·Families
We believe Parents/Guardians are the primary nurturers, and as educators of their child we emphasise the importance of the family and their contributions to the centre. We acknowledge the importance of a shared partnership with families and foster this by acknowledging each other’s skills, beliefs, knowledge, differences and strengths. With respect to the uniqueness of each family and we strive to learn about their culture, structure, lifestyle, customs, language, beliefs and kinship. Confidentiality and respect to the family with privacy will be maintained at all times.

·Staff
As educators we are the facilitators for the child’s learning and help children to construct knowledge their learning acting as a ‘partner’ as we walk alongside them aware and tolerant of stresses confronting families without making moral judgements. We embrace and encourage the diversity of families within our community, and are sensitive to the needs and rights of all our families. We strive to be informed, to learn from families and children, and to be flexible whilst creating a peaceful and happy environment.

·Environment
At Maryland Care and Early Education Centre we emphasise the value of the environment that fosters play and exploration for each child. Creating an environment that acts as a tool in the classroom and outdoor areas, creates a powerful message to children which shapes the kind of learning that will happen. Therefore, as educators, we think carefully about our own values and how they affect the decisions we make about arrangement of space, equipment and materials in the environment. Providing such an environment provides opportunities for children and educators to interact with one another and with the environment to co-construct knowledge.

·Documentation
As educators we take great pride gathering information about children and their interests, beliefs, questions, discoveries and ideas, this assists us to plan for routines, transitions, excursions and learning experiences. Gathering information reflects how the child plays, learns and develops, it supports the role of children to determine who they are in the world. With continuous strategy for planning and evaluating children’s experiences becomes an effective tool. Using written or visual evidence we assess and compare children’s growth and development over time. It acts as a memory device, enabling children to revisit previous experiences and make connections to past, present and future events and experiences. Documentation serves as a communication channel from the centre to families and the outside world.

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Our Philosophy - continued