Samantha

My Philosophy

I believe a child-centred, inclusive approach is important of any early childhood environment. Children thrive in spaces where they feel secure, so I feel that through connection and support, children feel safe to explore and have the confidence to be themselves, this forms the basis of learning. I believe it is important to focus on the needs, interests, and developmental stages of individual children to create a learning environment that respects children's autonomy and encourages exploration. I feel as an educator I play a crucial role in laying the foundation for lifelong learning.

I believe it is important to work in a collaborative effort that involves educators, parents, and the community. Open communication, shared goals, and mutual respect are essential for fostering a supportive environment that promotes children's learning and development.

I feel it is important for me to continuously learn and stay up to date on child development, research, theories, and the early childhood sector. I believe this supports my ability to provide a holistic approach to our curriculum to nurture and guide children on their journey of discovery.

My Environment

My home-based early childhood education and care environment provides a warm, familiar, comfortable, and safe environment for children to explore and learn. The smaller group size allows for me to approach the curriculum with individualised attention and care, fostering a strong bond between myself and each child. My curriculum supports learning through play, around a nature focus program. I have an interest in Steiner Waldorf theories; however, I approach learning and play eclectically.

Our daily rhythm offers invitations to engage in experiences such as gardening, caring for our pets, baking, exploring natural spaces, the seasons, and the arts. We make space for storytelling, music and singing to develop literacy concepts and imagination.

We devote time to outdoor exploration because of its importance to sensory and motor stimulation, as well as the importance of learning to care for our natural world. Spending time outdoors, either in our backyard, in a park, nature trail, beaches or local gardens enables us to learn from and explore the natural world through interests and self initiated play using simple open ended, natural resources such as sand, flower petals, water, sticks, stones and leaves.

We enjoy engaging and socialising with other home educating families at the many parks, playgrounds, walkways, the zoo, indoor play centres (on rainy days), and the many galleries and museums. We also enjoy spending time at the local libraries weekly.

I have an open door policy where families are welcome to call or pop in and join us in our learning journey.

My Training

I hold a Diploma in ECE and spent many years throughout my career focused on continuous professional development, including – First aid/CPR, asthma and anaphylaxis training, child protection, nature play, learning through the arts, inviting play spaces and child development.