Our Philosphy
Mission Statement
Beresfield Community Children’s Education Centre is committed to providing high quality, accessible early education and care which reflects the needs, interests and values of the children and families within our local community. We provide an inclusive space which respects and nurtures the uniqueness and potential of each child. We actively promote the early years as a time of discovery, exploration and the development of skills which will be drawn upon in all life stages. We use our knowledge and values to provide a safe, educational environment which inspires and empowers future change makers.
Our Beliefs about Childhood
We believe that children are confident, competent and resourceful learners who have the ability to actively contribute to their own education.
We recognise that childhood is a time for exploration, discovery, imagination and investigation through a play-based curriculum. As a result, we provide programs and learning experiences that are holistic, rich in opportunity, and provide fun. We encourage children to take risks, make choices and challenge themselves, which in turn will enhance learning and promotes an awareness and understanding of limitations.
We pride ourselves on establishing relationships which support children to:
- Develop and maintain a strong sense of identity
- Be connected to and able to contribute to the world around them
- Develop a strong sense of wellbeing
- Be confident and actively involved in their own learning journey
- Communicate effectively
Our Beliefs about the Learning Environment
We promote the idea that children and adults thrive in environments which are safe, secure and provide a sense of belonging. We aim to provide an environment which extends, compliments and connect home and family values.
We believe that the environment acts as a third educator. The first educator being families, parents and carers, and the second being us as educators. We endeavour to provide both indoor and outdoor play spaces which are intentional, natural, inviting, inclusive, and rich in possibilities. Our environments are designed to reflect the children’s interests and are spaces where we promote autonomy, initiative and respect for the ideas and input of all.
Our Beliefs about Sustainability
We believe strongly in educating the next generation about their role in caring for the environment. We aim to instil sustainable practice into our curriculum by providing opportunities for children to learn about the complexity of sustainability through everyday activities.
Our Beliefs about Community Involvement and Collaboration
We believe that families are the most powerful and influential teachers in children’s lives. We strive to develop meaningful and positive relationships with families as a means of providing the best learning outcomes for children. Through open communication, collaboration, and participation, our families and educators are able to work together to enhance the experience of early education.
Our service recognises the vast diversity amongst our families and educators. We aim to bring to life these differences through providing a program which recognises beliefs and values while enhancing our understanding of culture. We strive to incorporate Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Peoples' perspectives and are respectful of the Wonnarua land on which we educate. We believe that through valuing and sharing our cultures, knowledge, strengths and differences, we will be able to deliver experiences which are diverse and inclusive.
As a community based not-for-profit service we value the integral role the community plays in supporting the wellbeing of children and families. We actively engage our children in experiences and opportunities which encourage them to connect with their local community and develop a sense of belonging.
Our Beliefs about Wellbeing
We acknowledge and value of the importance of health and wellbeing and how this contributes to the experience of learning. Our programs and routines encompass these values through the promotion of a healthy, active lifestyle. Our service embeds the child safe standards in all aspects of the curriculum and have children's wellbeing at the forefront of all decisions made.
Our Role as Educators in Early Childhood
We believe strongly in the role we each play in the lives of the children we care for. We are passionate, dedicated individuals who promote life long learning. Our team is made up of highly experienced and qualified educators who are committed to self reflection, professional development and continual improvement.
We view our selves as advocates for early education and advocates for rights of the individual child. Through teamwork, research, innovation and dedication we are able to promote the importance of early childhood education and foster the role it plays in learning for life.