Centre Philosophy
At Dromana Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten, we embrace a child-led learning philosophy that values each child’s curiosity, creativity, and individuality.
We believe that active engagement in meaningful experiences fosters optimal learning, respects children’s autonomy, and promotes exploration and discovery.
We are guided by:
Cultural Responsiveness
We acknowledge and honour the rich cultural heritage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who have been the custodians of this land for thousands of years. Their wisdom, traditions, and perspectives are integral to our learning journey. We are committed to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives throughout our curriculum, fostering a deep respect for Indigenous cultures, histories, and contributions to society including the Boonwurrung land that our centre resides on. We embrace children from diverse cultural backgrounds, languages, and family structures, aiming to foster empathy, understanding, and a sense of belonging by creating an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and respected.
Learning Environment
Our goal is to support children's physical, social, and emotional development. We have designed our spaces to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster a sense of wonder. We offer various activities to cater to different interests and abilities, and we take advantage of our proximity to the local foreshore to provide unique firsthand learning opportunities while connecting with nature. We are deeply committed to sustainability and integrate sustainable practices into our curriculum and daily operations, teaching children the importance of respecting and preserving the environment. Through hands-on activities like gardening, recycling, and conservation projects, we instil a sense of responsibility towards the planet from a young age.
Community
Interacting with various community members enables children to gain invaluable insights into empathy, cooperation, and cultural appreciation. We take pride in our existing relationships and actively seek opportunities to deepen and broaden our connections within the community. We value collaborative partnerships with families to create a supportive, welcoming environment for all.
Quality Education and Care
We invest in educator development to create a learning-rich environment for children. Influenced by educational philosophies and guided by frameworks, we prioritise child safety, and well-being, and integrate best practices to create a holistic, child-centred learning environment. Our curriculum empowers children to lead their learning and embrace diversity in all its forms. We aim to prepare children to be confident, self-directed learners, ready for life's opportunities and challenges. Above all, we are dedicated to providing high-quality care and education that is tailored to meet the individual needs, interests, and strengths of each child. We consistently reflect on and refine our practices to ensure that we offer the best foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Relationships
Our educators focus on building authentic relationships and nurturing environments where children feel valued, supported, and empowered to express themselves genuinely. We are dedicated to delivering high-quality care and education tailored to each child's needs, interests, and strengths.
