About Us – Learn N’ Play Family Day Care Centre

Learn n’ Play Family Day Care is committed to ensuring that your children receive the best possible care in a safe, nurturing environment. Our educators provide children with personalised education and care in safe, home environments – a positive alternative to the traditional centre-based care.

OUR PHILOSOPHY

In relation to Children, we believe:

The best interests of the child are the paramount concern of Learn n’ Play. We provide care that protects our children from harm whilst respecting their dignity, individual needs and privacy
That all children have the right to experience a caring loving environment with the potential to learn and develop according to their own needs. We incorporate current understanding of the importance of Belonging, Being and Becoming and the value of play.
Our programs are designed to reflect approved frameworks, quality practice in the care, education and recreation of children at high standards and expectations for all educators when delivering the services
That all children have their own personality and are unique in every special way. Children should be allowed to just “be”
That all children are successful, competent and capable learners
That the rights of child are essential. The children have rights to express their opinions and have their views considered in any decisions that may affect them. To have their individual and cultural identity recognised and respected, to be an active member of the community.
That Daily activities provide opportunities to stimulate learning, increase socialisation, promote physical growth and maintain emotional stability
That they construct their knowledge, meanings and understanding through their interactions, relationships and experiences. They are able to form opinions, express their ideas, collaborate with others, plan and persist in learning.
That each child should be cared and educated with Equity, inclusion and diversity. Programs for the care, education and recreation of children have a unique opportunity to include children from all family circumstances, cultural backgrounds and levels of ability. In particular, a commitment to the full participation of children with additional needs and their families involves enabling their initial access as well as supporting their day-to-day participation in the program. All children and their families have their right to equitable access and participation in the community.
That we Consider Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. We recognise and respect the strengths and contribution each individual and group make to the Australian community and challenges prejudice, create positive relationships and responds in a sensitive manner to the particular needs of each child and their family. This approach values Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as a core part of the nation’s history, present and future. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land where we work, live, study and grow Turrbal and Yuggera people.

In relation to Families, we believe:

That Families’ roles and opinions are respected and supported.
Parents and families are recognised as the child’s primary nurturers and role models.
They have the right and responsibility to be involved in decision that affects their children.
We promote honest and open communication with our families, respecting their rights and opinions
We encourage families of children to be involved in service educational programs and activities tailored to the needs of the children

In relation to Coordination Unit staff, Educators and Co-ordinators, we believe:

That Learn n’ Play FDC staff’s first priority and mission is: providing safe, healthy and learning environment to each child, regardless of their age, cultural background and individual needs. We follow principles and practices of National Quality Standard and aim to constant ongoing improvement towards best practices.
Our programs are designed to reflect approved frameworks, quality practice in the care, education and recreation of children at high standards and expectations for all educators when delivering the services. Our programs are based on the principles and practices of Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Framework for School Age Care (MTOP).
That educators’ knowledge of children is very important in providing safe environment, quality care and child’s mental and physical development. We ensure that the time that these children and the families spend with the service is valued.
That all staff need to be open and effective communicators, while maintaining confidentiality of children, families and colleagues. We approach families and children with positive attitudes and respecting their opinions when guarding the needs of the families and the children.
That innovative thinking and practices towards children’s learning is essential for staff.
All staff have to set personal and professional goals to enhance their skills and knowledge, to ensure the best outcome for children.
We are dedicated to act as facilitators to ensure high quality service is delivered in our daily duties.
We will guide children’s behaviour with positive encouragement and in consultation with families.
Our service and its philosophy are guided by Vygotsky’s and Piaget’s theories of development that consider each child as a capable individual, who learns and develops with the support or guidance of more knowledgeable others (teachers, adults, peers). This theory draws connections between children’s development and socio-cultural components and requires gradual scaffolding of children’s skills and expertise by the teacher through meaningful facilitation. Activities are designed so that educators can scaffold children’s learning, or peers can scaffold each other’s learning.