Overview

Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is based on the following Learning Outcomes which are implemented in Treetops educational planning and programming.

• Children have a strong sense of identity
• Children are connected with and contribute to their world
• Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
• Children are confident and involved learners
• Children are effective communicators

The National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement for early childhood education and care services across Australia.

The NQF consists of 7 Quality Areas –

• Educational Program and Practice
• Children’s Health and Safety
• Physical Environment
• Staffing Arrangements
• Relationships with children
• Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
• Governance and Leadership

The Reggio Emilia approach is an educational philosophy and its pedagogy is described as student (child) centred which uses self-directed , experiential learning in relationship-driven environments (environments such as childcare / ELC) The approach is based on the principles of respect, responsibility and community involvement through exploration and discovery through a self - guided (child driven) curriculum.

The approach believes children form their own personality during the vital early years of development and It was developed after World War II by pedagogist Loris Malaguzzi in Reggio Emilia, Italy, and derives its name from the city.

The Reggio Emilia approach is based upon the following set of principles:

• Children must have some control over the direction of their learning;
• Children must be able to learn through experiences of touching, moving, listening, and observing
• Children have a relationship with other children and with material items in the world that they must be allowed to explore;
• Children must have endless ways and opportunities to express themselves

At Treetops Early Learning Centres

• We believe that each child is a unique individual with their own background, interests and abilities.
• We believe that children learn best when learning is presented in a play format, where educators facilitate play to ensure the best possible outcome for each child, embracing all developmental areas and children’s interests.
• We aim to encourage all children in a safe and non-threatening way to make appropriate choices and participate in decision making and problem solving.
• We aim to provide a high quality, inclusive and developmentally appropriate learn-ing environment, which will extend the interests and abilities of all children while taking into account their physical needs, culture and family background.
• We aim to develop children’s confidence and self-esteem by encouraging them to verbalise their thoughts, feelings and actions in an assertive, non-aggressive manner. The children’s thoughts, feelings and actions will be treated with understanding and respect.
• We will provide an environment that values and welcomes equality and diversity will be encouraged at all times, ensuring that all children, families and educators are welcomed and valued members of the centre’s community.
• We encourage parents to become our partners in working to achieve the best possible learning and developmental outcomes for their children, through sharing of in-formation and participation in the centre programs.
• We will endeavour to reduce our carbon footprint through environmentally sustainable practices.
• We encourage all educators to further their understanding and knowledge of the Early Childhood industry by supporting them to undertake further studies and attend in-services and training provided by the centre.
• We encourage healthy eating patterns by creating healthy eating habits which are ingrained in children in the first five years, we believe that nutritious food has a positive effect on our children’s physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
• Our outdoor environments are designed to be an extension of the indoor learning environments. The Reggio Emilia philosophy views the environment as a third teacher, which provides numerous opportunities to explore, imagine and create.
  

For the children of Treetops Early Learning Centres, we will:

• Provide a flexible play and learning program that will be based on and extend all children’s interests, abilities and learning and development.
• Provide an environment that will meet and extend the needs of all children regardless of the child’s interests, abilities, culture and background.
• Recognise and respect cultural differences and similarities and program accordingly, using the family as a primary source of information.
• Ensure that each child has opportunities to reach their developmental and learning goals before moving onto their next challenge.
• Provide a school readiness program that promotes the skills necessary for the child to enter school.
• Ensure children develop an awareness of the greater community through incursions and visitors to the centre.
• Ensure children develop an awareness of sustainable practices and recycling.

For the parents of Treetops Early Learning Centres, we will:

• Ensure that we provide high quality care and education to all children.
• Ensure that the health, safety and well-being of all children at the centre is at the highest priority at all times.
• Listen to parents’ advice, concerns, and queries and provide appropriate responses.
• Share their child’s day with them through various methods of communication including, conversation with educators and the online platform.
• Ensure the environment is welcoming and encourage their contribution and participation in the pro-gram and daily activities of the centre.

As educators we will:

• Aim to work as a team that recognises each other’s strengths and weaknesses and offers support and encouragement to each individual staff member as well as the team.
• Accept that as well as similarities within a team there are also differences and we will respect these without judgment.
• We will honour and respect the Kaurna lands and their people, giving thanks for sharing the land that we stand on today.
• Aim to offer a high quality care and education program ensuring that all team members have an opportunity to contribute.
• Provide ongoing support for the parents whose children attend the centre.
• Ensure that the environment is always presented in a clean, safe manner that will provide children-with invitations to play in purposeful learning environments.

At Treetops Early Learning Centre we aim to involve our parents in the day to day operation of the center. We invite parents to join in activities that we provide and also offer their own skills and experience, to further enhance the children’s experiences at the centre.

Parents can participate as much or as little as they choose to best suit their child/children and the centre’s needs.