St Paul's Lutheran Child Care Centre Philosophy Our Philosophy guides our Centre to make better decisions in our daily practices. Our views on teaching and caring, the interactions and relationships we form with children and adults, the way we set up our environments and the way in which we plan. The types of experiences, the resources we use, as well as the way in which we evaluate our program, all reflect our Philosophy which ensures we provide children with high quality learning and establishing a nurturing environment that ‘nurtures our greatest resources’. St Paul’s Lutheran Child Care Centre is influenced by St Paul’s Lutheran Church and Lutheran Education Queensland and follows their foundations and visions. St Paul’s Lutheran Child Care Centre is committed to providing a play based Christian learning program that is of a high quality and standard. Educators are committed to ensuring that all of the children are valued, respected and supported in their development to reach their maximum potential whilst in our care, which fosters a sense of being and becoming (in reference to E.Y.L.F). Our Centre believes in respect and acceptance. We value and respect the differences and diversity among people and family backgrounds whether they are cultural, race, language, age, ability or gender (Principle 4. Respect for diversity – E.Y.L.F). We believe in building secure, safe and supportive partnerships with all our families (in reference to EYLF). To achieve this, our educators will use the Early Years Learning Framework and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines to provide a caring, supportive and holistic program that suits all children who attend our Centre. All staff and educators will follow and uphold high quality in regards to the National Quality Standards. Parents and families will be encouraged to participate in their children’s learning at all times, through enrolment procedures, parent participation forms, one on one conversations, through children’s portfolios and social events held throughout the year.
At St Paul’s Lutheran Child Care Centre – Nundah We aim for our Centre to be a place where ……………….. We support the role of families and communities as carers and educators of children. Partnerships are always being built in a Warm, Caring, Respectful, Open, Supportive, Friendly, Encouraging, Collaborative, and Responsive Manner
We create an environment in which everyone can have fun and feel comfortable.
We encourage positive interactions/partnerships between children and adults. Children are able to ask questions and feel their views are valued.
Personal hygiene and good eating habits are encouraged. Similarities and differences are accepted and discussed openly.
We provide opportunities for creativity and inner expression. Children develop a positive self-concept and can feel competent.
All needs are addressed and catered for. A safe and nurturing environment is provided.
Children’s individuality is recognised. Building foundations for future learning.
Respect – we view children as capable and competent learners. The rights, feelings and point of view of others are respected.
A place where educators value responsive listening to children and families. Children develop problem solving skills in order to understand their environment.
The whole child (physical, personal, social, emotional, spiritual well being and cognitive aspects) is cared for, supported and included within the Centre programming. By scaffolding our educators will provide a learning environment where children can learn from each other by doing, talking, working with friends and persisting until they, ‘get it’.
Children learn to co-operate with peers, share responsibilities and develop respect and manners. Our educators recognise the importance of intentional teaching and that learning takes place in all areas of development - social interactions, conversations, emotional, physical and cognitive.
Children feel safe, secure and supported. Establishing nurturing environments that ‘nurture our greatest resources’.
St Paul’s Lutheran Church Mission Statement
St Paul's Lutheran Child Care Centre operates under the guidance and influence of St Paul’s Lutheran Church.
The Mission Statement of the church declares: “We believe God loves unconditionally therefore we strive to share God’s love in our community.” As a Lutheran Child Care Centre we are also guided by Lutheran Education Queensland’s vision for learners and learning in all Lutheran education settings: Lifelong Qualities for Learners As central to their mission and ministry, Lutheran schools seek to nurture individuals who are aware of their humanity, open to the influence of the Holy Spirit, and growing in and living according to a cohesive worldview Whilst Living in the community and reflecting characteristics of God through core values especially love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, humility, courage, hope, honesty, truth, kindness, gentleness, consideration, respect, quality and appreciation And Contributing to communities by being - • Self-directed, insightful investigators and learners • Discerning, resourceful problem solvers and implementers • Adept, creative producers and contributors • Open, responsive communicators and facilitators • Principled, resilient leaders and collaborators • Caring, steadfast supporters and advocates