Our Philosophy
At Valley Preschool we believe that:
Children;
• Are capable and resourceful learners who are active contributors to their own learning
• Need to be valued as individuals within the context of their family and their community
• Can develop confidence and positive self esteem through a supportive and secure environment
• Learn through collaboration and communication with other chil
dren and adults and through interacting with the environment.
• Need opportunities to practice and consolidate their skills in key learning areas including: language and literacy, creative and expressive arts, mathematics, science, social and emotional development and work towards learning outcomes as expressed in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). Program;
• Our rich stimulating and nurturing environment will to stimulate imagination, promote creativity and enhance aesthetic development.
• Diversity within our preschool, families, staff and the wider community will be respected and celebrated and we can play a role in fostering and developing a social justice among children with a view to addressing social inequities.
• We aim to implement a flexible program that is responsive to the evolving nature of the early childhood environment and that provides for different learning styles.
• We aim to gather and interpret information from children and their families and document their work to form the basis of the program.
• Use both the indoor and the outdoor environment to encourage the children’s ability to observe, perceive, explore investigate, imagine, make choices and problem solve.
• Provide attractive, well maintained play areas, with the aesthetic use of furnishings and displays.
• Strive to empower children by using their thoughts and ideas to develop the program
• Promote each child’s confidence and positive self image through a range of provisions, experiences and opportunities that build upon their understandings, skills, values and sensitivities. Staff
• We believe in employing staff who are committed to working for the best interests of children and families.
• That each staff member brings fundamental, personal qualities to the preschool environment such as empathy, respect, warmth and a passion for learning
• Provide opportunities for staff to share in decision making and to obtain feedback.
• Provide a safe and comfortable working environment.
• Provide ongoing professional development for staff. Families
• We believe that trust, respect and collaboration form the basis for strong partnerships between families and staff.
• Family involvement is integral to a high quality program.
• We are committed to open and constructive communication with families which includes discussions, child portfolios, daily dairies and newsletters.
• Strive to have empathy and be responsive to family needs, and provide support when required. Community
• We aim to be a preschool of excellence for early childhood education within our community.
• As advocates for our profession, it is important to share our knowledge and experience.
• We utilise information and support services in the wider community.
• We believe in the importance of nurturing established relationships with community organisations and local schools.
• We participate in community events on a regular basis. Environmental Sustainability;
• It is important that we teach children to have respect for the environment and that the seed for sustainable living should be planted at an early age.
• We aim to teach children to understand and appreciate their world and foster a sense of “environmental responsibility”.
• We incorporate the 3 R’s - Reduce, Re use, Re-cycle into our learning program.
• We will provide parents with information on sustainable living.
• Incorporate natural play spaces and resources into our indoor area.
