The Child
Cradles to Crayons is a family owned and operated service that places the child at the centre of everything we do. We view children as capable, resilient and involved individuals with their own unique strengths and abilities. We see children as sponges, soaking up all that surrounds them, learning and developing from their social and physical environments. We believe children all learn and develop differently, through their personal approach of active involvement within their home and early learning environment. This includes through playing, observing, exploring and copying others. The rights of the child is a focus of the educational programs and environment at Cradles to Crayons and the children make decisions about their own learning, the experiences they take part in and the resources available.
The Family
We view the family as children’s first teachers and value their knowledge and contributions they offer early childhood services, and for children’s wellbeing, learning and development. We seek and gather this information through the enrolment process, daily verbal communication, questionnaires, social media and the OWNA App. We respect and value the many different ways of being and doing of families at Cradles to Crayons and include their perspectives in the service, including use of their skills and professions, to create a strong link between the home and the learning environment. Overall, families’ ideas and wishes for their children are included and utilised for the educational programs, service operations and the learning environment.
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The Community
Cradles to Crayons Early Learning Centre values the external social and physical environment, which provides learning and development for children. The diversity of our community is valued and we seek to reflect this through our curriculum, staff recruitment and management strategies. The service resides on Wurundjeri land and we vow to learn about and include Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives within the service operations and educational programs. To support children’s involvement in the community, we implement incursions and excursions which are based on the children’s interests and learning goals.
The Learning Environment
The educators and staff provide a play based learning program and environment that caters to the children’s individual needs and interests. We value these differences and ensure all children are treated with compassion, respect and equity and are included in as many decisions within the centre as possible. We are aware of and purposeful in our actions, acting as role models for children and guiding their learning through singing, dancing and engaging in experiences with them. We believe it is our role to support children’s independence, wellbeing and behaviour and to create a positive, comfortable and safe learning environment that feels like home. We have a commitment to improve outcomes for children and critically reflect regularly utilising input from families, the community, research and professional development.
Enrol your child today
Contact us if you would like to enquire about availabilities for your child.