OUR PHILOSOPHY & GOALS

At Rocket Learning Child Care and Pre-school we aim to provide a safe, secure, inviting and trusting environment for all our children and families. We recognise that a child’s early years are some of the most important in regards to their learning and development. We believe that early childhood education should provide the foundations for future learning experiences therefore emphasising the importance for excellence and high quality care.

We aim to support the childrens learning in preparation for school. We base our activities and experiences on our knowledge of the children s interests, as well as setting up structured learning activities to support a specific skill. We look at achieving set objectives that will make their transition to school a smooth process. We do this through inspiring children s minds during everyday events, providing science, mathematical and language experiences, nurturing their talents and encouraging their self esteem and independence.

We value children as active learners who are constantly involved in exploring and experimenting within their environment. We believe that children learn most effectively when they are given responsibility and freedom of choice. We aim to provide a program that encourages and facilitates discovery and personal development through fun and play. We focus on a child centred program and plan experiences that reflect the children s interests, needs, strengths, backgrounds and growing development.

We recognise that children are unique individuals coming from diverse families and backgrounds within the community. We aim to provide an inclusive and anti-bias program that reflects values and encourages acceptance and respect for all staff, children and their families regardless of their gender, cultural background, age, religion, ability, family structure etc. Our program provides for small group interaction, so personal attention and individual development is ensured.

We provide a wide range of opportunities and experiences for the children including special events, incursions, and information sessions run by our local community helpers eg fire brigade, police and wildlife rangers. The inclusion of children with additional needs is of the utmost importance. We believe it is important to identify children with additional needs and provide them with support to help them achieve their best. We will use other recommended agencies to ensure the best possible support for the child and their family. It is our belief that experiences should not be based on assumptions about what children cannot do, but on what they can do and enjoy.

We aim to provide a safe and secure environment that facilitates the development of children s self-esteem and confidence, which in turn allows them to feel good about themselves and learn through intrinsic motivation.

All staff will welcome and encourage family and community involvement and acknowledge the vital role these people play in helping achieve excellence in early childhood education. We aim to have families contribute to the whole running of our centre including the program, policy development and organising and participating in centre events.

We look forward to our many rewarding associations and friendships in the local community and in showing you our excellent learning systems. We believe in professional development and will always research and consider innovative ideas which can further enhance our centres objectives whilst keeping in line with existing protocols in early childhood education.

All staff will be provided with opportunities to attend staff development sessions and will inform other staff members of their new knowledge and ideas. All staff will be trained or training in early childcare education and will be encouraged to share their skills and experience.

* References: Dockett & Fleer 1999, Arthur et al, 1997, Crowl, Kaminsky & Podell 1997, Foreman, & Quality Practices Guide 2006.