Our philosophy has been inspired by the outcomes and practice principles of the Victorian Early Years Learning Development Framework (VEYLDF).
It also strongly focuses on the needs of our local community and the values and beliefs of all Tecoma Preschool staff.
We take pride in providing a warm and welcoming environment that gives children the confidence to explore and grow. With children’s interests at the forefront of all programming, educators provide a supportive mix of guided, adult-led, and child-directed play and learning.
Our beautiful elm tree in the back garden typifies the occurrences seen at our kindergarten – continual change, growth, excitement and development.
Each child should …
- be seen as an independent learner keen to explore and investigate
- be immersed in the importance of patience, sharing, care and trust
- be supported to develop an understanding and respect for cultural diversity
- be encouraged to follow and extend their interests with excitement and in their own time
- feel valued to share ideas, thoughts, feelings and predictions in their daily routines
- feel empowered to extend their learning and be involved in decision making
- explore and respect individuality
- be given the opportunity to develop respectful relationships with peers, educators and visitors to the preschool
- be encouraged to demonstrate respect for rules, routines and expectations of the preschool.
Our educators will aim to …
- work collaboratively to develop a program focusing on the whole child, emphasising the importance of each child’s strengths and emerging interests
- use communication to share ideas, thoughts and feelings regularly
- encourage open, meaningful and respectful communication
- respond to both the family, each child and each other’s needs
- understand the importance of getting down to a child’s level
- work together to celebrate learning for all (children and staff)
- take opportunities to develop and share their own personal knowledge and skills
- smile, have fun, laugh and learn
- develop programs that reach out and utilise the wider community
- continually extend and scaffold each child’s learning, supporting their creativity and individuality
- embrace the importance of continual learning as educators.
Our approach to the environment will aim to …
- provide a safe learning environment where children feel encouraged to explore and create (both indoors and out)
- offer an enriching learning environment containing a variety of meaningful experiences
- create a warm and welcoming space for all to feel comfortable
- emphasise the preservation and protection of the natural environment
- incorporate the natural world into the program to create stimulating and creative experiences
- incorporate sustainability into our everyday practices.
We will aim to work with families and other stakeholders by …
- building relationships that are collaborative, effective and reflective
- regarding highly the importance of family involvement in program planning and special events
- communicating with the committee to ensure smooth running of the preschool and events organised
- reaching out to the local community in our educational programs and fundraising events
- constantly collaborating with local primary schools to encourage efficient transitions to school.