About Pico Early Learning

Mission Statement

Striving for excellence in care and education

To provide all children with a place to thrive in the first five years of life.

Vision

We are committed to the empowerment of all children.  

We pride ourselves on the quality and passion of our experienced team. 

A team dedicated to enriching each child’s social/emotional, physical and cognitive development, through inspirational programs, offered within a safe learning environment. 

 Our goal is to support and nurture a child’s natural desire to be life-long learners. 

We are committed to providing support and encouragement to our families and local community.  

Philosophy

Pico Early Learning Centre and Kindergarten is committed to each individual child in a nurturing way, enabling them to develop with varied learning and fun in a stimulating environment.  Open communication between management, staff and families is continually encouraged for a shared vision.

 Staff

Staff work in a collaborative way by sharing knowledge and experience.  They work with children to discover ideas, provide opportunities and research, to help and support the children’s learning.

We acknowledge the work of educators within Victoria, and encourage educators to engage in continued study for professional development.

We recognize the importance of communication, team work and collaboration between families, the community and the centre to strive to form positive relationship. 

Families

We work to support families in their parenting role and share information of benefit to their child’s development.  Families are encouraged to be active participants in the centre.  Through, sharing cultures, ideas, knowledge, strengths and differences, we develop a partnership to benefit the child’s learning and development.  Family grouping in the morning and afternoon allows siblings to be together.

Children

We believe children are resourceful learners who:

  •         Feel a sense of belonging
  •         See themselves as contributors to community
  •         Are valued, unique and powerful
  •         Engage in relationships that are caring and respectful

 

Environment

We aim to create a positive indoor and outdoor environment that is inviting, inclusive and positive for all to share.  By promoting respect whilst being safe and healthy, we also create a stimulating centre.

By incorporating recycled materials into the program, we are fostering imagination and creativity, stimulating children’s senses and creating a calmer and more inviting atmosphere. 

Curriculum

Areas are set up using a variety of natural materials and modern equipment, made from natural materials, if possible, to promote thoughts and imaginative play.

By observing and listening to the children, we suggest and provide new possibilities and encourage the children to search and explore by altering activities according to their interests.

Recording of this information leads to informed decision making about changes for future experiences.

With the implementation of open-ended experiences, children are given more choices which allows for the opportunity to enhance self-esteem and confidence.

Children are also supported with our intentional teaching program that is based off the age based ACEQUA developmental checklists.

Individual Portfolios

These celebrate a child’s journey at the centre and includes photographs, artwork, summative assessments, ACEQUA developmental checklists and learning stories.   All these resources compiled together helps to describe the child’s learning and development over the period of the year to give a clear understanding of a child and all that he/she has accomplished during their time at the centre.  These reflect how a child thinks, questions, learns and analyses situations.