Our Philosophy
Totom House works in partnership with families and children to provide quality care and education through a stimulating environment with a multicultural focus.
The Core Values and Principles we believe in are that:
Children thrive in an environment where we:
- provide an atmosphere where they feel safe, comfortable, loved, happy and where they have fun
- meet the developmental needs of the children in our care
- help children develop confidence in their abilities and a sense of self worth
- teach children to respect their environment, and
- teach children to accept and respect the diversity and cultures of others.
Families depend on us to:
- be non-judgemental, respect their beliefs, and value their parenting skills
- value and acknowledge the importance of open communication between staff and families to ensure the best outcome for our children
- encourage the involvement of families, and
- assist and support families with their parenting skills.
Our staff:
- deserve to be valued for their varied experience and qualifications
- are committed to the implementation of our philosophy
- accept and support each other through teamwork, and
- respect the diversity and cultures of children, families and the wider community.
The community plays an integral part by:
- providing families and staff with information about services and agencies in the community
- contributing to the understanding of our diverse culture and backgrounds by staff, children and families, and
- having positive interactions with the Centre.
Our management will:
- value and respect the staff
- take responsibility for providing the highest quality care and education
- ensure the financial viability of the Centre
- implement the Centre philosophy, and
- strive for best practice and continuous improvement.
In relation to children, we will:
- provide a secure, caring and educational environment which ensures children’s comfort and happiness
- plan and implement a stimulating program designed to meet individual requirements and developmental needs
- provide a balance of experiences to encourage children to respect their environment and to value diversity in humankind, and
- provide children with constructive ways to deal with conflict and to actively encourage non-violent play.
In relation to families we will:
- provide an orientation policy which ensures two-way communication between families and the Centre
- ensure there are ongoing opportunities for parents to have input into management procedures and programs
- have a range of communication tools for parents such as newsletters, parent/teacher meetings, surveys and a suggestion box
- encourage parents to become members of the committee and have input into the program and daily running of the Centre through excursions, celebration days and working bees
- provide a range of resources for parents, and
- value, celebrate of respect all families.
In relation to staff we will:
- monitor staff performance and team dynamics and address as appropriate
- ensure new staff, students and volunteers have access to the Centre’s philosophy, policies and support
- provide the best possible working conditions
- have regular staff meetings and room meetings
- encourage staff training and development
- encourage innovation and iniative in implementing best practice, and
- encourage staff involvement in formulating and reviewing policies.
In relation to community we will:
- inform families and staff of organisations in the community through displays, newsletters, open days, pamphlets and verbal communication
- help children develop an understanding of the community through excursions and patronage of local businesses
- encourage community involvement via donations and incursions, and
- utilise the support agencies within the community.
In relation to management we will:
- value and respect the staff
- offer appropriate training and resources for committee members
- encourage staff to support the management committee with clear communication
- regularly review Centre philosophy with committee and staff
- support the development of new policies, procedures and records
- maintain the financial viability of the Centre
- implement the Centre philosophy, and
- improve our performance through regular review, assessment and accreditation.