Mt Pleasant Kindergarten Philosophy
At Mt Pleasant Kindergarten we view each child as an active citizen, valued for their individual identity and as engaged participants in their own learning.
We believe that we are in an incredible position as a Kindergarten, being integrated within the Mount Pleasant Road Primary School, providing a K-6 community that is deeply committed to the holistic learning, development and well-being of every child.
Our Kindergarten Philosophy is actioned in the following ways:
1) In relation to children:
We believe in the right for each child to express their voice, needs and desires and embed this in all areas of the service. Strong and positive relationships in early childhood foster positive outcomes for life and thus, we commit to establishing and maintaining relationships that are safe, secure and responsive with all stakeholders.
Embedded in our practice is the belief that children’s unique emotional, social, cultural and individual development are championed, empowered and enriched. This enables our Kindergarten to support each child to flourish into the best version of themselves.
2) In relation to families:
Family involvement is highly valued within all areas of the program. We believe that families are a child’s first teacher and children’s core identity comes from the connection to family, culture and communities.
We recognise the unique culture each child brings and we incorporate family contributions and perspectives within the program. Each child’s learning and goals are developed in partnership with families and parent contributions are sought and celebrated.
Mt Pleasant Kindergarten Philosophy
3) In relation to the Curriculum:
We incorporate the National and Victorian Early Years Curriculum frameworks, utilising the five learning outcomes, Identity, Community, Communication, Well-being and Learning. The practice and principles, and the positive start to school- transition process establishes the foundation for lifelong learning.
The incorporation of a Reggio Lens within the program, further establishes strong relationships with each child, prioritizing connections to children’s interests and learning. Teachers assume different roles, such as, observer, researcher, role model, facilitator, documenter and learner to inspire student's curiosity and wonder. We believe that the physical environments are the third teacher with an abundance of natural materials, which are engaging and provide stimulation for growth and development.
We believe in a flexible pedagogy and assessment process that caters and responds to children’s needs and interests. We utilize the emergent curriculum and teaching of concepts to support our curriculum. For example, in supporting children’s literacy development, the conceptual understanding of making marks to communicate meaning progresses to the understanding letters, letters combined make words and words combined create sentences.
4) In relation to the team:
Our incredible team embraces a growth mindset, fostering cooperation and unwavering support for every member, grounded in respect and positive intentions. We utilise collaboration and the diverse strengths and experiences of colleagues, in working towards shared goals and the commitment to upholding the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics and the Victorian Institute of Teaching standards.
Mt Pleasant Kindergarten Child Safe commitment statement:
At Mt Pleasant Kindergarten we believe that every child is entitled to be safe and feel safe. This fundamental right underpins, and is at the forefront of our care and decision-making. We are committed to the Child Safe Standards and to contributing to the greater awareness of child safety in our community as a whole. Our Child Safe policies provide clear guidance and a best practice framework to allow us to take a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety.