professional

 

 

Campus Kindy staff regularly undertakes in-house and external professional development and see this as essential for maintaining a close connection with current research and best-practice.  In recent times the staff has examined the work of Glasser and how his theory of basic needs underpins human behaviour and how it relates to classroom settings.  More recently there is and will continue to be a major emphasis on the Reggio Emilia approach - acknowledged as the world's best form of early education practice it will underpin practice and professional development. Staff are encouraged to attend regular conferences to share and gain new ideas as well as present their own learnings and research.

The Reggio Emilia principles are:

·         a pedagogy of relationships enabled by a pedagogy of listening;

·         the image of the child's potentials and rights;

·         pedagogical documentation;

·         communication and collaboration, both within and between      groups of children, parents, and teachers;

·         the importance of a continuing dialogue with the community;

·         the physical environment as 'an educator' in its own right;

·         the Hundred Languages for children;

·         the child and teacher as researcher; and

·         a curriculum that uses projects as a vehicle for children and teachers to construct  knowledge and understanding through small-group collaboration.

As mentioned Campus Kindergarten has a commitment to the philosophies and practices that come from the city of Reggio Emilia in Italy. Recognised as probably the most outstanding approach to Early Education in the world, Reggio Emilia's philosophy underpins the highest quality programs and approaches including our state and national ones.  The staff at Campus Kindy undergo constant training in Reggio Emilia practices and attend local networks or national/international conferences. You can read more about the approach here. (Reggio Emilia article)

The program is derived from observations of the capabilities and interests  of each child. This allows the program to be open and flexible as children explore their world, and grow more and more capable and confident in their own abilities. The program endeavours to develop the child's independence, physical growth and ability to focus and concentrate. Additionally, social skills, intellectual skills and emotional developmental needs are essential components considered in the design and presentation of the curriculum.