Philosophy & Guidelines

The program developed at Horsley Kids is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy of “Early Childhood Learning.” We believe Play is essential for children to learn. The best learning experiences for children happen when children choose what they want to do. This is called “self– directed play”.

Through meaningful outcomes based activities, open ended questioning and discussions each child is encouraged to learn developing their own natural curiosity. Children will develop the skills to become self-confident, self-motivated and self-disciplined. Children will have the opportunity to grow at their own pace and develop a respect for others in a non-sexist environment.

Each classroom’s main goal is to enhance and engage in high level thinking. Through exposure to a variety of media and expressive materials children are free to choose, explore, observe, create and learn in a literacy rich environment.

At Horsley Kids we believe in each child capacity to succeed and aim to provide inclusive programs to ensure positive outcomes for all children.

Since learning comes through activities that children enjoy, a positive attitude toward school will be established as a basis for future education.

At Horsley Kids parents play an active role in their children’s development and learning. The wealth of ideas and skills that parents bring to the Centre and even more importantly, the exchange of ideas between parents and teachers, favours the development of a new way to educate children in our care. Educators will develop and maintain open communicative relationships with the families of the service, and at all times with remain professional.

We believe in high quality care and education for all children. We will reflect and incorporate the needs of our families, staff and the community in order to create a supportive and nurturing environment for all who utilise our service.

We recognise our educators are the most important factor in providing a high quality standard of education and care for each child. Educators are encouraged to continually seek ways to build on their professional knowledge and practice through professional enquiry, reflective practices and professional development.

At Horsley Kids we provide an exemplary model of Early Childhood Education.
CENTRE GOALS:

• Educators will always interact with children in a positive, friendly and nurturing environment.
• We provide a curriculum that encourages curiosity, imagination and investigation.
• Through implementation of the Emergent Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework we build on children’s interests and knowledge as individuals within the group and wider community.
• The program fosters personal and social development, gross motor and physical development, cognitive and memory skills, fine motor and coordination skills, creative and imaginative skills, language and intellectual development.
• We provide a stimulating environment that encourages self directed and free activities, involvement and discovery.
• A multicultural and anti–bias curriculum is included in the program in which all children are treated as equals regardless of gender, race and abilities.
• Educators carefully listen, observe and document children’s work in their classroom.
• Educators work together as a positive supportive and collaborative team.

“Each child is unique and the protagonist of his or her own growth. Children desire to acquire knowledge, have much capacity for curiosity and amazement, and yearn to create relationships with others and communicate.”
Malaguzzi 1996