Welcome to Nar Nar Goon Kindergarten
Our Philosophy
Nar Nar Goon Kindergarten offers a varied, innovative education program within a friendly, secure environment. Using a play based program we promote each child’s individual development and self esteem, promote social and communication skills and encourage the children’s natural curiosity and their desire to learn.
We acknowledge the People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we play and learn.
We believe that each and every child is capable and resourceful and able to contribute to his or her own learning.
We believe that every child is deserving of high quality education and care in a safe and supportive environment. We understand staff play a critical role in protecting children from harm and commit to take every reasonable precaution to protect children from harm and any hazard likely to cause injury.
We believe in the value of parents as partners in the education of their children and we seek ways in which we can connect with parents and the diverse community of which we are a part.
We work within the National & State Early Years Learning & Development Frameworks, Standards Regulations and Early Childhood Code of Ethics.
What Do We Believe In?
WWe believe in providing a stimulating and inspirational program that fosters curiosity, creativity and a love of learning.
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, the input of Parents and Carers and our understanding of Early Childhood development and reflect 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 understand that Children learn mathematical and literacy concepts through meaningful play.
We favor the use of unstructured play materials such as clay, paint, mud, water, sand, blocks and many loose parts 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 encourage children to express themselves creatively in a variety of ways, including the use of open ended and natural materials.
We value the outdoor environment and promote knowledge about, care and respect for the natural environment. We 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, vegetable gardening, waste minimization and positive regard and sense of responsibility for all living things.
Every child is special and valued and through play we aim to provide 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 aim to empower children with the skills, attitudes and knowledge that will help them to develop mutually respectful and rewarding relationships with people who are similar to and different from themselves We aim to support and nurture each child’s sense of ‘Being, Belonging & Becoming’.
We acknowledge that healthy children learn better. Therefore, we value and promote positive health and wellbeing practices and learning throughout our curriculum. Covering the areas of: Mental health & wellbeing, Tobacco Control, Healthy Eating & Oral Health, Safe Environments, Sun protection and Physical Activity.
We believe in the importance of establishing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with families and communities.We value parents’ contributions to our programs through input into the curriculum, program, childrens learning and portfolios, stay and play rosters, hands on assistance during sessions, involvement in the Parent Advisory Group and in any other 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 and that all children are provided with the support and assistance needed to have meaningful inclusion within the program.
PROGRAM
- That programs reflect the outcomes of the National Early Years Learning Framework.
- That programs are carefully planned to meet the developmental needs of all children
- That planning is based on observations of children both individually and as part of a group learning community
- 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 modeled
- That unstructured play and sensory 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
- That programs support children’s mental and physical health and wellbeing.
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.
- That staff offer programs that reflect the practices, principles & the outcomes of the National Early Years Learning Framework.
- That staff work together to strive for continuous improvement of the service, its programs & practices by working closely with the standards & elements within the National Quality Standard and working cooperatively and collaboratively on our Quality Improvement Plan.
ENVIRONMENT
- That the environment reflects the child’s need 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 & COMMUNITY
- 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, and the daily life of the kindergarten.
- The centre strives to strengthen and maintain links with relevant community and support agencies, such as Maternal Health, St James & NNG Primary Schools, CFA, Bingo-Recreation Reserve, Goon News and St James Playgroup.
