Farm Road Pre-School follows the guidelines of the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) which is closely linked to the National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). We agree that childhood is a very special time in a child’s life and we aim to create a place where childhood is treasured. The National EYLF talks about “belonging, being and becoming”. We fully endorse this as the basis for our belief and understanding of what is important in a quality early childhood program. At kindergarten we aim to create a sense of “belonging” for all children. It is also a place where children can just “be” (being). It’s a place to play, have fun and discover new things. It is also a place where children can continuously evolve (“become”). A child’s early childhood experience helpsto shape the type of adult they will become. Kindergarten is not just preparation for school, it’s preparation for life.

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Our centre aims to create an inclusive environment where all children are welcomed. Each child is seen as a unique individual who has a right to feel safe, valued and respected for who they are. Children are taught to show consideration, respect and empathy for all members of the group. Children are encouraged to look for strengths and talents in themselves and other children and to see beyond any differences.

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Children learn through play and learn best when they are active participants. The staff at our centre strongly believe in the importance of play to young children. When children play they are showing us what they know and what they are trying to understand. The children are actively encouraged to explore their environment and to choose their own activities and materials. Children need opportunities for long periods of uninterrupted play.

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Educators are facilitators and mediators in the kindergarten environment. They support the children in a learning environment which is stimulating, nurturing and safe. Educators build on each individual child’s knowledge & interests to enhance and broaden their learning experience. We acknowledge the fact that parents are their child’s first educators. We aim to develop positive and respectful relationships between children, families and staff. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in the kindergarten program.

Farm Rd Pre-school acknowledges that our centre is located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong people of the Kulin nation. We want to gain greater knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture so that we can provide learning experiences that reflect and respond to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. We respect the fact that the families who attend our centre come from many diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Everyone is encouraged to be proud of who they are and where they have come from. These similarities and differences are welcomed and celebrated.

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The Committee of Management is formed by the parents of children of Farm Rd Pre-school, who are dedicated to ensuring our community has access to an ongoing quality learning program for our children, through the employment of dedicated, qualified staff and the constant development of policies in the ever changing childhood education environment. The Committee provides resources and equipment through fundraising to enrich the educational experience of each child and supports our staff in their continual development as educations. The Committee provides a safe and secure environment for our children to learn in and our staff to teach in. The Committee is charged with maintaining and actioning the Quality Improvement Plan which ensures that the service is focused on continuous improvements and evaluations.

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Our centre has a strong commitment to sustainability and the environment. The use of tank water, the use of recycled materials in the kindergarten program, growing vegetables, rubbish recycling, composting of food scraps into the worm farm and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products are some of the ways we do this.