Philosophy

Being, Belonging, Becoming

Isabel Henderson Kindergarten is a children’s centre which provides a range of carefully planned play based programs to meet the developmental needs of children in the three to five age group. Special emphasis is given to children who are in the year before school commencement, recognising that we believe kindergarten is a preparation for life.

We believe that play is crucial to the development of children. It is the way they explore, discover and learn about their world, each other and themselves. Our programs are based on our observations of the children and our understanding of Early Childhood principles and reflecting the National Early Years Learning Framework.

Learning through play allows children to explore experience, communicate, observe, reflect, create, collaborate, cooperate, problem-solve and imagine. Our programs are designed to facilitate these processes. Children are encouraged to exercise independence and choice and to initiate play ideas, to focus their attention and to achieve intrinsic satisfaction.

We favour the use of unstructured play materials such as clay, paint, mud, water, sand and blocks for children to develop a positive attitude towards learning and exploring. We place emphasis on the process of creativity and not on the end product.

We value the outdoor environment and believe that children benefit from experiencing the seasonal changes, the opportunities for physical development and the opportunity to play in a garden. We believe in encouraging the children to learn about environmental and conservation issues; emphasis is placed on the use of natural and recycled materials, wise water usage, power saving, recycling, worm farming, composting, vegetable gardening, waste minimization and positive regard and sense of responsibility for all living things

Through play we aim to provide the opportunity for children to experience a wide range of situations and gain skills to help develop self -confidence. Within our learning environment, children can develop a sense of community and group identity.

We value good health and well being and promote the ‘Kids Go for Your Life’ and ‘Sun Smart’ programs.

We value parents’ contributions to our programs through rosters, communication and the Committee and in any way they feel comfortable.

Broad Goals

CHILDREN:

That positive self esteem and sense of identity is developed through an environment which encourages and develops confidence, resilience, independence, creativity and curiosity, communication skills and the expression of feelings in socially acceptable and appropriate ways
That diversity be respected and celebrated

PROGRAM:

That programs reflect the outcomes of the National Early Years Learning Framework.
That programs are carefully planned to meet the developmental needs of children.
That planning is based on observations of individual children
That experiences are child–centered, based on the child’s needs and interests.
That programs recognize the value of play in the learning process.
That the program offers children a wide range of opportunities in the creative arts.
That children are encouraged to explore, experiment and solve problems creatively with appropriate techniques and skills modelled.
That unstructured play materials such as clay, paint, water, mud, sand, blocks and a wide variety of creative and recycled materials are provided.
That the creative process is more important than the end product.
That children feel they are valued members of a group.

STAFF:

That the adults are encouraging and supporting, directly teaching, positively guiding and facilitating in play and social interactions.
That effective communication be developed within the kindergarten community and beyond.
That staff are respectful and caring of each other, the children and the kindergarten community.

ENVIRONMENT:

That the environment reflects the child’s needs for space, time, choice, challenges, materials and increased independence.
That the indoor and outdoor environment are equally important and that the outdoor environment is accessed in all weather.
That a respect for the environment be fostered and encouraged through recycling, using natural materials and collected objects.

PARENTS:

Parents’ views are supported and valued and, where possible, taken into consideration.
Parents are encouraged to contribute to the enhancement of the program, the Committee, rosters, the fundraising event and the Accreditation process.