Eco Early Learning & Bush Kinder recognises that children are competent individuals who have many strengths and abilities, and learning is lifelong. We understand that all our Community share a common goal, that is, the best possible outcomes for the child – whatever they may be. To achieve this, we recognise that embedding the family’s aspirations, educator’s knowledge and understandings of early childhood theory and National standards are essential. For the best possible outcomes to be achieved, we identify four critical elements;
Rich Documentation of children’s learning, thinking & capabilities
Curriculum
The Early Years Learning Framework, National Quality Standards, United Nations Rights of the Child and Code of Ethics inspires the educators at Eco Early Learning & Bush Kinder to develop an early childhood community which focuses on quality outcomes. This begins from the moment the child and family attend their first orientation as we understand the critical role this first encounter plays in developing a sense of belonging, welcoming and security. To do this, meaningful connections are developed and from this, genuine partnerships emerge. We see connecting the role of the family, children and teachers as an integral part of building genuine community context and this, in turn, enables educators and the children to advocate their importance as contributing citizens in the world.
Relationships
Our thinking is guided by Loris Malaguzzi’s theory of ‘100 languages’ . We recognise that learning is a journey of exploration and for children to gain the confidence to learn new skills and try new things, they need to have the opportunity to share their knowledge through many languages and many rich and meaningful experiences. The educators work in partnership as that of a co-constructor, researcher, documenter and advocate for children as we believe that children are capable of constructing their own strategies and a toolkit ready for use when they meet their next challenge.
Inspiration
The environment plays a particularly critical role in this learning and where some may only see play, we see rich, engaging learning opportunities for children. We will provide a safe and nurturing space for children to practice, take a risk and explore allowing them to gain many new tools for future use. We are inspired by Claire Warden “Nature Pedagogy is an understanding of our sense of belonging to the land, our sense of working with nature. There is a pedagogical shift when you move outside into nature… it’s learning with nature, not just teaching about it. “We reflect on this as environments are designed and integrated with the committed understanding of children’s competence and emerging skills. Malaguzzi’s statement ‘Each child is unique and the protagonist of his or her own growth. Children desire to acquire knowledge, have much capacity for curiosity and amazement and yearn to create relationships with others and communicate” is a platform of influence when educators critically reflect to improve practice.
Cultural Heritage
Cultural Heritage and understanding are recognized as an essential component of the curriculum and should not be an ‘add-in’ rather an everyday integrated experience. The daily Acknowledgement to country in both English and Aboriginal language, development of the Reconciliation Action Plan (reviewed by many Aboriginal elders and people) are some of the strategies used to demonstrate the commitment to reconciliation. A genuine commitment to inclusion and respect for diversity role models to children the values of respect and acceptance.
Community
By providing the children with opportunities for long term learning, we can see them motivated to investigate, hypothesis and engage with their peers and teachers on a journey of discovery. Vygotski’s notion of the Zone of Proximal Development inspires educators to scaffold children’s learning and this supports our image of the child on an evolving journey rather than just one milestone to achieve. This scaffolding allows educators to understand where the child’s learning is leading to and then enables the intentional teaching to be meaningfully considered and collaborated.
