At Como Preschool
- We are guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The aim of the EYLF is to support early childhood providers, teachers and educators to extend and enrich children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transition to school. We strive for all children to become: “confident and creative individuals; successful lifelong learners; active and informed members of the community”.
- We reinforce in our daily practice the principles laid out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The Convention states that “all children have the right to an education that lays a foundation for the rest of their lives, maximises their ability and respects their family, cultural and other identities and languages.” The Convention also recognises children’s right to play and be active participants in all matters affecting their lives.
- We are committed to providing a child safe organisation by embedding child safe practices in our policies, procedures and our day-to-day interactions.
- We build genuine partnerships with families “based on the foundations of respecting each other’s perspectives, expectations and values, and building on the strength of each other’s knowledge and skills”
- We nurture relationships with children to support the development of a strong sense of wellbeing.
- We create opportunities for children to learn as they discover, create, improvise and imagine. When children play with other children they create social groups, test out ideas, challenge each other’s thinking and build new understandings.
- We provide opportunities for children to develop independence, confidence and positive feelings about themselves. “When children feel safe, secure and supported they grow in confidence to explore and learn.
- We acknowledge that children’s learning is ongoing, and each child will progress towards outcomes in different and equally meaningful ways. Learning is not always predictable and linear.
- We support children to make healthy lifestyle choices. “Learning about healthy lifestyles, including nutrition, sleep and rest, personal hygiene, physical fitness, emotions, safe and healthy digital technology use and social relationships is integral to wellbeing and self-confidence.”
- We are committed to equity and welcome children who have additional needs. We believe in “equity, inclusion and have high expectations for every child regardless of their circumstances and capabilities.
- “We recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the First Peoples of Australia… we strive to respectfully embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives and ways of learning throughout our curriculum.” (Como Preschool Reconciliation Action Plan.)
- We recognise that diversity contributes to the richness of our society, and we provide opportunities for all children to have their cultures, identities, abilities and strengths acknowledged and valued.
- We work collaboratively with other educators, local schools and other professionals to ensure a successful transition to school for each child and their family.
- We believe that educators, staff and children “have important and active roles to play in creating and promoting sustainable communities.”
- Our model of shared leadership acknowledges and utilises the individual strengths of every educator and staff member as well as each member of our Management Committee to build “a sense of shared responsibility and professional accountability.
- We provide a positive work environment where educators and staff continually seek ways to build their professional knowledge, where current practices are examined, outcomes reviewed and new ideas generated, in order to maintain a cohesive and highly motivated team who continue to strive for excellence.
