Oak Park Children’s Centre strives to create opportunities for children to be puzzled, ponder, explore, be provoked, to see the familiar in new ways and to see the unfamiliar in others. We design and deliver learning and care from a child’s perspective which is tested on our children to maximise success. Our current practise follows the ‘Reggio Emilia approach’ which identifies children’s voices as the centre of our programming to increase their individual and group development and learning. 

We have an increased understanding of the rights of all children and their abilities. We believe that the nutrition and health and safety of the children is priority. We prioritise a high standard of supervision and care at our service. 

Our Educators do not hesitate to explore, nor should they be hesitant in encouraging children to take calculated risks. We value diversity and inclusion in all our practises and protocols and encourage the same in children. Our Educators pride themselves on being able to cater to and celebrate different learning styles within children. We acknowledge the Aboriginal people as the first peoples of Australia, and work towards developing our children’s, educators and families understanding of our shared history. 

We value the active inclusion of all families and communities. We thrive on the input and feedback our community shares, this creates our Centre to be successful and builds relationships between our community. Our Educators promote positive self-esteem and independence through focusing on the process rather than product. 

We aim to be an inclusive Centre that respects all cultural backgrounds and caters for the individual needs of each child in a non-discriminatory manner. Children are at the heart of everything we do for success. We flourish with a sense of community, as we believe it is important to us as we encourage children to nurture all relationships. Our Educators adore children and authentically enjoy being a part of their learning journey. 

The Centre also actively encourages the inclusion of each child with additional needs and requirements and works closely with them and their families to ensure that they receive a program rich in activities and resources as suited to each child’s specific needs. We also seek support from other professionals that are available. In consultation with their families, we will seek support from professionals so that each child has the opportunity to meet their full potential. 

Professionals are encouraged to work in collaborative partnership with families and Educators in developing and implementing children’s individualized programs. Educators are provided with opportunities to expand on their learning through attending regular in services and in house seminars. 

Educators are required to model programming using the Early Years Learning Framework using the practices and the outcomes provided in this document. 

Centre Management will ensure, as per regulations set out by National Law, that the minimum ratio or higher qualified staff to children is maintained at all times. Management, in conjunction with staff, children and families, will also endeavour to maintain a Quality Improvement Plan for the purposes of achieving High Quality standards set out in the National Quality Standards. This philosophy will be reviewed on an annual basis in consultation with all staff and families at the Centre.