Imaginations Pre-School Philosophy
Imaginations Pre-School has been established since 2000, with new owners over taking in 2013. Since over taking in 2013, we have created a space where children are valued, recognised for their individual skills, encouraged to explore and investigate within their surrounding environment, and whereby team members collaborate and share in experiences to enhance learning opportunities for children. Imaginations Pre-School values a play-based learning program with a strong focus on children’s interests. Our highly qualified and nurturing team of educators helps to facilitate this.
At Imaginations Pre-school we offer a warm and welcoming learning environment with positive feelings of safety, love and attentive care. This will provide a smooth and positive transition for parents to leave their children in our care.
At Imaginations Pre-School we ensure that:
Acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the Land
At Imaginations Preschool, we recognize and respect the traditional custodians of the land, the Wullemedegal people and their language, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. We acknowledge the importance of maintaining a sense of belonging and connection to our shared Aboriginal history and culture.
Valuing Diversity and Inclusion
We celebrate and value diversity and actively promote inclusion. We understand that each child, educator, and family is unique, and we strive to create an environment that reflects this. We believe that early childhood education is an extension of the home and community and an important transition to primary school.
Learning Through Play and Fun
We believe that learning occurs best through play and realistic experiences. Children’s interests are the driving force of their learning through open-ended experiences, natural materials, and resources. We support and value learning through fun, play, inquiry, and reflection, and we document children’s discoveries meaningfully. We value children’s love of play in natural outdoor environments that provide opportunities for exploration and creativity.
High Expectations for Children’s Learning
We have high expectations for children’s learning and believe that they are capable and resourceful learners. We support children in self-directed learning and hold high expectations in academic fields such as language, literacy, mathematics, science, music, and the arts. We actively engage in pre-kindergarten concept skills that support children’s transition to school, including building friendships, independence, communication, academic content knowledge, a strong sense of identity, a love of learning, and an understanding of health and wellbeing.
Children’s Rights and Responsibilities
We understand that children have rights and responsibilities, and we take these seriously. Children are equally valued citizens in our community, and we uphold their rights to play, privacy, participation, and decision-making. We believe that education is about partnerships and that families are children’s first teachers. We work collaboratively with families and the local, national, and international community to enrich children’s lives and learning. We encourage families’ contribution to the curriculum, program, events, policies, and practices.
Creating an Environment that Reflects Our Values
We believe that the physical environment is another “teacher” and that it should reflect our values. We value an environment that is clean, orderly, and respectful, with nature and beauty incorporated. We actively learn about and participate in sustainable practices amongst nature, listening to children’s right to play amongst the sand, water, dirt, plants, animals, rainbows, and insects.
Educators as Integral to Children’s Learning
Our educators are integral to our work and children’s learning. We hold high expectations for them and encourage continuous and reflective learning alongside children, families, and academia. We uphold ethical practice as outlined in Early Childhood Australia’s code of ethics (2006).
Commitment to Continuous Improvement and Change
At Imaginations Preschool, we strive to be change-makers in early childhood education practices, theory, and research. We participate in, reflect on, and contribute to leadership in the field.