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

• We believe that every child is a distinct individual, bringing their unique background, interests, and talents to the learning environment.
• Our conviction is that children absorb knowledge most effectively when it is presented through play. In this approach, educators become facilitators of play, guiding experiences that yield optimal developmental outcomes. This method embraces all areas of development while resonating with each child's individual interests and curiosities.
• We strive to foster a nurturing atmosphere that empowers all children to make appropriate choices and engage in decision-making and problem-solving, all within a safe and non-threatening environment.
• Our goal is to create a high-quality, inclusive, and age-appropriate learning space that extends the interests and abilities of every child. This is done with careful consideration of their physical needs, cultural backgrounds, and family dynamics.
• We are dedicated to building children’s confidence and self-esteem by encouraging them to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and actions assertively and respectfully. Each child's expressions will be met with understanding and respect, helping them feel valued.
• Our centre is committed to promoting an environment that celebrates equality and diversity, ensuring that all children, families, and educators feel welcomed and treasured as integral members of our community.
• We invite parents to partner with us in striving for the best possible learning and developmental outcomes for their children. We encourage open communication and active participation in our centre's programs, creating a strong and collaborative relationship.
• Committed to sustainability, we are determined to lessen our environmental impact through eco-friendly practices, instilling in our community a sense of responsibility toward the planet.
• We actively promote the professional growth of our educators, encouraging them to deepen their understanding of the Early Childhood industry through continued education and participation in specialised training and workshops provided by the centre.
• We prioritise healthy eating habits by fostering nutritious food choices in early childhood. We believe that instilling these habits in children during their formative years significantly contributes to their physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
• Our outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed as natural extensions of our indoor learning environments. Inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy, we view the environment as a third teacher, rich with endless opportunities for exploration, imagination, and creativity.

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.