As we begin our journey with Edu-Play, we work together as a team to think deeply about who we are as educators and make sure that our passion for play based learning is reflected in this philosophy document. From the moment the first little feet walk through our door, we promise to provide an educational experience that is safe and secure, naturing and warm. We want to build our philosophy with those children and the subsequent classes of children who will learn and play with us year after year. We welcome and include the voices of families and invite anyone who is a part of our community to contribute their own words to our philosophy.
As the great Fred Rodgers once said, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”. We take play seriously at Edu-Play. We see that when a child builds a tower, it is more that just some blocks stacked together. Those blocks are the basis for understanding concepts like weight, balance, cause and effect, architecture, design and so much more.
It is from a deep personal understanding that we base our practice of inclusion and care for children with disabilities. Early intervention is paramount to a child’s success in life. We believe in inclusive classrooms and celebrating the similarities and differences that make us great. When it comes to creating an inclusive environment, we learn from professionals to implement best practice.
We seek to learn alongside the children in our care about Boon Wurrung cultures and customs. We will grow our understanding each day through language, environmental practices, conversations, songs, games, books and displays. We strive to create a welcoming environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community.
We take pride in our physical environment, ensuring that children's interests and our deep knowledge of child development are at the forefront of what we set up in the play space. We strive to improve our knowledge and practices around sustainability and the environment. We seek out best practice with regards to maintaining a clean and safe environment and look to do so in ways that maximises benefits towards our environment.
We believe it is important for early childhood educators to incorporate their philosophy into all their teaching practices. As you walk around the classrooms, you will notice educators scaffolding the learning experience, modelling appropriate social and emotional skills and offering enough space for children to use their own tools for learning. Group and independent play is to be encouraged, as well as small-group activities. The teacher is there to guide the learning process rather than dictate it. The educator and child are on a journey together of learning and discovery.
We bring our own passions to the classroom. That includes art, gardening, literacy, music, languages and more. We carry those things with us every day and share our love for them with the children in our care. We hold out our arms to our families and the broader community to bring in their own passions to our space, to spark interest and build bonds.
This philosophy is a living document, it changes over time. For now, this philosophy is the seed, from which our centre can grow.
We welcome you and your family to join us in our learning journey.
