DISCOVER ECO KIDS EARLY LEARNING CENTRE

Our Philosophy

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At Eco Kids ELC we recognise that children are capable, active and competent learners and we support them to become active global citizens who have the right to a sense of agency regarding decisions that affect them. We follow the Walker learning guidelines which provides an integrated teaching and learning approach that sees childrens learning as complex, dynamic and holistic. Where both intentional, child-directed and spontaneous learning is valued and the childrens interests are a catalyst for scaffolding learning.
We believe best practice STEAM education is complementary to 21st century learning. At the same time as developing important skills and knowledge in the STEAM subjects, children engage in activities and projects that promote 21st century skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration. We also have a strong focus on childrens emerging literacy skills.
We believe that as educators it is both our privilege and duty to work collaboratively with families and communities in nurturing the uniqueness of every child in our care, so they may develop a sense of belonging, a positive self image and experience opportunities to succeed whilst having respect for themselves, others and the earth.
Our planned environments and experiences allow children to learn through play, developing their confidence and skills and encouraging their development as lifelong learners. We achieve this by ensuring children are offered a wide variety of rich, meaningful and engaging experiences, warm trusting relationships and the freedom to explore in a safe, nurturing environment so that they can reach their full potential.

Our Commitment

-We believe children learn in the context of their families and families are the primary influence on children’s learning and development. Our Educators engage in family-centred practice by respecting the pivotal role of families in children’s lives. Therefore we aim to utilise our skills, knowledge and experience to support and empower families as their child's best, first teachers.
-We will strongly advocate for the rights of children, providing a strengths-based curriculum that is anti-biased, inclusive, supportive and promotes equity and diversity.
-We aim to ensure that all children have the opportunity to play and learn through nature and respect and appreciate the wonders of nature through sustainable practices. We also aim to promote to families the benefits of nature-based play especially for childrens overall health and wellbeing. We want to ensure children have opportunities to take considered risks as they explore and discover the world around them.
-Our curriculum, inclusive of our daily routines, will be flexible in design to ensure the individual needs, abilities and interests of children and families are supported.
-We will endeavour to protect children by meeting the child safe standards and by providing a healthy and safe, stimulating environment in which to thrive and learn.
-We as educators we will continue to have high expectations of ourselves as professional practitioners and view ourselves as advocates for innovation and change. We will strive to promote the vital impact early childhood education has for developing a strong foundation for children’s learning into the future.
-We embrace the UN Rights of the child and are guided by the ECA Code of ethics, VIT Professional code of conduct, National quality framework and are guided by the VELYDF.
-We foster childrens mental health and wellbeing through mindfulness, meditation, music, yoga and by supporting childrens development of regulation skills and ability to be resilient.
-We provide a culturally safe and inclusive environment that focuses on respect for diversity including CALD Families, at risk and vulnerable children, children with additional needs and LGBTQ+ Families -We also acknowledge, value and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders ways of knowing and being.
-Our practices are embedded, informed and shaped by critical reflection, and meaningful engagement with families, children and the community.
-We believe connections with our community enhance learning for children within a local context.

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