Supporting children’s social, emotional, intelligence and physical development
3 & 4 year old Kindergarten programs designed to support children in preparation for the next step in their learning journey and the transition to school.
Geelong, Bannockburn, Warrnambool
Our philosophy is expressed through many parts that are indivudually important but the most impacting aspect of each part is their interconnectedness with each other. Our image of the child, the family, the community, the environment, the team and the leader create a road map for all of the work we do.
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A community dedicated to offering opportunity for curiosity, wonder, belonging and respect.
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Each part of our philosophy is made visable through our values. Respect, Consistancy, Passion, Courage and Trust drive our purpose and direction, and set the tone for all relationships.
Read MoreChildren are powerful, competent and capable members of our community. They are also curious learners who naturally investigate, inquire and engage the world around them. Time, space and people influence how children approach learning and how they see themselves as learners.
We practice what is referred to as an ‘inquiry based approach’ which reflects our view of children as constructors of their own knowledge and learning, instead of being a passive recipient of someone else’s. The joy in exploring meaningful interests for the children comes in the journey of discovery, not just the accumulation of knowledge. Children learn to challenge their own thinking, listen to others ideas, become researchers, be present in the moment and enjoy the process.
Acknowledging the fragile state of our world, our programs support children to care for their environment and build awareness of their footprint on our earth, inviting them to explore and develop their sensitivity to sustainability. We nurture physical spaces that honour the natural world and allow for children to get dirty, use real tools and be a part of the construction of their own learning spaces.
One focus that we place high value on in our curriculum is social justice. Social justice teaches children to embrace the notion that we can challenge biases and stereotypes, while promoting inclusiveness and equity within our extended communities.
Freedom of movement and key caregiving (Emmi Pikler & Magda Gerber) are teaching approaches we use particularly with infants and toddlers to ensure we give them every opportunity to feel secure and in control of their environment. Because infants and toddlers have limited language and control over their daily lives, we can empower them and promote their social and emotional development through respectful caregiving
At Kardinia we are creators not consumers. We have a sustainability and resources officer who works closely with our team to ensure we are using equipment that is resourceful and reusing where ever possible. Acknowledging the fragile state of our world, our programs support children to care for their environment and to understand the responsibility they have to reduce, reuse and recycle.
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