About us
Our philosophy
Our philosophy is a guiding document that reflects our values for early childhood education at Home Road Kindergarten.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands, skies and waterways. Our kindergarten sits proudly on Boonwurrung Country and this is where we take the time to foster a deep respect for Country, embedding First Nations perspectives and sustainable actions into our programs.
We acknowledge that reconciliation takes commitment and action and we are unapologetic in our efforts to close the gap for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, their families and communities.
We create a child safe learning environment, where our play-based learning programs fosters independent thinking and autonomous decision making. Children thrive in an environment that provides certainty, stability and emotional security.
We believe in authentic inclusive practice. We advocate for the rights of all children to access early learning. We provide a supportive environment in which each child can learn in the best way that suits them.
We are a collaborative team who connect with families and respond with a tailored and varied curriculum to support the individual children in their growth as humans in our society.
A tour of our Kindergarten
Our Commitment to Child Safety
Home Road Kindergarten is committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. This is the primary focus of our philosophy, education, care and decision-making.
Home Road Kindergarten has zero-tolerance for child abuse.
Home Road Kindergarten is committed to providing a child-safe environment where children and young people are respected, safe and feel safe, and their voices are heard about decisions that affect their lives. Particular attention will be paid to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, as well as the safety of children with a disability.
Every person involved in Home Road Kindergarten has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role they play individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children and young people are at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.
The Child Safe Standards require organisations involving children to have policies, procedures and practices to keep them safe. Home Road Kindergarten has a Child Safe Standards Coordinator on the Committee of Management, to ensure best practice and continuous improvement.
Our educators
Home Road Kindergarten is fortunate to have dedicated and nurturing educators who have a wide variety of interests and skills such as art (craft, sewing, painting and drawing), nature pedagogy (insects, vegetable gardens, wildlife), literacy and numeracy, social and emotional development, neurodiversity and health and nutrition.
All kindergarten educators meet the training and qualification requirements as set out in the Education and Care Services National Law Act and Regulations. All of our kindergarten teachers are degree qualified, and the majority of our co-educators hold a Diploma qualification or above. The minimum qualification required for co-educators is Certificate III, however, Home Road Kindergarten prides itself on supporting staff to continue their professional learning, development and growth.
All educators possess and regularly update their First Aid, CPR, Asthma, Anaphylaxis and EpiPen training.
The Committee
The HRK Committee of Management (the Committee), has the overall management responsibility for the service, including:
As a service manager, how the centre will operate including sessions, timetabling, facilities, resources, equipment and policies.
As an employer, this involves the employment, payment and retention of kindergarten staff as well as staff appraisals, professional development and relief staff.
As an approved provider, we are responsible for all operational matters including fulfilment of licensing and legislative requirements, reporting to the Department of Education, Council, ACNC, the ATO and other regulatory bodies.
The Committee has the support of Hobsons Bay City Council and Early Learning Association Australia to provide advice and assistance in our roles. The help and input of parents are pivotal to the existence of the kindergarten. Joining the committee is very rewarding, and there are roles for people with a variety of passions and experience. You can apply for grants, review a policy, interview prospective staff, organise a fundraiser or run a working bee.
Our statement of philosophy and strategic plan is at the heart of our governance and guides our decision making. It is the shared goal that informs our business decisions and ensures our actions are in the best interests of the organisation. The Committee recognises that high standards of professionalism and commitment start with us. We, therefore, strive to ensure our actions have a positive flow-on effect throughout the centre.
To view the Committee Position Descriptions, download the pdf.
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, live and play, the Boonwurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their culture and Elders past and present and welcome the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.