Our philosophy is to view the wellbeing of the individual child and acknowledge the uniqueness of each person and family. Our work will consistently recognise early childhood as a unique and valuable stage of life and accept that each phase within early childhood is important in its own right.

We believe it is essential to consider the needs of the child in the context of the family and culture, taking into account the child’s strengths and varying developmental needs. Our aim is to respect the special relationship between children and their families and incorporate this perspective into our planning.

We believe the role of staff is to facilitate children’s development, using sound knowledge, practice and theories, while at the same time recognising the limitations and uncertainties of these. Staff will aim to base their work with children on theoretical and practical knowledge about early childhood as well as on specific knowledge of each child’s development.

We will work to ensure that young children are not discriminated against on the basis of gender, age, race, religion, language, ability, culture or national origin. Staff will actively encourage children to challenge racial discrimination and other prejudice in their play and in their relationships with each other.

We value the importance of a safe and healthy environment that enhances children’s autonomy, initiative and self-worth. We aim to engage only in practices that are respectful and provide security for children that in no way degrades, endangers or harms them psychologically or physically.

Families are an integral part of our professional lives. We aim to respect the right of each family to their privacy and maintain confidentiality. We will consistently work to assist each family to develop a sense of belonging with our Centre and engage them in shared decision – making.

Reviewed September, 2006
Sources:          AECA research in Practice (Vol 5) No. 4 1998
                        Quality Practices Guide, NCAC, 2005