At Homegarth, we run 3 and 4 year old Kindergarten programs. We provide a safe, inviting and supportive learning environment for children. Our play-based learning programs are responsive to each child, are meaningful, and build on their interests, cultures, strengths and knowledge.
We provide a range of open-ended, play-based experiences where children are encouraged to create, explore, discover, imagine, problem-solve, and develop a sense of wonder. Our experienced Educators support children to connect with the natural environment as well as promoting awareness of environmental and sustainable practices.
We encourage children to play, observe, interact and respect the natural environment, incorporating sustainable practices. We also teach and model reusing and recycling in our activities.
Our DIVERSE CURRICULUM
We are proud to provide a multicultural curriculum and celebrate a variety of cultural events and holidays throughout the year. Our curriculum supports social, emotional, cognitive, physical and creative learning.
SAFETY Outside IN THE SUN
At Homegarth Community Kindergarten, we are very conscious of keeping our staff and children safe in the sun; therefore we are official participants in the SunSmart program.
Reconciliation Action Plan
We recognise the importance of Aboriginal culture in our teaching and learning, and commit to ongoing development through our Reconciliation Action Plan
The Achievement Program
The Achievement Program is a framework used by many Kindergartens and Childcare Centres. Based on the World Health Organisation model for health, the program supports “every Victorian to be healthy, well and participate”. The program involves achieving six badges and is delivered by Cancer Council Victoria, supported by the Victorian Government. We have already achieved the Tobacco & alcohol and Sun Protection badges and are working towards the others.
Climate and Health pathway
The Achievement Program’s new Climate and Health pathway helps Kindergarten’s strengthen their environmental sustainability activities. Homegarth Community Kindergarten has achieved this new benchmark and is excited to use the new Climate and Health pathway to improve health and wellbeing through sustainability.
Be You
At Homegarth we want to be able to support children and families to achieve their best possible mental health. We are committed to ongoing learning through the “Be You” program, an initiative of the Australian Government and Beyond Blue
Begin the adventure at Homegarth Community Kindergarten!
We acknowledge the Aboriginal people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we work learn and play, and commit to continuing to care for the land, and its people, plants and animals.
We aim to provide an environment where children can BE themselves; where they can feel a sense of BELONGING to a group and community; and where they can develop the confidence to BECOME whoever they want to be.
Our educational program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) the Victorian Early Years Learning and Developmental Framework (VEYLDF) and the National Quality Framework (NQF).
Outcomes from the National and Victorian Frameworks include:
Children have a strong sense of Identity (IDENTITY)
Children are connected with and contribute to their world (COMMUNITY)
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing (WELLBEING)
Children are confident and involved learners (LEARNING)
Children are effective communicators (COMMUNICATION)
Our Vision
At Homegarth, we strive to provide a safe and inviting learning environment for each individual child. We believe in developing children’s well-being, self-esteem and confidence, and will support them to be adventurous and eager to learn together.
We encourage Respect – for ourselves, for others and for the environment.
We recognise that each child brings their own set of skills and knowledge to kindergarten, and we aim to build on these skills and knowledge through an interest-based learning program.
Children learn through play, and we will use intentional teaching to scaffold and extend children’s learning in a play-based program. We will intentionally teach concepts and topics through a combination of adult led and child led activities.
We hold high expectations for all children to ensure that they become the best they can be with the support of their peers, the educators and their families.
Families are children’s first educators. We believe staff and families should share ideas and understandings, learn from each other, and build a strong connection with the kinder and the wider community.
As educators, we strive to improve our practice through regular critical reflection, to improve the outcome of all children.