Our Philosophy

At EBKCC we believe that children should be encouraged and supported to become motivated learners by providing opportunities in unstructured play.  Children select experiences they wish to engage in.  There is an emphasis on informal and indirect teaching.  Children's interests are encouraged and explored to motivate them in their play.  Children are encouraged to be curious, to question and experiment and to explore their individual creativity and potential.

Our programs are guided by both the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the National Quality Framework.  These frameworks embrace an integrated approach to learning and teaching ensuring that play is used to facilitate children's learning across all domains of development.

We also acknowledge that children belong first to their family, whatever structure this takes, and recognise that this is the child's most significant relationship.  We highly value the link between a family, an Early Learning Environment, the wider community and school. We work in partnership with all these groups to provide the best start for each child.

In relation to educators, at EBKCC we expect and enable educators to keep up with current ideas and philosophies and educational practice to strive to create a centre of excellence.  We encourage the seeking of knowledge, and aim to create an environment of trust and respect with emphasis on open communication.

In relation to the environment, at EBKCC we recognise that both indoor and outdoor environments play a vital role in supporting learning and promoting physical wellbeing, and strongly encourage the active use of our extensive outdoor space.  We encourage the promotion and use of natural and recycled materials, support a workplace that is environmentally aware, and promote sustainable practices, minimising waste and recycling.

EBKCC is committed to safety and wellbeing of all children.  We believe every child should have the right to feel safe, happy, empowered and supported.  We support and respect all children, Educators and the EBK community.  EBKCC has zero tolerance for child abuse.  EBKCC is committed to providing a child safe environment where children and young people are safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives.  Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.

Every person involved in the care and education of children at EBKCC has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.

EBKCC will;

1. Take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety;

2. Value and empower children to participate in decisions which affect their lives;

3. Foster a culture of openness that supports all persons to safely disclose risks of harm to children

4. Respect diversity in cultures and child rearing practices while keeping child safety paramount;

5. Provide written guidance on appropriate conduct and behaviour towards children;

6. Engage only the most suitable people to work with children and have high quality staff and volunteer supervision and professional development;

7. Ensure children know who to talk with if they are worried or are feeling unsafe, and that they are comfortable and encouraged to raise such issues;

8. Report suspected abuse, neglect or mistreatment promptly to the appropriate authorities;

9. Share information appropriately and lawfully with other organisations where the safety and wellbeing of children is at risk; and

10. Value the input of and communicate regularly with families and carers.