Hunters Hill Pre-Schools Philosophy

In relation to Children we believe:

That each child needs to be valued as a unique person, within the context of their family and their community.
That each child needs the opportunity to develop positive self-esteem through a supportive and secure environment.

Our practice reflects this through:

Implementing a child-centred program
Displaying respect for individuality, diversity and beliefs
Allowing children the opportunity to express their feelings
Promoting each child’s confidence and positive self image through activities that promote success

In relation to Families we believe:

That parents need opportunities to participate in the program according to their needs, interests and opportunities
In the importance of promoting and maintaining long-term positive relationships between children, parents and staff
In the value of parent support and involvement through the preschool management committee

Our practice reflects this through:

Providing families with opportunities to join in our program, family events, and rostered tasks throughout the year
Daily communication with parents via discussion and notes
Sharing information and understanding of the child’s interests, skills and needs
Parent/teacher meetings, individual meeting times, and association meetings
Supporting the management committee in their work

In relation to Staff we believe:

In the importance of employing staff who are committed to the emotional and developmental well being of children and their families.
That good working conditions for staff will encourage stable, lasting relationships between them and the centre
In the importance of maintaining an environment of collegiality where personal and professional contributions are valued

Our practice reflects this through:

Adherence to the AECA Code of Ethics
Provision of ongoing training and development for staff
Opportunities for staff to share in decision making, obtain feedback and contribute to the discussion of issues which affect them
Provision of a safe and comfortable working environment
Provision of release time for programming and other duties

In relation to the Program we believe:

That the program must be based on current research that tells us that play is the best medium for learning and development in the early childhood years
That observations of group and individual children; staff and family collaboration; and acknowledgement of the children’s needs and interests forms the basis of an effective educational program.
The program needs to provide children with the opportunity to practice and consolidate their skills in the key learning areas including: language and literacy; creative and expressive arts; mathematics; science and social and emotional development.
The program needs to reflect and provide for different learning styles and different learning levels through the provision of open-ended experiences.
A rich and stimulating environment has the potential to stimulate imagination, promote creativity and enhance aesthetic development

Our practice reflects this through:

The daily provision of books, painting, dough/clay, drawing, writing, blocks, socio-dramatic play and puzzles
Ensuring that the program remains a flexible working document that is responsive to the ever-changing nature of the early childhood environment, implemented through both planned and incidental experiences.
Encouraging the children’s ability to observe, perceive, explore, investigate, imagine and problem solve.
Providing opportunities for children to make assisted choices
Valuing peer collaboration as an essential element of learning
Providing attractive, well maintained play areas, with the thoughtful use of furnishings and displays

In relation to the Community we believe:

We must be responsive to current standards and thinking within the greater community
It is important to share our knowledge and experience with others
In the value of establishing links with the local community
In developing links with professional support services

Our practice reflects this through:

Ensuring that we operate within the guidelines set down by governing and professional bodies
Using the established channels of communication with committee, council and the community
Encouraging Early Childhood and work experience students to take part in our program
The effective and meaningful utilisation of local services
The provision of literature that explains preschool philosophy and program
Participation in community events
Acknowledging the support provided by Hunters Hill Council

From this philosophy we have developed many policies, which provide guidelines for the operation of our centre. Policy review and development is ongoing.

Current policies are listed in our handbook that can be downloaded or viewed from this website. Policies can also be located on the verandah sideboard.