​About Us

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“All are welcome here”

 

Heathmont East Early Learning Centre’s Philosophy is a mission statement identifying our beliefs and reasons behind our practices. Our philosophy has been influenced by educators, children, and families that utilize the service and reflects current practices.

 

The rights and best interests of the child underpin all practice. Their safety, health and wellbeing are paramount. Each is respected without discrimination or bias.  Each child will be supported and offered access to sharing their voice to support their concerns, views and emotional wellbeing through easily understood and culturally safe opportunities. 

 

Children are viewed as successful, competent and capable learners who are given opportunities to construct their own understandings, contribute to the learning of others, and participate in decisions that affect them. We offer a sense of belonging to children so they can establish friendships and become part of a community. 

Equity, inclusion and diversity are embedded in practice. Children are given every opportunity to succeed and their diverse circumstances, cultural background and abilities are respected and valued.

 

Learning is promoted through experimentation, investigation and play. Educators will provide open ended play and creative experiences within a comfortable and relaxed environment, where every child is nurtured and efforts acknowledged. Children are supported to become environmentally responsible which is embedded in practice, program and policies. Connecting and networking with our wider community will be offered when opportunities arise. Management, team members and educators are dedicated to quality outcomes for children and are committed to promote lifelong learning.

 

The child in the context of their family is valued. Trusting, supportive relationships and collaborative partnerships are developed and maintained with families.

Families are welcomed and encouraged to become involved at the Centre in whatever way they feel comfortable. We believe that the contributions of families are essential and suggestions and participation regarding the Centre’s procedures and policies are strongly encouraged through conversations. We value open and honest communication between educators and families. We believe that a child’s family is the most important factor in their life and therefore unity of families and Centre is celebrated. Individual families have their own parenting and early learning practices, which educators will recognize and respect. Families are consulted regarding decisions affecting their child, having the right to confidentiality and respect for privacy in every aspect.

 

Collaborative partnerships in the community are developed and maintained. Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are acknowledged, respected and valued.

We recognize and respect the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work, play and live. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, culture and optimism of Indigenous Australia. We value their knowledge and culture, which is reflected in our practices.

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Educators and management have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of every child, at all times. Our practices reflect the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Victorian Child Safe Standards. Educators give each child positive guidance and encouragement with opportunities to develop respectful and positive relationships with peers and team members. 

 

Educators recognize and respect that every team member is an individual with diverse needs, interests, skills, knowledge and experience. Educators work as a team by motivating and supporting each other, and will endeavor to put into place best work practices that are reflected in the Early Years Learning Frameworks, ECA Code of Ethics, Duty of Care, Education and Care Services National Regulations, Victorian Child Safe Standards, United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child and ACECQA. We aim to provide a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, victimization and bullying where all persons attending are treated with dignity, courtesy and respect, we encourage positive interactions, support constructive feedback and hold one another to the Codes of Conduct, ensuring that any issues are identified, confronted and not tolerated.

 

We recognize the importance of providing a safe, secure, consistent, friendly and positive atmosphere that supports trust and familiarity as well as an active exploration of learning.  Programs provide opportunities for indoor and outdoor play that promote child initiated experiences and is supported by meaningful intentional teaching. Each program is based on the concept of experimentation, investigation and play, as reflected in the Early Years Learning Framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. We believe that the role of adults within the Centre is to be facilitators that guide and encourage children. Educators will document each child’s journey through observations, photographs and work samples. Programs are accessible for families to view and provide opportunities for suggestions and feedback. The Centre will continue to develop, extend and evolve our practices which are reflected in our QIP. 

 

Continuous improvement, best practice and quality outcomes underpin our values. Current research, theories and understandings are considered and applied in the context of the uniqueness of the service, through a process of ongoing critical reflection.