Family Welcome

Guide

A place for children to learn and grow

www.sturtstreetearlylearning.com.au

Sturt Street Early Learning is a privately owned and operated service.We are committed to providing children with a safe and caring environment where they are encouraged to become the best that they can be. We believe that quality early childhood education is often underestimated and we are confident that we can make a difference to the lives of our children and families.

Our architecturally designed learning spaces provide opportunities for creativity and exploration in both the indoor and outdoor environments.

Through our high-quality learning programs, children get the right start and a lifelong love of learning is instilled.

We place a strong focus on creating and maintaining positive partnerships with our families. Our approach to the community and relationships with our families is evident in our commitment to being available, approachable and dedicated.

We would like to welcome you to Sturt Street Early Learning and we look forward to meeting you soon. This guide provides a brief overview of our service and some of the services we offer.

W E L C O M E !

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At Sturt Street Early Learning we believe it is every child’s right to grow and develop to the best of their individual ability in a safe and secure environment. We are responsive to each child’s individual needs and encourage each child to develop into happy and confident learners.

We believe that all children deserve the opportunity to feel safe and accepted within an environment where respect among children and adults is clearly evident.

Sturt Street Early Learning is committed to becoming the leader in Early Childhood Care and Education. Our holistic and flexible educational programs focus on children’s individual strengths, interests and learning through play.

We believe that there is an enormous amount of learning potential through the exploration of the outdoor environment and the natural environment is embedded throughout our educational programs.

We are dedicated to promoting sustainability and embedding sustainable living in all daily routines and practices. We are educating the children to gain an awareness of their impact on the environment and ways we can all minimise it.

Our Vision

Sturt Street Early Learning is committed to becoming the leader in Early Childhood Care and Education

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What is included?At Sturt Street Early Learning we supply all meals including breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack. We also offer water and milk regularly throughout the day. We have a full time cook with a Food Safety Supervisor qualification who plans and prepares all children’s meals.

We supply all nappies, wipes, and children’s individual bedding.

We offer regular incursions based on the educational programs and interests. As well as regular events at the centre at no extra cost to families.

Upon enrolment your child will receive a welcome pack including a bag, hat and drink bottle.

Nursery 13 months to 12 months

(12 places)

Senior Toddler

2 years to 3 years

(16 places)

Nursery 212 months to 2 years(12 places)

Kinder3 years to

4 years(22 places)

Junior Toddler2 years

to 3 years(16 places)

Preschool4 years to

5 years(22 places)

Centre Facilities and Operations

The centre is open from 6:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday

We are open 52 weeks per year!(the centre will be closed on all Public Holidays)

Our Hours of Operation:

Our Rooms & Age Groups:

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Our MenusSturt Street Early Learning recognises the importance of healthy eating for the growth, development and wellbeing of young children and is committed to promoting and supporting healthy food and drink choices for children in our care. Most children have formed lifelong eating patterns by school age and the early years are a time when food habits are being developed.

We provide a rotating seasonal menu that has been developed in consultation with current dietary guidelines for children 0 – 5 years. All meals are prepared onsite by our qualified cook. The menu is varied and considers special dietary needs. Water is also available freely throughout the day.

The current weekly menu will be on display at the centre. We welcome all family feedback and you will have the opportunity to review the menu throughout the year.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Breakfast Choose from: Wholegrain cereals, porridge and wholemeal toast with healthy toppings, served with milk and water

Morning TeaFresh fruit platter

Yoghurt with canned peaches in natural juice

Rainbow platter (seasonal fruit and vegetables)

Fresh fruit platter

Cheese cubesRainbow platter (seasonal fruit and vegetables)

Milk and water Milk and water Milk and water Milk and water Milk and water

LunchWholemeal Pasta bolognaise

Tuna and broccoli frittata with green salad and wholemeal bread

Chilli con carne and brown rice

Baked chicken and vegetable risotto

Pumpkin soup served with a platter of multigrain sandwiches

Water Water Water Water Water

Afternoon Tea Platter of wholemeal sandwich triangles

Fresh apple slices and Pumpkin scones

Yoghurt and fruit muesli

Tzatziki and hummus dip, wholemeal pita bread, vegetable sticks

Banana Bread

Milk and water Milk and water Milk and water Milk and water Milk and water

Late Snack Choose from: wholemeal crackers and cheese, veggie sticks and hummus dip served with water

Please note this is a sample only and menus are subject to change

WINTER MENU SAMPLE

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Our Educational ProgramOur Educational Program reflects our Centre Philosophy as well as our beliefs regarding children’s learning and development.

A play-based curriculum focuses on children’s individual interests rather than a structured, formal, pre-empted program and concentrates on the child’s interactions with others as well as group interests, strengths, abilities and community events.

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is the national curriculum document for children aged birth to five years. This framework is used by Educators, in conjunction with families to create learning programs for children both individually and in small groups.

Belonging is central to being and becoming in that it shapes who children are and who they can become. Children belong first to a family, a cultural group, a neighbourhood and a wider community. Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities.

Being recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives. It is about the present and them knowing themselves, building and maintaining relationships with others, engaging with life’s joys and complexities, and meeting challenges in everyday life. The early childhood years are not solely preparation for the future but also about the present.

Becoming reflects the process of rapid and significant change that occurs in the early years as young children learn and grow. It emphasises learning to participate fully and actively in society. Children’s identities, knowledge, understandings, capacities, skills and relationships change during childhood. They are shaped by many different events and circumstances.

Through the implementation of our educational programs and assessment of the children’s learning, we will focus on the EYLF learning outcomes set out below:

1. Children have a strong sense of identity

2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world

3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

4. Children are confident and involved learners

5. Children are effective communicators

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SustainabilitySturt Street Early Learning is committed to embedding Sustainable practices throughout our educational programs and everyday practices at the centre, rather than a topic or theme to consider for a short time.

As outlined in our sustainability policy our educators will model sustainable practices by embedding sustainability into all aspects of the daily running of our service operations. We will also encourage children and families to continue these practices at home, as sustainability:

l recycling materials for curriculum and learning activities

l minimising waste and effectively using service resources

l turning off equipment and lights when not in use

l using the least hazardous cleaning substance appropriate

for the situation, for example,

l ordinary detergent for cleaning dirt from tables

and other surfaces.

l composting

l maintaining a worm farm

l maintaining a vegetable/herb garden

l incorporating water wise strategies such

as ensuring taps are turned off, leaks fixed,

using the half flush on the toilets

l using food that we have grown for cooking experiences

Our educators will facilitate collaborative partnerships with local community groups, government agencies and private companies to enhance and support children’s learning about sustainable practices. We will share brochures and fact sheets on sustainable practices like recycling, saving water and power and green cleaning with our children and their families.

We will encourage families to participate in decision making and information sharing about environmental sustainability through:

l newsletters l parent input forms

l wall displays l meetings

l policy reviews l sharing skills and tips from home

Alone we can do so little ... But together we can do so much!

The CommunitySturt Street Early Learning strongly believes that if we want children to learn about the value of community and connections with others, then we need to consider the example we set and the opportunities that we provide for this learning to take place.

Our goal is to develop authentic connections for the children with the community. Through excursions, participating in and contributing to community events, inviting community members and organisations into our service.

Throughout the year the children may visit places in the local community as part of our educational programs. Including (but not limited to):

l Schools l Parks and reserves

l Post Office l Bakery

l Library l Supermarket

l Nursing Home

We recognise that early education services are often the first connection to the wider community for many people.

Our aim is to be a beneficial resource for our families. By providing a connection to other organisations and services in the local community.

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Early Childhood Teachers & EducatorsWe are committed to attracting and retaining highly dedicated and qualified Early Childhood Teachers and Educators. We acknowledge that the Educators are the heart and soul of our centre and building strong, long lasting partnerships between families and educators is fundamental to our centre.

We have an Early Childhood Trained Teacher in our Preschool Room as well as qualified Lead and Assistant Educators throughout each of our other age groups. We also provide opportunities for fresh new faces to the industry through traineeships.

When recruiting Teachers and Educators at Sturt Street Early Learning, we look for the following qualities and traits:

We believe in the importance of creating a healthy work / life balance and we invest greatly in our Teachers and Educators. This is demonstrated through spontaneous incentives and rewards, inspiring training and professional development opportunities as well as some amazing social events.

Passionate Professional Caring

Approachable Respectful Honest

Their earliest development and learning takes place through these relationships, particularly within families, who are children’s first and most influential educators. As children participate in everyday life, they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings of the world (EYLF, 2009).

At Sturt Street Early Learning we place a strong focus on bringing children’s home life together with our learning environments to create a meaningful partnership with children and families. We incorporate the child’s learning and development at home into their Portfolio at the centre. Through these partnerships, we aim to support parents and families with the everyday challenges of being a parent and family life.

Sturt Street Early Learning encourages a team approach to children’s individual development and passionately believes that parents and families are extremely valuable in the education of their children. Genuine, positive relationships with children, families and each other are essential if we want to achieve positive outcomes

Educator practices and the relationships they form with children and families have a significant effect on children’s involvement and success in learning. Children will thrive when families and educators work together in partnership to support young children’s learning.

Family Partnerships

From before birth children are connected to family, community, culture and place.

Families are‘children’s first and most influential educators’

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Starting Child CareStarting early childhood education and care can be an emotional experience for both families and children. It is normal to worry about how your child will cope without you and feel sad about leaving your child. We are here to support you and your family. Children often experience some difficulty settling into a new environment, especially if they already find it hard to separate from family or familiar caregivers. Some children may take some time to adjust and it’s only natural if they are upset.

We highly recommend attending at least one orientation visit. This should take place before your child starts and gives your child a chance to explore their new environment. The visit provides time for families, children and our educators to get to know each other. What are your child’s needs, interests, culture and routines?

How you feel and speak about your child starting care can unintentionally influence how your child feels as well.

Having a positive attitude when talking about the new centre environment, friends, educators and activities will help your child feel positive about the experience too.

Try to talk at home about child care. It helps to mention the names of the educators and other children.

Talk about the things the child will be able to do at child care that are fun and enjoyable.

It may take a few weeks or even months before your child is settled and happily says goodbye in the mornings. Rest assured this is a completely normal part of transitioning to childcare.

Remember all children are different and can take different lengths of time to adjust.

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Our Preschool Program Our Preschool Program focuses on preparing children for the next step in their learning journey as they move into Primary School. This program aims to recognise each child as an individual learner and to promote their sense of agency.We believe that supporting children’s school readiness is about assisting them to develop their skills in areas such as literacy, numeracy and self-care when they are ready for this, and at their own pace. Children’s social competence is at the core of their readiness for school and effective school transitions. Social skills such as sharing, turn taking and playing well with other children are essential in assisting children’s short and long term success at school.

Responsive, positive relationships between children and Educators are also crucial in building children’s self-esteem and resilience which further assist them to make effective transitions from early childhood settings to school environments.

Curriculum Focusl Building Confidence

l Communication Skills

l Independence and Responsibility

l Life Skills

l Literacy and Numeracy

l Building Relationships

l Cooperative Play, Sharing, Turn Taking

l Social Skills

l Creativity and Expression

l Resilience

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Contact Information1853-1857 Sturt Street, Alfredton VIC 3550

Phone: 1300 967 015 | Email: enquiries@sturtstreetearlylearning.com.au

www.sturtstreetearlylearning.com.au

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