How We Implement Our Philosophy
At Only Early Learning Centre, our philosophy is deeply rooted in building and maintaining trusting, loving, and secure relationships. These relationships form the foundation for everything we do, guided by the latest research and best practices in early childhood education. Here's how we bring our philosophy to life:
The Circle of Security
We use the Circle of Security model as a guiding framework for our relationships with children. This model helps us look beyond behaviours to understand and meet each child’s emotional and relational needs. Our Educators provide a secure base that supports children’s exploration, play, and learning, while also being a safe haven for them to return to when they need connection and comfort. This balance of exploration and reassurance allows children to develop confidence, independence, and emotional resilience.
Attachment Theory in Practice
Our interactions are grounded in John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, which emphasizes the critical importance of secure attachments in a child's early development. We understand that the strong bonds children form with their caregivers can influence their lifelong learning and emotional well-being. Our Educators are trained to be warm, responsive, and attuned to the individual needs of every child, fostering secure attachments that promote trust and belonging. By consistently offering this responsive care, we ensure children feel safe, valued, and ready to engage in learning.
Self-Regulation and
Co-Regulation
We place a strong emphasis on building children’s self-regulation skills through co-regulation with supportive adults. Drawing from the research of Dr. Stuart Shanker, we create safe and calming spaces that allow children to navigate their emotions with guidance from our Educators. Through co-regulation, we help children understand and manage their emotions, ultimately equipping them with the tools to self-regulate. This creates an environment where children can thrive, manage stress, and build the resilience needed for future challenges.
Connecting with Families and the Community
We believe that strong, respectful relationships extend beyond the classroom, involving families and the wider community. We actively invite families to be a part of our learning journey through open communication and family engagement nights, where we discuss child development topics that are relevant to both parents and caregivers. Our approach is based on the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child, and we are committed to building that village in collaboration with our families and community.
Commitment to Quality Improvement and Compliance
We are dedicated to continuous improvement through our Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) and self-assessment processes to ensure compliance with the National Law and Regulations. Regular reviews of policies and procedures allow us to stay current on best practices and the National Quality Standards (NQS). By engaging in transparent and critical reflection of our practices, we maintain a commitment to supporting all aspects of quality education and care. This continuous cycle of improvement ensures we provide the highest standard of care and education for every child.
Philosophy Review and Continuous Improvement
Our philosophy is a living document that evolves with the needs of our children, families, and community. We regularly review our practices and invite all Centre community members to participate in this reflective process. Open and honest communication is at the core of our philosophy, and we pride ourselves on maintaining a positive, collaborative space that supports respectful relationships across all levels—children, educators, families, and the community.
Commitment to Child Safety
At Only Early Learning Centre, safeguarding children is a top priority. We follow the guidelines set by the Office of the Children’s Guardian, ensuring that safety is embedded in everything we do. We work closely with families to uphold a secure environment and engage them in discussions about safety and well-being, ensuring that every child’s rights are protected.
Through these practices, we are committed to creating a nurturing, respectful, and positive learning environment where children feel safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
