Alkira Early Learning Centre advertorial
Alkira Early Learning Centre advertorial
Building partnerships
We all form relationships with people in our lives , but what are partnerships ? Partnerships in Early Childhood Education and Care are when all parties share a vision for the child . Positive partnerships will occur when those involved share the responsibility and equally contribute in achieving common goals envisioned for the child . “ With the child ’ s best interest always being the focus , it is imperative that educators and families communicate regularly , work together through differences and be trusting of one another ” ( Arthur , Beech , Death , Dockett and Farmer , 2015 ). Building and maintaining positive partnerships is an evolving process that takes time and needs to be gently nurtured . Alkira Early Learning Centre ( Alkira ELC ) prides itself on developing positive partnerships with families to ensure the best quality care for all children . Alkira ELC firmly believes in the African proverb and states in its philosophy , “ It takes a village to raise a child .”
Partnerships are first established at the orientation stage , this is where children and their families are welcome to visit the Centre as many times as they need before commencing . Entering a new environment can be both exciting and emotional . Becoming familiar with Educators as well as the environment starts to build the foundations for an ongoing partnership between the child , the family and the Educators . Through this process , our families enjoy one on one time with Educators where they share information on their child ’ s needs , ask questions and gain insight in to the daily routine .
As partnerships are an integral part of our philosophy , we ensure that families are given opportunities to continue to build on these partnerships outside the daily engagement of drop off and pick up . In the month of April , Alkira ELC will be holding a meet and greet at the Centre for families to spend time with their child ’ s Educators , giving them the opportunity to get to
know each other a little more . Grandparents morning teas , room play dates at local parks , mothers and fathers nights , as well as our Spring Fair , end of year celebrations and graduation are ways in which we provide opportunities for family involvement and celebration to ensure we strengthen our partnerships .
In addition to these partnerships building events and celebrations , we provide opportunities for families to discuss their child ’ s development , set goals for their child to work towards and ensure smooth transitions between school settings . Henderson and Mapp ( 2002 ), have placed a great deal of emphasis on the importance of family engagement throughout a child ’ s education . We recognise that a child ’ s first and most influential teacher is their family . To support this notion , Educators have allocated time for catch up meetings with families to discuss each child ’ s development , strengths , capabilities and passions . This is also an opportunity to discuss any concerns that may arise and to
set goals for the children as they continue to learn and grow throughout the year .
Partnerships extend as our children embark on their last year with us , before formal schooling . We have developed strong affiliations with local schools and transition coordinators and each year , present to families a transition to school night . This evening is an open forum where Educators along with Primary School Teachers discuss both the preschool and kindergarten settings and how we support their child ' s preparation for school . This support extends to our Preschool Educators attending kindergarten orientations with the children to ensure we are providing support and guidance in this exciting milestone that they are about to embark on .
Partnerships are a major driving principle that underpin Alkira ELC ’ s philosophy and practices each day . We believe that working in collaboration with families is the most effective way for children to achieve the learning outcomes outlined in the Early Years Learning Framework ( www . education . gov . au / earlyyears-learning-framework-0 ).
As an educator I believe that ‘ Young children do best – now and later – when they are nurtured within a tightly woven web of love .’ ( Baker and Manfredi , 2004 ).
Whitney Primary and Early Childhood Teacher Alkira Early Learning Centre
6 KIDZ ON THE COAST