Totom House is a community-based early childhood centre located in the heart of a busy neighbourhood hub on the land of the Ngunnawal people. We pride ourselves on providing a welcoming environment for children and families which consists of open and natural play spaces, multicultural surroundings and friendly atmosphere.
We believe children are capable, confident, curious, creative participants and active decision makers. We, as educators, thrive on being co learners and collaborators with the children. We value family participation in the Totom House’s programme and management and welcome connection with the local community. Together we support children to become active citizens with rights and contributing members of their local community.
We draw ideas from many theories that support responsiveness to children’s ideas and play, which helps us become aware of teachable moments to scaffold children’s learning. We believe that learning occurs in social contexts, so relationships and participation are strongly encouraged in our programming and practice.
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the philosophy of Reggio Emilia guide our programming and practice which places particular emphasis on play-based learning and collaborative programming that builds on children’s ideas and interests. To facilitate their learning, we are responsive to children’s ideas and stimulate their thinking. Our educational documentation includes recording the progress of children learning as a group, which is reflected on by the children, families and educators. Their reflections assist us in further developing and improving our program.
We recognise each child’s right to be a child and experience the joy of childhood by attending to their wellbeing and providing an environment where each child feels safe, secure and supported. We build and maintain respectful and trusting relationships with each other and recognise and respect children’s values, cultures and beliefs, whereby children feel supported in shaping their own identity, develop respect for others and their environment.
At Totom, well-qualified, welcoming and empathetic educators create a warm and homely atmosphere for the children. We develop strong relationships with families and offer a flexible curriculum and well-balanced routines for children with respect and care. As a friendly and small community-based centre, we are able to focus strongly on the wellbeing of our children.
We continually seek ways to increase our professional knowledge and evaluate our practices as we work with families and the wider community as collaborative learners and teachers of the children in our care. Together we aim to create learning communities and environments which are enriched by nature and its sustainable elements, invite open-ended interactions and are stimulating places for all.
Our values
Empathy
Empathy is central to all our relationships.
Wellbeing
The wellbeing of children and educators is our primary focus at Totom House, achieved through developing caring, respectful relationships and showing gratitude to all in our community.
Professionalism
Our professionalism and ongoing research are manifested through our Action Research Projects and ensure that we continue to provide high quality care and education for the children.
Open-mindedness
We encourage people to feel comfortable about contributing their ideas and expressing their views, aware that their views will be treated with respect.
Ethics
We consider ethical responsibilities when making decisions, choosing what is right over what is expedient or convenient and stand up for what our profession values.
Cooperation/Teamwork
We all learn from each other and acknowledge that when individuals work cooperatively and collaboratively with others, the results for all are amazing.