Catholic Early Learning Centre (CELC)

In our ministry in Catholic Early Learning Centres (CELCs), we strive, as a work of love, for the full human development of children, grounded in the teachings of Christ and at the service of society.

All staff members share in the evangelising mission of the Church, as they endeavour to bring culture and faith into harmony in their CELC and their communities.  The parish priest, families, children and educators work in partnership

At CELC Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish Greystanes we:

• Recognise our families contributions and expertise, not only as part of the preschool but as a member of the parish community of Our Lady Queen of Peace, valuing the child not only as an individual but as a member of the wider community.
• Observing and documenting each child's individual development and interests, and linking these to the outcomes of the early years learning framework.
• Value our role in encouraging children to feel confident in taking ownership of their learning and instil a thirst for knowledge in the now and to take into their future endeavours.
• Create an environment that engages the interests of our children, promoting creativity, problem solving, investigating, hypothesising and experimentation.
• Are committed to fostering our image of the child as connected, creative, inquisitive, reflective and spiritual.
• Provide opportunities for self-selected play, contributions to the program, and to be involved in small and large group experiences, with educators embracing our role in intentional teaching, modelling and scaffolding the children's learning.
• Encourage Catholic values through daily prayer and meditation and participating in traditional ceremonies, whilst celebrating and respecting the uniqueness and diversity of our children, families and community.

At Greystanes Catholic Early Learning Centre (CELC) we believe that each child is a valuable and unique individual created by God.  We value each child as an individual responsible for their own learning.  We believe that children are theory builders and problem solvers, who learn best by making meaning of their world through play, relationships and experiences.  We value children as social beings and recognise that they co-construct knowledge with peers, their families and our educators. 

Bringing our Philosophy to life

At Our Lady Queen of Peace, Catholic Early Learning Centre (CELC), we have adopted practices that are inspired by the work of the Reggio Emilia approach to early education to help bring our philosophy to life. This approach views the child of being competent, intelligent, a co-constructor of knowledge and a researcher actively seeking to make meaning of the world, often in collaboration with others.

We value play as a learning process that enables each child to learn through 'hands on' experiences such as doing, creating, experimenting, predicting, imagining, achieving, investigating, and identifying strengths and limitations.

Learning through play is how children "organise and make sense of their social worlds", using innovative and creative activities as enriching learning experiences.  Children will be encouraged to discover 'self' and feel safe to explore within the world around them.  We will encourage children to have ownership of their learning, which will empower them and build a passion for knowledge.  Children should feel a sense of belonging in their environment, we will nurture their being while celebrating their present and future and what they are becoming.

Our CELC aims to provide young children with opportunities to maximise their potential and develop a foundation for future success in learning.  We work collaboratively with families in promoting children's learning by implementing the Early Years Learning Framework and applying best practice as reflective of the National Quality Framework.

We provide an enriching inclusive environment that recognises diversity, including culture and ability.  We work in partnership with families, Catholic school leaders and Catholic parishes to promote Gospel values and traditions while respecting the individuality of families and children.

That all children regardless of gender, diversity, religion or ability are treated equally and respectfully; and the health and safety of children remains paramount for all staff involved in the education and care of children attending Catholic Early Learning Centres (CELCs) in the Diocese of Parramatta.

This Code is not intended to, and could not possibly provide easy answers, formulae, or prescriptive solutions for the complex issues early childhood professionals face in their work. As an aspirational document it does provide a basis for critical reflection, a guide for professional behaviour, and principles to inform individual and collective decision-making.

The following values and processes are considered central to the Code of Ethics:

• respect
• democracy
• honesty
• integrity
• justice
• courage
• inclusivity
• social and cultural responsiveness
• education

CELC educators work in collaborative partnerships with the school community, intervention services and families.  The CELC staff members value all stakeholders knowledge and contributions embedding trust and free communication in a reciprocal relationship that is respectful of one another by sharing insights and perspectives concerning each individual child.

The 2019 Fee Scale per Daily Session is as follows:

* Equity Fee is for children of disadvantaged families (low-income card) and/or Aboriginal or Torres Straight Islander children

Curriculum

Our learning program is influenced by the NSW Curriculum Framework, The Early Years Framework and the NSW Children’s Services Regulations 2011 frameworks and guidelines. These frameworks and guidelines along with the expertise of our qualified educators allow us to cater learning to the differing needs of every child. We encourage children to learn through creative play, exploration and discovery and regularly celebrate their learning success. Children will also experience Godly play as part of their day to day learning introducing them to Catholic values and traditions through stories and play.

To ensure we are providing your child with a quality education our qualified educators monitor, record and document the children’s progress by use of a portfolio that parents have access to. The educators use a range of observation and documentation methods to put together a portfolio of your child’s learning and are happy to discuss your child’s progress at anytime.

For more information on our learning program please refer to our philosophy.

Inclusive Practice

Children with additional needs are included in all aspects of the program as well as having an individualised program, to meet their specific needs. Staff will work together with families and liaise with professionals and support agencies to provide the best care and education for all children.

More information on this is in the policy folder in the foyer.

We value the important role parents and caregivers play in their child’s learning journey. As a learning community we encourage parents and staff to communicate and work together by:

• Attending social events
• Sharing their culture, talents, skills and experiences within the centre
• Being a member of our committee
• Inviting families to spend time at the centre
• Assisting with odd jobs
• Providing feedback on policies and procedures
• Discussing issues with staff regarding the centre and their child.
• Daily interactions with staff, communication books, photographic documentation and notice boards.

The relationship formed between staff and families is one key component in the development of a sense of belonging and caring which is central to the vision and philosophy of the centre. We aim to address any concerns with the emphasis on resolving issues in a professional manner. Please come and make centre personnel aware of your concern.

Our centre follows the guidelines by the Department of Health in regards to infectious diseases. To ensure the well being of all children in our care, children who present with symptoms of or diagnosed with an infectious disease are not permitted in the centre. Children showing signs of any infectious disease will be asked to stay at home until a doctor’s clearance certificate is presented to the office or staff on duty. Any vomiting, diarrhoea, or high temperatures must be clear for at least 24 hours before returning to the centre. Please notify the centre if your child has an infectious illness.

The centre has written procedures for safety checks. These include checks on the building and equipment, opening and closing of the centre, accessing potentially dangerous substances etc. Material Safety Data Sheets are kept on all products used in the centre. All hazardous substances are stored in a locked cupboard and are inaccessible to children. ‘Warning’ signs are displayed on these areas.

More information regarding these matters can be found in the policy folder, located in the centre foyer.

Allergies and Special Diets

We have a number of children with nut allergies that can lead to Anaphylactic shock and for this reason our Catholic Early Learning Centre (CELC) is a Nut free service. Please do not give your child anything that contains nuts including chocolate, peanut butter, nutella, muesli bars with nuts, dried fruit and nut mixes, cakes with nuts etc. If your child has consumed nut products (e.g. peanut butter or nutella) before coming to the CELC, please ensure they have thoroughly washed their hands and face before arrival.

If your child has a particular food intolerance, or special allergy requirement, please discuss this with the Director. Should they require a specific range of products, you may be required to supply specific foods. Changes to your child’s food or allergy requirements will need to be made in writing.

Anaphylactic Response

If your child has been diagnosed with a life threatening allergic reaction, please provide the centre with a letter form the doctor with instruction on the procedures for the appropriate emergency response. Families are to provide medication, with written authorisation and are responsible for monitoring the ‘use by date’ on medication.

More information on this is in the policy folder in the foyer.