Service Philosophy

Kindness, respect, and trust are the core values which inform our daily practice. Building and nurturing warm, respectful, and positive relationships with children and families enhance their sense of belonging at our service. Through a collaborative approach, based on regular communication and positive interactions, educators work with families to guide, and support them to achieve the best outcomes for their children. (Our children are and have been part of a community, a second family that provides a high standard of care, education, and above all else endless love, commitment, and care for my children, which is the most important part of them attending the centre. I am incredibly grateful to have my child enrolled at Erina Kindergarten. The exceptional management team, dedicated educators, engaging education, wellmaintained facilities, exemplary communication, and commitment to continuous improvement make it a truly special place for children to learn and grow. Thank you for all that you do to make Erina Kindergarten such an outstanding educational institution -Goldsworthy family).

Erina Kindergarten was formed on the lands of the Darkinjung people. We acknowledge Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people as the Traditional Custodians of this country and their connection to the land, water, and community in which we operate. We value and encourage our children’s and families’ individual cultures, backgrounds, and traditions at our service. We acknowledge the wealth of diversity that everyone brings to Erina Kindergarten. (We do our acknowledgment to the country to thank the Aboriginal people -Ziggy).

Educators, children, and their families have an equal opportunity to grow and learn within a non-discriminatory environment, where their needs are supported, valued, and acknowledged and they have open relationships and interactions with each other. Educators and children are provided opportunities for mindfulness and relaxation which assists in the development of resilience, positive emotional / mental wellbeing, and self-worth. Moreover, the safety and wellbeing of children is a priority in our organisation. Erina Kindergarten provides a child safe environment in all our programs and activities along with recruitment and training . In addition, a nutritionally balanced menu and physical activity is available to promote healthy lifestyles with special consideration for food allergies, dietary requirements, and specific cultural and religious practices. (I love when my teachers draw with me – Milana) and I love when my teachers give me lots of cuddles -Tami ) .

We believe children are competent and capable of co-constructing their own knowledge of the world around them. Therefore, we embrace a play-based curriculum, based upon the principles and outcomes outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). We provide children with choice through offering a wide variety of age-appropriate learning opportunities and resources that are easily accessible and we build on their foundations so they have a love for learning. ( I love it when my teachers get paint out for me, I can get my hands messy -Adelaide).

We aim to foster an appreciation of the natural environment and deepen each child’s sense of wonder, belonging, interconnectedness to the land, nature, and animals. Through educator support and experiences provided to children, we actively develop lifelong, proactive attitudes & practices for a sustainable future. (I love planting plants in our garden Tami). I love when my teachers take me to the chickens and the gardens to see the worms -Mackenzie.

We strive to utilise community resources to enhance the growth and development of individual children, families, and educators. We contribute to our wider community to assist the children in achieving a sense of being, belonging & becoming whilst supporting others.( I like seeing the old people -Alfie ) and (I like going to play games with the old people and seeing my grandad- Nate). (I like going to play playdough with the old people and walking to their house -Ziggy).

Our commitment is to continuously improve and to maintain a culture of ongoing learning, reflection, and self -assessment. We are committed to exceeding the national quality standards through implementing effective self- review processes in consultation with our educators, children, families, and community. Our team continually reflects upon and improves our policies, procedures, and practices.