Overview

Curriculum

The Murdoch University Child Care Centre Curriculum is based on theories of child developmet that provide a broad outline from which goals, objectives and learning experiences can be developed.

We are focussed on ensuring a positive and nurturing environment for children and their families. Staff work to support secure relationships with all children and between peers.

The new Early Years Learning Framework concentrates on supporting children to become confident, creative and inquisitive learners. Our program encompasses this by exploring a range of concepts, mediums and resources both in the indoor and natural environment.

Parental input, individually and in the sharing of multiculturalism, is strongly valued at Murdoch.

Our program

Our program integrates care and education. It includes activities and experiences which are based on individual and group observations. These are, therefore, appropriate to the child’s level of development. In order to enhance this program we
appreciate any information parents can share with us about their child’s interests and skills.

We recognise the value of play as a meaningful learning experience and encourage the children to learn through active exploration of their environment. We understand that each child learns in his/her own way and our curriculum allows the child to build on current needs, strengths and interests by allowing choice and giving encouragement.

The children experience an environment where they gain confidence in and control of their bodies while learning strategies for thinking and reasoning which help them make sense of the world around them.

The program is an overall plan of experiences covering the child's interactions, activities, group experiences, routines and schedules to meet the child's needs.

This consists of five interactions:

Child with self.
Child with other child.
Child with group.
Child with adult.
Child with environment.

The program we provide is based on individual and group observations that are incorporated into experiences and activities appropriate to the child's level of development.

Physical Goals

To promote children's physical development by determining their needs and providing appropriate materials and activities.

To encourage gross motor skills
To encourage and develop fine motor skills
To develop movement
To extend knowledge of body awareness

Cognitive Goals

To provide intellectual stimulation to young children in order for them to learn at their own rate.

Reasoning
Perceptual
Language - to develop expressive language skills and receptive language skills.

Social goals

To establish and maintain successful interactions with other children
To establish and maintain successful interactions with adults
To establish and maintain successful interactions with the group
To establish and maintain interaction with the environment.

Emotional goals

To encourage self control
To recognise and express emotions in a socially acceptable manner
To develop and maintain secure relationships with others
to feel secure within a stable environment
To reduce the trauma of parent-child separation
To develop in children a pride in themselves and their accomplishments to enhance feelings of positive self-esteem and self-worth
To develop a child's independence in and responsibility for his/her own actions
To encourage self-directed activities
To encourage independence in bodily functions.

Please feel free to discuss your child’s care, development or progress with the staff who maintain comprehensive developmental records.

Centre staff need to know if you are concerned about the care your child receives. If you do have a concern it should be discussed with the relevant caregiver. If you then feel further action is necessary, please follow the centre’s grievance procedure:

The parent should approach the Director and discuss the matter.
The Director will treat the matter and the parent as fairly as possible.
If the parent is dissatisfied, the Director will offer to take the matter to the Committee for guidance.
The Committee will decide how to proceed and will give its decision to the Director, who will in turn give the decision to the parent.

Parents are welcome!

Parents are also very welcome to help around the centre and to participate in any of our activities. Please let the staff know if you have any special skills or ideas you may like to contribute. Suggestions about the centre are welcome and may be left in the fee box (director’s office).