Philosophy

Little Academy Early Learning Centre acknowledges the Wangal clan of the Darug Tribe, the original custodians of the land on which we stand and pays respect to past, present and future generations.

Little Academy provides a physically safe and emotionally secure environment where our program incorporates all aspects of a child’s development. The foundations of our Philosophy are principles of practice in relation to children and their learning, staff, families and the community. It is based on best practice and appropriate early childhood learning theories that reflect the value of Early Childhood Education and Little Academy’s commitment to Kindness, Optimism, Respect and Responsibility.

It reflects the principles and practices of The National Quality Framework with its National Law, Regulations and Standards.

1. 1. Educational program and practice
   2. Children’s’ health and safety
   3. Physical environment
   4. Staffing arrangements
   5. Relationships with children
   6. Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
   7. Leadership and service management.

In addition, it reflects the principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework.

1. 1. Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships.
   2. Partnerships with families.
   3. High expectations and equity.
   4. Respect for diversity.
   5. Ongoing learning and reflective practice

Children

Develop a sense of belonging when relationships with educators are caring, supportive and culturally respectful.

Have recognisable stages of development but individually progress at their own rate.

Prepare well for learning at school through a combination of children’s interest and intentional teaching opportunities.

Are challenged and extended when relevant planned learning enables them to understand the connection to their own life.

Require opportunities for the development of creativity, self-confidence, independence, play skills and awareness and consideration of others in a secure learning environment.

Are encouraged when their achievements, strengths, resilience, adaptability, persistence and appropriate risk taking are recognised and celebrated.

Families and the Community

Are welcomed and valued from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.

Are encouraged to participate in Little Academy’s curriculum and review of centre philosophy, policies and procedures.

Can share in open and respectful communication about their child and their learning.

Are partners with Little Academy educators where respectful, equitable and reciprocal relationships lead to better outcomes for children and families.

Best support their child’s school transition when they work together with educators.

Have their privacy and confidentiality respected.

Curriculum

Provides a program where social justice, wellbeing and protection of the children are central.

Acknowledges that the key to learning begins with building relationships.

Maximises learning for every child by using the child’s interests and intentional teaching opportunities.

Introduces challenging experiences that develop knowledge, abilities and confidence

Provides resources that consider individual and group needs as well as skills, interests, developmental and cultural appropriateness.

Enables children to contribute, make decisions and influence their environment by planning and developing learning opportunities of their choice.

Reflects high expectations for learning through a cycle of planning, documenting and evaluating.

Develops an understanding about ecologically sustainable practices.

Reflects the diverse nature of our community.

Educators

Are ethical, inclusive and respectful in their relationships with children, families and each other.

Have relationships with children that are calm, warm and kind.

Are highly qualified and passionate about working in early childhood education.

Are open and responsive with families to enable a collaborative approach to maximise outcomes for children

Are committed to full participation of children with additional needs through inclusive practice.

Collaborate with other service providers to achieve the best outcomes for children.

Work with children and families to plan meaningful, developmentally and culturally appropriate learning opportunities.

Are rigorous in their reflections, planning, assessment and documentation of learning.

Are committed to continuous improvement through ongoing Training and performance reviews.

Are advocates beyond Little Academy for the benefits of quality early childhood education.