Being, Becoming and Belonging:
At Henry Street Preschool we ensure that every child is valued as the individual they are. Children are encouraged to explore and investigate though play while developing their sense of self. Early education brings change in children’s lives and we are here to support them in their development with nurturing, respectful and responsive relationships with educators. Educators recognise and support children in all aspects of their learning by providing an inclusive relationship involving families and the community around them.
Evolving, Encouraging, Engaging, Empowering:
Children are provided with a program that is adapted to their individual interests and are encouraged to learn from each other as well as share their own ideas. All interactions with children are opportunities to learn, to teach, to grow and to create meaningful relationships with one another. Children’s thoughts and ideas are encouraged, supported and implemented into the learning potential in everyday events.
Learning through Play:
Play provides opportunities for children to grow, to extend upon their increasing knowledge, build relationships and find out who they are. Play provides opportunities for children to simply enjoy being, as they explore and discover the world around them. Educators value children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities to ensure they are engaged and guided in their learning.
Opportunities, offering experiences:
We encourage children to explore their environment freely choosing from the materials provided and introduced, promoting spontaneous as well as individual and shared learning experiences. By listening and engaging with children educators are able to assess where we can provide more opportunities for children to learn, discover and investigate. Educators value children’s involvement in learning by encouraging them to expand their interests, try new ideas and extend their thinking. Each child is supported to work with, learn from and help others through collaborative relationships.
Nature:
There are regular opportunities for children to interact with and care for our natural environment. Children are encouraged to develop positive attitudes towards being environmentally responsible and are encouraged to learn sustainable practices within as well as outside our centre.
Growth:
Children are resourceful learners who are capable of making sense of the world around them as they play an active role in their own learning. Educators act as facilitators of learning and provide age appropriated yet challenging resources that will extend each child’s interest and learning to stimulate their thinking. The learning environment and effective planning encourages and builds on children’s prior and current experiences.
Individuals, Identity:
Each child is supported to build on the understandings they bring to the preschool setting and educators actively support the inclusion of all children in play. Children are encouraged to feel recognised and respected for who they are, share aspects of their family life, culture and explore aspects of their identity and their connections with the community.
Nurturing:
Educators aim to maintain the best quality of care for children as well as their families. We encourage families to develop a positive relationship with staff to enable them to feel happy when leaving their children, secure in the knowledge that their child is cared for in a safe and supportive environment. We provide children with a consistent and warm nurturing environment, which helps build secure relationships, develop their confidence and feelings of respect, and helps in forming their Identity and a sense of belonging.
Guidance:
Educators recognise that children’s learning occurs in social environments and we promote their understanding through positive interactions and involvement. Staff guide children by modelling good language and behaviour that enables them to be effective communicators and builds their confidence in forming friendships.
