Centre Philosophy

Lollipops Statement of Philosophy

At Lollipops Educare we believe that the four principles of Te Whaariki underpin our philosophy on how the children within our care learn and develop. Staff acknowledge and support that our curriculum is bi-cultural and our practices within the centre reflect this.

As acknowledgment that our Philosophy is fundamental to our operation we are committed to reviewing it when any staff member joins our team. When reviewing other policies we will do so alongside our philosophy to ensure that they complement each other.

Empowerment

We believe that for children to develop positively it is the role of the educators to provide opportunities for children to be empowered regularly.

Supporting Practices

• Staff are aware of the developmental levels of each child and use this information to provide opportunities that will foster a child’s self confidence.
• Where possible children are given opportunities to make choices
• Staff use positive and encouraging language.
• Children and their families are encouraged and supported to share their culture within our centre.

Holistic Development

We believe that in order for children to develop holistically Educators must gain knowledge of the children within their care. We believe that all children must be treated as individuals and respected for their uniqueness.

Supporting Practices

• Staff are proactive in learning about and introducing children to the various cultures within their centre.
• Staff are respectful of the beliefs of individual families and accommodate these beliefs where possible.
• Staff provide an environment that is interactive, age appropriate, stimulating and safe.
• Staff provide a healthy and nutritious menu that caters for the individual requirements of all children.
  

Family and Community

At Lollipops Educare we believe that the inclusion of family and the community are an integral part of the positive development of a child.

Supporting Practices

• Staff take children into the community where possible and the community visits the centre where appropriate.
• Staff are aware of what resources are available in the community to support the centre, children and families.

Relationships

At Lollipops Educare staff are committed to role modelling and supporting positive relationships. Reciprocal relationships are paramount in the positive development of relationships between staff, parents and children.

Supporting Practices

• We provide a child centred environment where children have the opportunity to contribute thus promoting a sense of belonging.
• The staff are committed to being an effective team and work within a team contract.
• Staff use a variety of ways to ensure communication is open and effective. In our centre we ensure that staff have daily conversations with families, children and each other, monthly newsletter, informative notice board and a Graffiti Board for Review questions.