Our Philosophy

We at Marymede Early Learning Centre (ELC) pride ourselves on not only providing children with an enjoyable and enriching Kindergarten education, but also preparing students adequately for their ensuing Primary education. We understand that all stages of education are important but in particular the early transition years, as they can place extra challenges on students and their families. At Marymede ELC staff are guided towards our mission to provide students with a rich, balanced and comprehensive education. We acknowledge that all aspects of learning such as cause and effect, and trial and error have a significant impact on a child’s education as well as their future.

Our carefully created curriculum and programming reflect the National Quality Framework as well as the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. All educators and staff believe that families are a child’s first teachers and we value their knowledge of the children as being individual learners, whilst also embracing and respecting each family equally. Due to family influences and their socio cultural home environment, we believe all children have the opportunity to assist in creating their own learning journey within what will be a safe and secure environment that is Marymede ELC. Our educators view children as capable and competent learners who are active participants in their own learning.

As an early educational service, we have a strong focus on ensuring that staff are provided with opportunities for professional development. We create a supportive and mentoring environment so that educators are constantly learning from one another as well as from professional sources within our community. Marymede ELC educators acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people as the first custodians of the land. We teach our children about the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all. We do this by practising inclusive behaviour and use this way of teaching to create the foundation of our Kindergarten program.

We believe that a child’s learning occurs when surrounded by opportunities of play based experiences. These play based experiences are not only created for the children to explore and experiment with, but are also carefully constructed with an intentional teaching aspect derived from the child’s interest or as part of the curriculum. Marymede ELC educators create their program to ensure children have an opportunity to involve the outdoor environment in their learning. These outdoor interactions, using natural resources as well as natural environment, assist the children in developing sustainable practices in our daily service as well as within their home environments.

Educators at Marymede ELC create a safe and secure environment for all children, staff and families where we are able to work together to develop a learning environment that reflects the key values underpinning our day to day curriculum.