Service Philosophy in Regards to the Children
We see children as unique and capable individuals, who come to our Service with their own interests, talents, skills, abilities, aspirations and ideas.
As educators, we are well trained, committed and passionate. We value, respect and appreciate each child’s uniqueness. We believe that children have a right to be active participants in their own learning and must be empowered to express their views and ideas.
A child’s opinion must be valued and respected for its validity to their perspective and their autonomy and initiative needs. As educators, we will protect and cherish the innocence of children and consistently provide a safe, nurturing and secure environment.
As we unpack the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) we will work alongside your child to actively promote their learning through worthwhile and challenging experiences and interactions that foster high-level thinking skills.
Our Centre and the Benefits of Play
Our centre is based around learning through play. Below is a list of the benefits associated with this type of learning.
Cognitive development – play stimulates children’s imagination, aids problem solving and contributes to children’s creativity
Emotional development – play helps children understand adult roles, overcome their fears and develop feelings of self-agency and belonging
Social development – play provides opportunities for children to learn to cooperate, negotiate, resolve conflicts, practice leadership skills and learn self-advocacy
Health – free physically active outdoor play has been recognised as an important strategy for keeping children healthy
Language and Literacy skills – play increases children’s vocabulary, their understanding of the double meanings of words and provides the basis for story structures
Mathematical concepts – play helps children learn about spatial relationships i.e. proximity, direction, shapes and quantity
Welcome to the Nemo Room
Just like Nemo in the movie “allowing them to experience all things teaches them more than just protecting them”. They learn about their own abilities and strengths and those of their peers which may be different to theirs.
The Nemo’s are between the ages of 2-3 ½ years old. They all differ in their developmental stages and personalities which lead to a variety of teaching techniques.
Generally the children in this group are trying quite hard to become independent. They usually make attempts to eat by themselves, although they may require some assistance. They begin showing an interest in toileting and through the year learn to go on their own with some assistance and become increasingly responsible for their own personal agendas.
What to Bring
Life can get pretty messy especially when you’re a child. In their own bag each child should bring to the centre every day:
A labelled legionnaire or wide brimmed hat for maximum sun protection
A water bottle with fresh water
Two sets of a whole change of clothes i.e. two pairs of socks, two pants and so on
Two pieces of fruit or vegetables
Keep note that their clothes should be appropriate to the weather. Keep a jacket in their bag throughout all of winter and longer tops and pants and short sleeve tops and shorts during summer.
And remember LABEL EVERYTHING!
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule changes throughout the year to accommodate the weather.
Summer Program
7:30 Children arrive at the centre and begin play in the outdoor playground. Parents must apply sunscreen on their children before they drop them off.
9:00 Morning tea
9:30 Soccer training for the children who participate or outdoor play for the children who do not wish to take part
10:15 – 11:30 Depending on what projects they are working on and different learning activities, the children may go inside for group time during this time
11:30 Lunch
12:00 – 12:30 The children settle onto their beds for a sleep or to have a rest. As they wake there are quiet activities set out for them to engage in
2:00 Group time
2:30 Afternoon tea
3:00 Dance class for the children who participate or indoor activities for the children who do not wish to take part
3:30 Outdoor play
4:30 Late snack
5:30 Centres Closed
Winter Program
7:30 Children arrive at the centre and begin play indoors
9:00 Morning tea
9:30 Soccer training for the children who participate or indoor/outdoor play for the children who do not wish to take part depending on the weather
10:15 – 11:30 Depending on what projects they are working on and different learning activities, the children may go inside for group time during this time
11:30 Lunch
12:00 – 12:30 The children settle onto their beds for a sleep or to have a rest. As they wake there are quiet activities set out for them to engage in
2:00 Group time
2:30 Afternoon tea
3:00 Dancing class for the children who participate or quiet indoor activities for the children who do not wish to take part
3:30 Indoor/Outdoor pending on the weather
4:30 Late snack
5:30 Centres Closed
Grievance Procedure
All parents or guardians are encouraged to discuss any concerns with the room leader or the Nominated Supervisor as soon as possible. No concern is too small or silly to be discussed or dealt with.
We kindly request that although it is very tempting to allow your children to bring toys from home to ease the transition of the morning drop off, to leave the toys at home, as these toys tend to get lost or broken quite easily and this can be devastating for your children.
Final Note
We will do our best to ensure that each child is cared for as their individual needs are met with understanding and compassion and that the families of our centre feel happy and supported.
