At Clarkson Early Learning Centre we acknowledge the importance of early childhood experiences and provide a warm,  friendly place that nurtures the needs and wellbeing of children in a safe, supportive and caring environment. We reflect on best practices and aim to provide care that gives our families that “home away from home” feeling.

We have respect for our families and support them when needed. We recognise that aspects of child care, family, and community life are integrated and interdependent. Our educators are driven by the Reggio Emilia approach in education for the children that attend our centre.

We believe that play forms the foundation for children’s learning and we will be guided by the Australian Early Years Learning Framework by providing learning environments indoors and outdoors that support positive outcomes for all children. We recognise that the family is the child’s first and most important teacher. Parents are viewed as partners, collaborators, and advocates for their children. We invite parents to be involved into every aspect of the curriculum. Families are encouraged to participate in centre events and share in the decision-making.

We assist children develop a sense of belonging by creating an environment where they can build connections with peers, staff, community and their natural environment. We strive to encourage children to be successful, competent and capable learners.

We believe that all children should be treated with equality, and their cultural and linguistic diversity embraced and acknowledged. We provide an environment that encourages this for all children, including Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

We believe that a child’s learning ability is enhanced by curiosity, exploration and social interaction. We offer a range of activity-based play and learning experiences which are supported by the opportunities for the children to form a trusting relationship with the educators.

We encourage environmental sustainability by empowering people to take responsibility for making informed decisions towards a sustainable future, whereby we gain knowledge and understanding of the environment as it relates to our society. We pride ourselves on promoting and involving the children in water conservation, recycling, and growing seasonal foods.

Each child is given opportunities and provisions to develop a positive self-concept, while also learning to respect the needs of other children and adults; therefore we believe that positive guidance and limits enhance self-regulation, interpersonal relationships and safety. It is our aim to provide a loving, caring, nurturing environment that promotes each child’s learning and development, self-esteem and individuality, whilst having a day that’s also fun!