Philosophy
The purpose of the Centre is to provide quality care for children out of their home environment and exists to support parents achieve their goals.
The caregiver is not that of substitute parent, but that of another adult person who cares for the child's well-being and development. The physical, emotional, intellectual and social needs of the child are considered of paramount importance. In recognition of the child and their family as a unique unit, Kirinari Early Childhood Centre strives to attain the following philosophical beliefs.
The Centre recognises each child as a unique individual with a right to grow with a good self image.
All children are encouraged to develop their own personality; to hold their own thoughts, opinions and ambitions, and to express these ideas comfortably and freely. Each child is frequently encouraged to communicate individually with the caregivers.
The child has a right to privacy.
This involves providing physical space for children to spend some time alone, and also for respecting the child's personal privacy as an individual human being. Children are given appropriate opportunities to be involved in making decisions about how they spend their time.
Each child in the centre, regardless of gender, race or religion has the same opportunities as every other child.
Staff make conscious efforts to give boys and girls equal verbal interaction time and actively discourage gender stereotypical behaviours. If stories, songs, etc depict gender stereotypes this face is brought to the children's attention and an alternative view put forward. Equally, each child is exposed to a wide range of cultural experiences.
The Centre provides an interesting, challenging environment to enable the child to learn.
It is the responsibility of the staff to thoughtfully and consciously plan activities and experiences that meet the development needs of all children. Each child is allowed to progress at their own physical and intellectual pace and children in need of assistance receive encouragement to participate in activities that assist their development.
Children at the Centre will gain a respect for the environment through hands-on learning experiences.
Staff will plan experiences and activities that introduce the children to environmental concepts such as recycling, composting, tree planting, gardening and water conservation. Staff will discuss environmental topics and issues with the children. Parents will be encouraged to participate in activities and provide packed lunches which minimise waste
A climate of co-operation rather than competition is promoted within the Centre.
Some negative behaviour is regarded as normal for young children and is not usually made a source of concern unless it becomes on-going. All children need opportunities to interact socially with their peers and are guided in respecting the rights and feelings of others. Children are encouraged to settle their differences in an appropriate way, without resorting to verbal or physical abuse of others.
Parents are assumed to be competent and caring child-rearers.
Parents are recognised as unique individuals entitled to their thoughts, opinions, beliefs and lifestyles. They have a right to expect that their cultural and/or religious practices be respected. Parental involvement in the program is encouraged and welcomed. Staff offer information and support where appropriate. It is emphasis that a co-operative spirit must exist amongst the Kirinari community if the children are to have the best possible child care experiences.
The staff at Kirinari Early Childhood Centre are valued and supported as competent, professional carers.
Kirinari Early Childhood Centre recognises that staff play a pivotal role in the well-being of children and are, therefore, nurtured. All staff are entitled to work in an environment that promotes understanding, care and concern. Staff are encouraged to develop and enhance their skills through training and awareness courses. The Centre allocates annual funds from its budget to foster staff development.
The well-being of staff is paramount for effective work performance, therefore;
Emotional, physical and environmental concerns are addressed through various forums. An Occupational Health and Safety Officer is nominated by staff to address some issues; grievance procedures are in place to resolve any conflict that arises and a counselling service is offered to address and/or mediate any difficulties that staff are experiencing.