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ABOUT OUR ARTARMON PRESCHOOL/DAY CARE CENTRE.
Philosophy Statement
Ekidna Cottage has its own unique identity, one that is built on strong values respect - for the child, for the family and for the Early Childhood profession. Ekidna's philosophy is inspired by contemporary Early Childhood research and pedagogy. Our Artarmon childcare centre is influenced by the educational approaches of Reggio Emilia, Montessori and Steiner.
Ekidna's philosophy echoes a strong belief in an image of the child as strong and capable, who is recognised as an empowered and active author in their own learning.
A 'pedagogy of relationships' is central to the living philosophy of Ekidna - many warmly name this special preschool space a 'home away from home'. Creating a place that nurtures and supports the family as a whole is what truly sets Ekidna apart. These relationships are based on reciprocal trust, respect and a passion for giving children the opportunity to reach their highest potential while being supported by educators who have a knowledgeable and innate understanding of children and how they learn as individuals.
Our family oriented preschool and day care centre is open for children from Artarmon, Chatswood, Lane Cove and beyond.
Ekidna Cottage, captured 2017.
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“Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn.”
– O. Fred Donaldson
OUR CHILDCARE PROGRAM.
At Ekidna we understand that for young children their learning begins early, and the educational experience is made up of many encounters throughout the day, inclusive of spontaneous teachable moments as well as intentional teaching. There are many elements that are interwoven to create a rich learning experience for the individual within this preschool group setting. At our childcare centre, the heart of it all is relationship. The relationships between educators, children and families allows the educators to provide an early learning program which is sensitive and in tune with the unique interests, curiosities and needs of the individuals within the group. The family day care program that is offered encompasses the materials and resources that are thoughtfully presented in the learning spaces, the daily group encounters that are facilitated by the educators and ongoing projects that are co-constructed alongside the children. The program is also pieced together with many spontaneous teachable moments, such as the children's play, transition times, mealtimes and the children's interactions with one another and the environment, which invites endless possibilities.
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In the EYLF intentional teaching is defined as ‘educators being deliberate, purposeful and thoughtful in their decisions and actions. Intentional teaching is the opposite of teaching by rote or continuing with traditions simply because things have always been done that way’ (DEEWR, 2009, p. 15).
EXPERIENCES.
every day is filled with the wonder of possibility...
BELONGING.
Allow children to be connected, form relationships
and know their place.
BEING.
Encourage children to live in the moment, to seek and to make sense of the world.
BECOMING.
Enable children to learn, shape new understandings and develop identities.
Lightbox Painting
Magnetic Blocks
Circle Games
Sandplay
Free play
Counting & Patterns
Glue & Food Colouring
Interactive whiteboard
Watering the garden