History
In 1978, a group of Fitzroy parents, identifying a need in the local community, sought federal government funding
and local government support to purchase and fit out a property in Fitzroy, find suitably qualified and experienced
staff and open a child care centre. From the outset, East West has operated on a cooperative basis; managed and run by staff and parents, supported by council, fostering and embedding agency and belonging. This sense of community manifests itself in a democratic, family-grouping based model of care where children can interact across all age groups, teaching, learning from and helping their peers, staff and other adults.
In 2017, in response to requests from families, East West began offering a funded kindergarten program, thereby ensuring continuity of care and maximising learning and development opportunities for our children.
and local government support to purchase and fit out a property in Fitzroy, find suitably qualified and experienced
staff and open a child care centre. From the outset, East West has operated on a cooperative basis; managed and run by staff and parents, supported by council, fostering and embedding agency and belonging. This sense of community manifests itself in a democratic, family-grouping based model of care where children can interact across all age groups, teaching, learning from and helping their peers, staff and other adults.
In 2017, in response to requests from families, East West began offering a funded kindergarten program, thereby ensuring continuity of care and maximising learning and development opportunities for our children.
Philosophy
East West is a cooperative of children, staff and parents, working together in supportive partnership to share knowledge, skills and ideas, learning from and teaching each other. As a community of equals we have a strong focus on social and environmental justice, equity and inclusion.
We understand that a sense of place is vital to a sense of belonging and acknowledge the Aboriginal People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we work and play. We believe we have a responsibility to walk together with Aboriginal people to redress the ongoing impact of the wrongs of the past and present.
We understand that children have an inherent connection with nature and strive to foster their
sense of belonging, care, respect and responsibility for the environment.
Thoughtful, sustained conversation between all members of our community is a cornerstone of our practice as it
fosters a sense of security and mutual respect and supports creative thinking and self-directed learning,
in the form of play.
Play is the 'business of childhood' and we strive to allow children the space and freedom to explore and learn
at their own pace, enabling them to become self-motivated, resilient, independent life-long learners. A shared sense
of fun and mutual love of learning enables children and staff to play, work and learn
alongside each other, regardless of age, background or ability.
We understand that a sense of place is vital to a sense of belonging and acknowledge the Aboriginal People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the land on which we work and play. We believe we have a responsibility to walk together with Aboriginal people to redress the ongoing impact of the wrongs of the past and present.
We understand that children have an inherent connection with nature and strive to foster their
sense of belonging, care, respect and responsibility for the environment.
Thoughtful, sustained conversation between all members of our community is a cornerstone of our practice as it
fosters a sense of security and mutual respect and supports creative thinking and self-directed learning,
in the form of play.
Play is the 'business of childhood' and we strive to allow children the space and freedom to explore and learn
at their own pace, enabling them to become self-motivated, resilient, independent life-long learners. A shared sense
of fun and mutual love of learning enables children and staff to play, work and learn
alongside each other, regardless of age, background or ability.
Goals
To provide developmentally appropriate play based learning experiences, underpinned by the Victorian
Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), in as rich and varied
an environment as possible.
To work in mutually supportive partnerships with families and encourage their active participation
in the centre.
To foster in children, a sense of belonging, love of learning, and an understanding of themselves
in relation to others, the community and the natural environment.
To provide an environment where all are treated with fairness and respect, where it is understood
that we all learn from, and teach, each other.
To be part of a network of community support systems and liaise with other community agencies
Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), in as rich and varied
an environment as possible.
To work in mutually supportive partnerships with families and encourage their active participation
in the centre.
To foster in children, a sense of belonging, love of learning, and an understanding of themselves
in relation to others, the community and the natural environment.
To provide an environment where all are treated with fairness and respect, where it is understood
that we all learn from, and teach, each other.
To be part of a network of community support systems and liaise with other community agencies
Inclusion
The East West Community is a diverse one and we are committed to meeting the individual needs of all
children and families who are part of our community.
All families will be welcomed irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, physical abilities,
socio-economic circumstances, political, religious and cultural beliefs.
We value and celebrate both our differences and our similarities. All children and families will be
supported in maintaining their familial and cultural heritage.
We strive to offer a curriculum that actively promotes critical thinking, equity and anti-bias.
children and families who are part of our community.
All families will be welcomed irrespective of race, gender, sexuality, physical abilities,
socio-economic circumstances, political, religious and cultural beliefs.
We value and celebrate both our differences and our similarities. All children and families will be
supported in maintaining their familial and cultural heritage.
We strive to offer a curriculum that actively promotes critical thinking, equity and anti-bias.
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We acknowledge the owners of the unceded land on which we live, work & play. We pay respect to their Elders past, present. and emerging. Our not-for-profit, community run childcare service is managed by a staff and parent volunteer committee and is supported by The City of Yarra. |
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