Our Educational Philosophy at Fawkner Kindergarten.
We are proud to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the land on which the kindergarten sits and the community that surrounds us. We value their knowledge and culture which is reflected in our practices, policies and physical environment.
At Fawkner Kindergarten:
- Children are valued and it is understood that each child is a unique and special individual with individual needs and interests.
- Our aim for each child is to develop high self-esteem and a belief in their own abilities. We strive to set high, achievable goals for each child.
- Each child’s voice is heard and seen in the curriculum. Children are supported to express their views and be involved in the decision-making process.
- We foster an empowering environment where all children feel seen, heard and respected.
- We provide an active Anti Bias approach where all children are equally valued. Children are not discriminated against on the basis of gender, sexuality, age, ability, economic status, family structure, lifestyle, ethnicity, religion, language, culture or national origin.
- Educators provide a play-based program where it is recognized that children learn best from a combination of adult lead and child lead activities. We believe activities should be provided in a variety of ways: planned, open-ended, flexible, spontaneous and (most importantly) engaging.
- We believe that learning takes place both indoors and outdoors.
- We believe that we are all interconnected with nature and our children can and do play a key role in shaping a favorable healthy sustainable future
- Educators provide a secure and warm environment where every child is encouraged to become an active and involved learner.
- Educators build trusting and respectful relationships with each child.
- We recognize that families are the children’s first teachers and strive to have an active partnership with them.
- We celebrate the diversity of families in our community.
- We have strong links with our broader community. We work with people, services and agencies who provide supports for children and families.
- We take a collaborative approach to planning and teaching where all staff feel respected, valued and supported.
- We believe that we as staff are constantly learning. We take responsibility to keep up to date with current professional research, practices and knowledge.
- We create an environment that encourages and values mentoring.
- We acknowledge the importance of research and support institutions and people undertaking research studies where possible.
- Educators advocate for all children and their families, the early childhood profession as whole and the provision of quality education.
In all matters Fawkner Kindergarten strives to achieve best practice.
Guiding documents:
- Victorian Early Years Learning and Developmental Framework: For all children from birth to eight years, 2016
- Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia, 2009
- National Quality Framework, 2012
- Code of Ethics, 2016