THE CO-OP PHILOSOPHY

Our Philosophy has been developed by staff in collaboration with families and management, encompassing all views and values with respect.

We believe children are unique individuals that develop at their own pace through exploration and discovery.

We recognise and embrace the diversity of all our families creating an environment free from bias and prejudice.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land. We also pay respect to the Elders both past and present of the Kulin Nation and extend that respect to other Indigenous Australians.

For the Co-op

· We create an environment that is comfortable, safe and secure for all who attend the Co-op - where children, families and staff can belong. Enabling children to be self motivated to explore their environment. Our environment will reflect an appreciation of nature, culture, needs, values and opinions and promote community awareness.

For the Children

· Staff recognise that children are able to make choices and learn not only from what we intend them to learn but from all experiences provided. Relationships are developed in which children and staff value, trust, respect and listen to each other.

For the Families

· Family bonds are respected, encouraged and nurtured through the development of open communication and close working relationships between home life and Co-op.

For the Staff

· We embrace staff as individuals, encouraging them to share ideas and experiences that add value to the children’s Co-op experience. Each member of staff is seen as a valuable resource within the Co-op enabling the team to work together in achieving common goals. The Co-op’s aim is to empower children across all areas of development and engage children in active learning through play experiences.

For the Community

· We understand that the community consists of diverse individuals who have special talents, knowledge and experiences that can be shared with children and members using the service. Therefore, we believe in friendly co-operative relations, networking with people and others services within the community. We recognise the importance of sustaining the environment, being aware of it and working with the community to contribute to environmental sustainability.

The Reflective Programme

· We believe that our programmes should reflect diversity, children’s strengths, needs and interests that will enhance the development of the whole child. Our learning outcomes have been developed with the Early Years Learning Frameworks to encourage children and staff’s learning. To encourage collaboration and exploration amongst all. Our reflective programme transforms with the children & staff’s learning. It allows for a more settled, relaxed and stimulating environment. We focus on listening, and reminding everyone involved that each person can be an active listener. We focus on varied life experiences and each person’s individual learning styles.

Staff view learning as a life long process. Staff support the Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics and are mindful of these principles when working with children and their families.