Our Educators

I believe education is developing the whole child emotionally, physically, socially, and intellectually. As an educator, it is my responsibility to ensure that all children are given the opportunities to achieve this to their full potential. The foundation, upon which I believe is the first step in the development of the child, is forming a trusting relationship with them. Children must feel safe and secure within their environment before they explore it. I achieve this by knowing my students; who they are, where they come from, what they know, and how we can work together to achieve the best learning outcome for all. I ensure that I have a positive rapport with families, where open lines of communication are always available; communication is paramount. Their children are the most important people in their lives and families must feel assured that their child feels safe and secure in their environment.

The philosophies of Piaget, Vygotsky, and Bronfenbrenner underpin my pedagogy and this is demonstrated through the constructivism and social-constructivism approaches used within my teaching and learning experiences. I believe that children’s development of concepts is achieved when they have hands-on experiences, where children become human endeavours of their environment. Through investigation and observation, children begin to build their process of inquires which is fundamentally important for them to become successful learners in future schooling and in life. Additionally, children’s social interactions had with peers, family, friends, community members, and educators play a role in their development. Social interactions provide the opportunity for children to collaborate and discover with others, to help scaffold upon their current knowledge.

I believe that children do learn through play; children should have the right to be children. It is my belief that every play experience can be utilised to extending children’s development. Through providing stimulating and nurturing learning areas and experiences based around children’s interests, children are able to make better connects in constructing information because it is exciting and familiar to them. Through my own development as an educator, I have come to realise that not every experience has to be planned, children's development can still be fostered in spontaneous activities through intentionally teaching practices.

Development is an ongoing process that needs to be evaluated and reflected upon; I pride myself in knowing that through by my observations, reflections, evaluations, and extensions of children’s interests are exceeding the children’s needs. Additionally, reflection is an important part about how I professionally develop myself because through continual assessment of my teaching beliefs and practices I am able to seek professional learning when necessary to ensure I am providing high-quality care for all children.

I believe children start to build in their identity as individuals from their early years. As an educator it is my responsibility not only to gradually guide children throughout their early years and ensure that they are school ready (physically, developmentally and emotionally) but also to make sure that each child's voice, thoughts, ideas, and feelings are always attended to as they enjoy the process of learning through play.

Young children only start their learning mode when they feel secure and are enjoying the environment. I believe building a strong and caring relationship with each child is critical so that the child is able to feel that they belong and are able to walk into the service with confidence. Therefore, it is extremely important to be a part of them by playing, interacting, respecting, listening, communicating, understanding their culture background and thinking from their angle. Keeping up with each child's interest and abilities is critical in ensuring children's development are continuously challenged and extended.

Regular open communication by sharing and gathering developmental milestones, interest and background knowledge of the child with families is an essential element in my teaching philosophy. Maintaining this open communication enables me to create a positive family bond with parents as they are children's first teachers of their life long journey.

Continuous reflecting and refining the way I guide children and how I communicate with educators and family plays an important role in my teaching philosophy as everyone is unique and always changing.

As a pre-service student, I have had five professional experience in different placement schools. I believe that every child has their own way of learning, thinking and understanding and improving and developing their diverse learning style. Children’s’ learning experience are influenced by society and environment, cultural background, prior knowledge’s and genetic predisposition. As a teacher, I can’t assume that all children have the similar learning background. But I can use different learning techniques to create a positive and engaging learning environment for different types of students.
I believe that children learn well when they construct their own knowledge through exploration and discussion. Learning is not just learning about the knowledge but also we learn the ways of knowing, forms of practice, processes, ways of doing things, etc. My role as a teacher is to guide and provide information to children. I have to recognize different way that children learn best and how to construct my program plan which interact with children’s learning. The program plan will involve what children are interested and make learning relevant to their life. It allows children direct and take responsibility for their own learning which they learn to search questions and find the answers. It is about teaching children how to learn not just give them the answer. Children may find it hard to practice their skills by themselves, but providing children group discussion and hand on actives are very good way for children to explore and problem solve. Children should always be given adequate time, space and use materials to discover and construct their knowledge. When children work together such as teamwork, they accept new knowledge and learning strategies from each other. Learning is not a spectator sport. You can’t just sit there and watch. Learning occurs when participating in social interactions and culturally organized activity. The role of language in learning is a tool and resources in terms of what is being learning and made sense of (words, concepts meaning) as well as supporting and mediating process of learning. I believe that creating and maintain a safe and supportive learning environment is important for every child’s learning.

As a Kindergarten teacher, I am aware that I have many responsibilities to myself as an educator, the children in my Preschool room and their parents and families.

AS AN EDUCATOR/PRESCHOOL TEACHER

• To continually research and/or attend professional development opportunities to keep ‘current’ as to the various methods of assisting and guiding children as they learn and grow in the Preschool year
• To continually be aware of and up to date with the regulating authority documents (NQF, QKLG, EYLF, childcare regulations, QCTstandards) and centre policies that are abidedby within the centre
• To work with my fellow educators, especially those in the Preschool room, to provide a safe, secure, welcoming environment for all who come visit our Preschool room

IN RELATION TO CHILDREN

• To remember all children are individuals, at their own stages of learning and development, and need to be catered for as an individual
• To remember all children learn through various learning styles and to include a variety of activities which cater for all learning styles as well as help guide and assist in the child’s growth in their learning and development(Gardner’s Theory of multiple intelligences)
• To create a broad daily routine (that still has some flexibility) to help children settle in and become secure in their day at Preschool. A broad routine also empowers children as they area ware of and can prepare themselves for ‘what’s next’. If this routine changes, to attempt to inform the children as soon as able, so they become aware that change can occur and assist children to develop the skills needed to cope with changes
• To allow children the time and freedom to explore the environment and activities at their own pace and in the way in which they learn. Talk to children about their process of learning more than the finished product, as the process is where children learn(and where the fun is)
• To believe in the abilities of all children, encouraging them to attempt challenging activities with help and guidance until they are able to be successful themselves (Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development)
• To learn and discover with the children as this will, hopefully, assist in helping the children become aware that learning is ‘life long’. There are also times where the children ‘teach’ the teacher, which also helps show learning is ‘life long’

IN RELATION TO PARENTS AND FAMILIES

• To always be warm and welcoming to parents and families whenever they are in the Preschool room or other centre facilities
• To continually make parents and families aware of what the Preschoolers are learning, via conversations, notes, newsletters, etc
• To invite and encourage parents and families to contribute to their child’s learning and development in a variety of ways (ie: mentioning home events, bringing in items for child to share with friends, spending time in our room, donating resources for children to use in their play, etc)

Young Children are societies greatest gifts and as such society as a whole has a sacred duty to these children, these gifts.

As a Childcare worker we have are specially charged with not just the care of these young children, but also with the crucial early development and nurturing of them.

This is a crucial time in the child’s life for learning and development. The things they learn at this stage will have a huge impact on how they develop as young people in the future.

I feel my task is to provide as many opportunities as possible to develop and learn in a caring environment that allows the child to explore his world in a safe manner.

I believe that children learn through play. I will provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagine.

Each Child is an individual, and I will encourage each child to grow through understanding their unique skills and abilities together with their strengths along with their weakness.

I acknowledge the cultural diversity at our centre and show great respect for all, whilst encouraging all the children to celebrate this cultural mix to assist them in a better tolerance of those around them.

One of the most important skills that young people have to learn, is to be able to relate to those around them. I seek to encourage the development of appropriate social skills in all the children.

Finally, and most importantly, I understand that fundamentally, all children need the assurance of being loved and cared for while they are enjoying an educational environment. Teaching children is my passion. Security and trust are very important components as well, of my relationship with each child.

Each moment of each day is another wonderful opportunity to be a part of the miracle of the child’s development.

I believe routines are an intricate part of a baby's day and our routine will reflect each child's development, needs, and interests.

All routines that are kept at home, such as feeding bottles and sleeping times are carried through in your child's day in our room in order to best meet your family's needs.

My focus is on providing secure and loving relationships between me and your children to foster confidence and potential.

I believe in high standards of hygiene and safety are maintained by myself and educators.

Our quality programs focus on sensory learning and development which prepares your child for future learning.

I aim to involve families in the program to help you feel confident in leaving your child in my care. Through regular observations, we become aware of each child's interest and stage of development. Using this knowledge we are able to provide appropriate experiences to further stimulate all areas of development (for example, cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional).

I believe as children gain more independence, emphasis is placed on developing their social skills and the development of imagination through creative play and exploration of their environment.

The reason I decided to pursue a career in child care is because I believe that play and social interaction is necessary in a child's everyday routine and development. I find children so interesting, the way they can be so creative and imaginative is amazing. Children need the assurance of being loved and cared for while they are enjoying an educational environment. Teaching children is my passion. Security and trust are very important components as well, of my relationship with each child.

I believe young children are very concerned about themselves and the small world they live in: family and home. However, each child is unique with different interests, backgrounds, and developmental stages. I truly enjoy being able to help children along their journey in learning and discovering new concerts, ideas and experiences. It is fulfilling knowing that we can help open children's mind and see things through their eyes. At times it makes me feel like a child again.

My aim is to create a fun filled, caring, playful multicultural and interesting environment for all children to feel comfortable to be in and have fun learning at the same time. I would like to provide stimulating and secure environment for all the children. I believe that children learn through their interaction with their FAMILIES, PEERS & EDUCATORS.

Children should be given choices, responsibilities, and opportunities to initiate their own learning. I believe observations and assessments are excellent tools to use when planning curriculum but also give insight into the development, knowledge and skill levels of each individual child.

I believe the environment plays a major role in the success of an early childhood program. It should enhance the children's interests in all developmental domains. I believe learning in an early childhood environment is done most successfully through stations that can be visited, explored, and revisited again and again. The environment should take into consideration. The social skills, communication skills, physical abilities or challenges, and learning styles of the children being served.

I believe the children are our future...

I believe each and every child has the potential to bring something unique and special to the world. I will help children to develop their potential by believing in them as capable individuals. I will assist children in discovering who they are, so they can express their own opinions and nurture their own ideas. I have a vision of a world where people learn to respect, accept, and embrace the differences between us, as the core of what makes life so fascinating.

Teach them well and let them lead the way...

Every classroom presents a unique community of learners that varies not only in abilities but also in learning styles. My role as a teacher is to give children the tools with which to cultivate their own gardens of knowledge. To accomplish this goal, I will teach to the needs of each child so that all learners can feel capable and successful. I will present a curriculum that involves the interests of the children and makes learning relevant to life. I will incorporate themes, integrated units, projects, group work, individual work, and hands-on learning in order to make children active learners. Finally, I will tie learning into the world community to help children become caring and active members of society.

Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride...

My classroom will be a caring, safe, and equitable environment where each child can blossom and grow. I will allow children to become responsible members of our classroom community by using strategies such as class meetings, positive discipline, and democratic principles. In showing children how to become responsible for themselves as well as their own learning, I am giving them the tools to become successful in life, to believe in themselves, and to love themselves.

Let the children's laughter remind us how we used to be...

Teaching is a lifelong learning process of learning about new philosophies and new strategies, learning from the parents and community, learning from colleagues, and especially learning from the children. Children have taught me to open my mind and my heart to the joys, the innocence, and the diversity of ideas in the world. Because of this, I will never forget how to smile with the new, cherish the old, and laugh with the children.

As a childcare educator, I believe that each child is an individual and at stage of their own learning and development. I believe that the foundations of early childhood education are to value their individuality, to stimulate their curiosity and desire to learn, and to enhance their all development domains through quality care and education specifically catered for each child (Gardner's Theory of multiple intelligences).

I believe that the environment plays a major role in the success of an early childhood program. It should enhance the children's interest in all development domains. Children learn through play and I believe that children should be allowed time and freedom to explore the environment and activities at their own pace and in the way they learn. Children should be supported and encouraged to attempt challenging activities with assistance and guidance until they are able to achieve and succeed by themselves (Vygotsky's Zone of Proximal Development).

As an early childhood educator, I believe that the relationship of trust and confidence with families plays a vital role in promoting a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment for children. I would always invite and encourage parents and families to contribute to their child's learning and development in a variety of ways such as spending time in the room and daily interactions with educators, bringing in items from home to show it to friends, donating resources, etc.

While the children are in my care, it is my responsibility to speak and act in ways that reassure them that they are important, safe, and cared for. This has significant impacts on their long-term development and their outlook to the world. If children feel secure and loved in their childhood, they will be able to love and care for others in the future.

Children learn best in different ways, through movement, creating, and imagining. I will join children enthusiastically as they learn. I will positively compliment them on their success and development.

Children benefit from opportunities to explore the world with adults and other children. I will facilitate opportunities for children to play with peers as well as interacting with children myself.

Parents, grandparents, families, and other caregivers are vital in the lives of children. I understand that families are different for each child and I will reflect this respectfully in my conversations. I will develop trusting relationships with families through regular communication.

I want children to know that I empathise with them when they are happy or sad. This is how trusting relationships are built. I want children to feel this is their second home, where they are loved and taken cared of.

I believe each child is the seed of our healthy and bright future. In order to grow the seed successfully, we have to provide a good environment, such as fertile soil, fresh air, enough water, and bright sunshine. It is same for children. All children need a good environment that they can be nurtured in and educated with good sources provided by educators (Steiner). Once the seeds that we sow starts to grow in the good environment, it will produce abundant fruits (Bronfenbrenner). Children also will enjoy the abundant happiness with their harvest produced by a good environment. Based on my experiences with children, I found that children love to play in different settings including nature and various equipment and resource. Therefore, I would like to provide an age-appropriate environment and learning resources to enhance their learning, interests, and talents (Erikson and Piaget).

To create a good setting in early childhood education and learning, I would welcome all children and families with a warm heart (Bowlby) and support their individual needs, interests, talents, and abilities to provide a wonderful experience (EYLF1).

I believe children have the right to be treated with respect, regardless of ethnicity, religion, language, culture, lifestyle, background, and ability (Code of Ethics). As I value the diversity of children and families’ uniqueness, I would bring their diverse experiences, perspectives, expectations, knowledge, and skills to their learning (EYLF 1, 2, 4).

Lastly, I believe positive words have the power to bring bright energy to everyone (Bowlby). I would like to be a role model to children at all times to spread positive energy (EYLF 2). It allows children to develop a positive attitude to learning, to recognize and respect the feelings of others, and to interact positively with them (EYLF Principle 1. Secure, respectful and reciprocal relationships / EYLF 5)

I believe that each child is an individual and as an educator I will value and deveiop each child's strengths, interests, skills, abilities, and knowledge to extend their learning.

I believe that children learn through play. I will provide opportunities for children to explore, discover, create and imagines

I believe in cultural diversity. I will celebrate the benefits of diversity with each individual child and enable them to understand and acknowledge differences.

Children need the assurance of being loved and cared for while they are enjoying an educational environment Teaching children is my passion. Security and trust are very important components as well, of my relationship with each child.

I believe that children need time to themselves to process and learn through their experiences without interruption, to enable them to get the best result out of their activity. I believe that children learn and understand tasks if they are being hands on and participating rather than listening to what is being taught.

Watching children each day growing and learning new experiences is something that makes me want come to work every day and do the best as I can as an Educator to support each and every child as they grow

I chose to work with young children because I want to help and care young children for learning in each stage of their development. I am highly passionate in Child education and care, and I have loving and caring attitude towards children.

I love that I can be a part in helping to shape the minds of young children and I enjoy using my own creativity with children and making them smile. I believe that young children play a crucial part in our world and future.It is so important to me that they receive the correct care and love from the beginning and I believe I can offer this to them.

I also love to watch children grow and thrive, developing their own individual personalities. I believe the role of early childhood educator is to listen, observe the children and document their developmental progress and interests. And we make a right learning plan using the documents for the children.

I believe that each child grows at their own developmental level and comes from a family that has their own beliefs. As a educator, we need to set up a high-quality classroom environment where the child can learn and explore at their own developmental level.

I believe that we should form relationships with children which is comforting. And educators and families need to communicate and work together for the children’s good quality learning and care environment.

As an Early Childhood Educator, I believe that it is not only my passion, but my responsibility to provide each and every child, family and educator who attends this centre with an environment that "feels like home"; an environment that feels safe, welcoming, secure, supportive, respectful, nurturing and accepting, regardless of gender, race or religion.

I believe that each child is an individual and that each child has different needs, strengths and areas that may need a little extra love and support to ensure that your child thrives and excels in all aspects, and I will ensure that provide each and every child, family and educator alike with the love, support and opportunities they need to achieve this.

I believe that play is the essence and foundation of learning, and I believe that providing children with environments that spark their curiosity, interests and which captures their attention is crucial to activating your child's desire to learn and grow daily. I also strongly believe that it takes a village to raise a child and actively encourage family input when it comes to planning activities that spark you child's curiosity, developmental milestones and interests.

I believe that observing each child whilst they play is an excellent tool to use when planning curriculum that nurtures each individual child's development, interests, knowledge and skills. I believe children should be given the opportunity to initiate what they would like to learn about as well as providing children with the necessary tools to extend their knowledge and interests.

I believe that knowledge is power and will continue to educate myself and learn so I can grow with you and your children, and will continue to maintain a positive attitude and endless love and support for each and every child, family and educator within the service.