children’s lives as characterised by belonging, being and becoming. From before birth children are connected to family, community, culture and place. Their earliest development and learning takes place through these relationships, particularly within families, who are children’s first and most influential educators. As children participate in everyday life, they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings of the world.
GOALS FOR YOUR CHILD AT OUR SERVICE
Educators’ practices and the relationships they form with children and families have a significant effect on children’s involvement and success in learning. Children thrive when families and educators work together in partnership to support young children’s learning. Children’s early learning influences their life chances.
We will create a range of short and long-term goals for your child that we will program to and observe on which will be based on the outcomes in the Early Years Learning Framework and include:
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mutual respect and empathy
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concern and responsibility for self and others
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a sense of self worth
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social awareness
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respect for diversity
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importance of sustainability
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self-discipline and self-regulation
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habits of initiative and persistence
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creative intelligence and imagination
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self-confidence as an independent learner
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a love of learning
We strongly encourage communication between families and educators to ensure continuity in what we are delivering to your child and acknowledge that the role of the educator is to work in partnership with families, children’s first, and most influential educators.
OUR ENVIRONMENT
We have strong connections to nature. Our environment is our most precious resource, engaging and incorporating it into all aspects of our program. We are committed to modelling respect, care, and appreciation for our natural and constructed environment and find ways of enabling children to learn from the land.
OUR CULTURE
Little Gumnuts Childcare centres are formed on the Yuin land. We acknowledge Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of this country and their connection to the land, water and community in which we operate. We pay our respect to them, their cultures, and customs both past and present.
We view our community as a valued resource, seeking ways to actively engage with our community and establish links with traditional land owners and Elders. We value diversity and the richness that each individual brings to our service, recognising and celebrating these differences.
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