Program Policy Overview

The EOCCC aims:-

·         To provide a program that reflects a partnership between children, their families and the staff. It will be developed on the premise that the child is capable and clever and so will provide opportunity to evoke curiosity and problem solving.

·         The program will foster children's active involvement in the learning process and will provide for their needs and interests in the context of their own community and the world in which they live. It is accepted that the environment is the third teacher and so this will be an integral part of the program.

·         Experiences will be developmentally appropriate and open ended. The materials provided will foster creativity and imagination.

·         Provide a service that fulfils all the children’s basic needs: physical, emotional, social, language, and cognitive skills.

·         Encourages confidence and curiosity, happiness and honesty in all children.

·         Develop important independent skills and to foster interest in the world around them.

·         Nurture the children’s respect for themselves, others and the environment.

·         Develop each child’s knowledge, that they are unique and individual, and that their abilities, interests and backgrounds are very important contributions to our community.  

·         Be inclusive of everyone, culturally, physically and uniquely

Explanation

A high quality early childhood program provides a safe and nurturing environment that respects and values children as individuals. It provides opportunity for children to make connections and develop relationships as they learn about the world in which they live. It facilitates the development of positive self-esteem and fosters curiosity and problem solving and acknowledges their creativity, spirituality and cultural diversity.

Implementation

The program will reflect the EOCCC philosophy, goals and mission statement.

·         Staff will work together collaboratively to provide an environment which reflects the presence of children from a range of cultural backgrounds.

·         The program will foster children's relationships with each other, with staff and with their families.

·         The program will provide opportunities for fun and pleasure.

·         The program will be displayed to stimulate discussion and evaluation.

·         The program will provide opportunities for children to engage in:

o    active/passive experiences

o    indoor/outdoor experiences

o    individual and shared experiences

o    short term and/or long term project work

o    physically active play

o    manipulative play

o    Imaginative play.

·         Transition times will be programmed as active learning opportunities.

·         The program will provide for some predictability in the day but be flexible enough so as to provide for changing children's needs understanding, skills and interests.

·         Staff will respect the child's right to choose not to participate at times.

·         Staff ratios as stated in the regulations will be maintained in the implementation of the program.