Philosophy

Friendship Square Early Learning Cooperative strives to provide high quality Education and Care for all children and families. We embrace the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and incorporate it in our practices.

We believe:

  • The early years are the foundation to children’s learning and therefore need to be strong to enable children to build on their life skills.

  • The best interests of children must be the primary concern in making decisions that may affect them.

  • Each and every child is an individual with unique needs, interests and strengths, these form the basis of their learning which leads to positive outcomes for all.

  • Children should have agency in their learning.

  • Each child has a right to grow and learn in an environment that is inclusive and provides security, continuity and safety.

  • Each child will achieve milestones in their learning and development at their own pace.

  • Children have the right to equality and respect.

  • Children, staff and families have the right to feel safe in the childcare environment.

  • Positive self-esteem and high self-worth provide children with a strong basis to cope with life challenges.

  • In acknowledging and respecting the different cultures, beliefs and religions of all families and staff in our centre and we value their input into the service we provide.

  • Both structured and unstructured play is an essential part of a child’s development.

  • Consistent limits and choices help children feel empowered, which will assist them to develop the ability to monitor their own behaviour in social situations.

  • Strong partnerships between families and staff provide a holistic approach to child development.

To achieve this:

  • We encourage children to make decisions, with considerations to their individual developmental abilities. This encourages children’s confidence, sense of achievement and success, independence, positive self-image and sense of value.
  • We provide experiences that develop awareness of the history and heritage of Australia, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
  • We provide opportunities to recognise and respect the uniqueness of our diverse community.
  • Educators use an emergent curriculum style of program planning which embraces individual interests and strengths.
  • Children are encouraged to achieve at their own pace, with consideration to their individual learning styles.
  • Educators strive to scaffold children’s learning in areas of their interest.
  • Educators use intentional teaching through both structured and unstructured experiences.
  • We actively support and encourage parental interactions, suggestions and input.
  • Staff rosters are designed to provide continuity of care as much as possible.
  • Our OH&S procedures will consistently monitor the environment to ensure security and safety to all who enter the centre.
  • We support an inclusive approach to develop positive gender, racial, cultural and individual identities which encourage staff and families to feel a sense of belonging.
  • We provide a play-based curriculum that creates opportunity for all children to engage themselves in a variety of experiences that foster the key learning outcomes of the EYLF.
  • Children are encouraged to have input into the development of consistent limits and boundaries within their room.
  • We provide an environment where children are encouraged to work respectfully together, providing a program where all children have a voice and are able to participate.
  • We strive to develop positive partnerships with families and engage in shared decision making, where appropriate.
  • Educators seek and participate in professional development to maintain up to date knowledge and understanding of current practices.
  • Educators support a reciprocal work environment that encourages shared learning and knowledge.