Glen Education Murrumbeena
How we create a culture where every child feels safe, supported and confident- and how our connections with the community help us strengthen that safety together.
By The Glen Murrumbeena Educational Team
Support for kindergarten children begins from orientation day. Teachers gather important information from parents which is documented in the children’s portfolio. Children’s strengths, abilities and areas which may need extra support are noted. Children’s play interests are particularly important because they help the educators plan a learning environment which is engaging to the children.
Orientation is a time where children are shown where to put their bag, snacks, drink bottle and what resources are available in their room. The teacher and educators greet them warmly and provide positive interaction with the children, making emphasis about how much fun they will have playing with their friends. During this time, children and educators have the opportunity to begin developing respectful and supportive relationships, which are the foundations for a strong sense of belonging and the learning to be unpacked.
A tour of the outdoor area is usually exciting for the new child and is when parents can discuss important topics such as educator to child ratios and other safety issues. First impressions of kindergarten can have a lasting effect, it’s important that teachers and educators make the orientation process as relaxed and informative as possible. When children begin kindergarten, they are already familiar with what’s available to them which helps to support a smooth transition.
Emotional Safety
We focus on children’s emotional development throughout the year but particularly in term 1 when they are learning to cope with being separated from their family for extended periods of time. Extra support from an educator or comfort toy may be needed.
We have many resources to assist children with managing ‘Big Emotions’. Books, emotion stones, puppets and discussions during morning/afternoon meetings help children to consider other people’s feelings and to be kind to each other.
Routines allow children to feel safe at kinder because they provide clarity of what will happen throughout the day. Before long, children associate morning meeting with washing hands. This makes their day more predictable and less overwhelming.
Educators help to boost children’s confidence and self-esteem by offering resources which children enjoy using. They provide encouragement and support to children when they attempt a task which may be out of their comfort zone. They praise the child no matter what the outcome, and for participating in the experience. They build children’s confidence by telling them that they are capable of achieving what they want.
Community Connections
Early Childhood Education is a partnership between families and the kindergarten. Children’s cultural beliefs and practices are incorporated into the curriculum which makes children feel that they belong, and their culture is important and respected. It also creates a richness of diversity in the kinder program.
Children’s Safety
Teachers and educators take the safety of children very seriously. Outdoor and indoor safety checks take place before the children arrive and any issues of concern are reported to management. Head counts continue throughout the day and during transition times. Door codes prevent strangers from entering the building and prevent children from escaping. Glen Education only employs staff that have the necessary qualifications and professional development training.
What a Safe Relationship Looks And Feels Like
Early Childhood Education covers important areas such as acceptance of others who may be different and teaching children that they are the owner of their body. If they don’t want to be hugged or kissed in social situations, they have the right to express their voice. We use resources such as Child Safety books during group times to empower children to know what a safe relationship is and what it feels like. The book Consent has been referred to in relation to body safety.
The children have helped to create a document called Kinder Promises. This is a whole group activity where children ‘s promises are documented and form an agreement between the child and kinder. It can be a valuable resource to guide children’s behaviour in the appropriate direction. Naming the document Kinder Promises rather than Kinder Rules creates a positive outcome because it empowers children to be involved. A safe relationship with an educator is one where children are able to communicate freely without judgement. They can seek support / comfort when required and know that their teacher is approachable and cares about them.