Values & Philosophy
At Elwood Children’s Centre our values are at the heart of everything we do. Our ties with the local community and environment create a sense of belonging in the children’s home away from home.
'‘ A community driven environment with a commitment to play-based learning, where connections and individuals are cherished”
Children
• Capable decision-making citizens of our community
• Diverse personalities that require a meet you where you are at approach to their learning journey.
•“Play with all my friends” – Aspen, Warreeny Program (child feedback)
• Children are given opportunities to lead and advocate for their own learning as they interact with their social and physical environments.
• Friends and belonging (family feedback)
Learning and development
• We plan and implement a wide range of activities for diverse learners.
• We facilitate the development of dispositions and a spirit of inquiry-based learning.
• Walk on Country - We experience learning environments with a wide lens.
• “Introducing children to all aspects of inclusion” – (family feedback)
• “I like reading books at kinder” – Pippa, Warreeny Program (child feedback)
• “It’s Childrens first start in education for life” – (family feedback)
• “Outside” – Arlo and Ted, Fairy Penguin Program (child feedback)
• Intentional teaching that extends childrens learning in play-based experiences.
eDUCATORS
• Create warm and trusting relationships with children and families
• “I like when you [educator] look after me” – Rosie, Warreeny Program (child feedback)
• “I bought you an apple because I love you” – Charlie, Walert Program (child feedback)
• Educators display empathy, kindness and a genuine interest in childrens development and wellbeing.
• “The educators [at ECC] make children feel they belong and accepted. Every part of them, even the hard bits” - (family feedback)
• “Someone who can talk to us about difficult things” – (family feedback)
• Progressive learning and development for educators. High value is placed on professional growth, with ECC providing two staff training days per year.
• Staff wellbeing is a top priority.
• Purposeful and intentional with our interactions with children.
FAMILIES
• We value families as co-educators and the first and most important teachers for their children
• Community and love - A fulfilling environment where children are supported and loved (family feedback)
• Colourful. Our families and staff represent the true diversity of our society.
• “ECC is a safe place for my family – it’s our second home!” (Family feedback)
• Relationships and connectedness form the foundation of this community.
• ECC fosters relationships between families and extended families are welcomed and included.
connections
• City of Port Phillip Council – Providing support, governance, and access to local resources creating a sense of togetherness. The foundations of the centres relationships with families are a result of the CoPP waitlist.
• We connect to country through community walks, excursions, being purposeful in how and why we venture beyond the gate.
• Connected relationships between families, children, and staff are established and strengthened when community members share in fundraisers, events and celebrations together.
• Professional connections are created when staff engage in relevant training, maintain relationships with local networks, local centres and industry bodies.
• In a broader sense, we value a connectedness to the future and the earth. We pride ourselves on our embedded sustainable practices. By role modelling environmental sensitivity, we aim to instil important values to the next generation.