When we all work together, we help create a wonderful future for young children.

Yarrunga Early Learning Centre

Yarrunga Early Learning Centre knows how important educators are in the lives of children, especially in the early years.

We employ a responsible and interactive team of qualified and experienced early childhood practitioners who have:

  • GEUINE RESPECT FOR CHILDREN

  • EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

  • DESIRE AND ABILITY TO TEACH CHILDREN

To do this we employ staff who respect and represent our values, enthusiasm and team ethic when working with children and families. Our selection of employees is to ensure each individual child is nurtured by dynamic, supportive and dedicated staff members.

Our highly qualified educators provide a play based curriculum that aims to reflect the families and children’s interests. All educators directly working with children are qualified, many of whom hold a diploma or teaching degree.

In addition, time and resources are invested in educator professional development, to ensure we are at the forefront of providing innovative early childhood education and care.

Yarrunga’s educators participate in the required Working with Children checks, are all First Aid trained, including anaphylaxis and asthma management and annually update their CPR, as well as attending monthly staff training meetings and other relevant professional development opportunities.

Our Philosophy

relationships

Relationships are central to everything we do. We value equitable, respectful and reciprocal relationships between educators, children, families and community. Responsive, nurturing relationships are intensified as educators and children play and learn together. Relationships create a sense of belonging and promote wellbeing.

educators

We value and support each other and work collaboratively using a Shared Leadership model. We are committed to the exploration of contemporary approaches in Early Childhood Education and Care including Holding the Space, Dadirri, 8 Ways of Learning. Professional learning is strengthened as we reflect on our practices and mentor others. We are committed to the health and wellness of educators and staff.

children

Children’s voices guide our curriculum.  As each child learns through play, they follow their own interest which is scaffolded through Intentionality. We embrace the beauty and individuality in daily rituals which engage children and enhance predictability. Self-expression, creativity, exploration and risk taking develop a strong sense of self and respect for others.

environment

We are committed to providing a nurturing and welcoming environment within an inclusive organic atmosphere. We believe contemporary approaches to sustainability spanning environmental, social and economic dimensions, empowers children to construct knowledge about the needs of today’s world with consideration for the needs of future generations.

community

Active citizenship is enacted through respect, inclusion and helping others. It involves being connected to our local community and embracing the many ways of knowing, being and belonging. We endorse partnerships with First Nations Peoples which strengthens our relationships creating an authentic journey of Reconciliation.

Our Community Connections

Yarrunga Early Leaning Centre supports children to develop connections with their local community by actively engaging with it through our Community Connections Program. We often go for walks around our neighborhood and on the paths which surround Yarrunga, to one of the many walking bridges, parks or the train station. We plan excursions within the community, to the Library Museum or MAMA (Murray Art Museum Albury), Wonga Wetlands, Borella House and Eastern Hill.

Yarrunga educators and children, along with our Sustainability Officer regularly visit the Teacup Community Gardens in Broad Street where we have our own garden bed. Additionally, we support our community by participating in a range of community events and fundraisers such as Clean Up Australia Day, Daffodil Day and Give me 5 for Kids Pajama day.

Yarrunga invites local community members such as fire fighters, ambulance, police, librarians, Halve Waste, local animal hospitals etc to share their role in the community. Wiradjuri language and cultural sessions are held weekly by a wonderful local Wiradjuri Community member.

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The large Morton Bay Fig central to the piece represents growth, the five circles reflect our core values and the steppingstones at the base of the tree show how Yarrunga supports the holistic development of children.

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The footprints show tracks along the riverbed representing the many journeys’ children experience during their time at Yarrunga.

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The white dot work at the bottom of the image continues the theme of building foundational roots that our children will carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Tamara Murray – Maramayart 2021

https://maramayart.com.au/

Yarrunga’s Vision for Reconciliation

Our vision for reconciliation at Yarrunga Early Learning Centre includes the voices of families, local community, educators and Management.

We are committed to building relationships based on mutual trust and inclusiveness.  We will do this by delivering a culturally responsive educational program, respectfully embedding cultural practices and perspectives into curriculum experiences, connecting with the Traditional Owners of the Land; and sharing resources and culture between Yarrunga and home.

We believe cultural competence is strengthened through access to authentic learning opportunities, relationships with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, resources, and ongoing reflection of our pedagogical practices.

We will strive for an environment that reflects peace, connectedness, unity, equity and equality fostering a sense of belonging and wellbeing for all.