A Community Centered Approach

We’re big on community and searching for new ways of developing it. Why? The connections a child has both to the world and to the people who are part of it become embedded within them, helping shape their inner being, their character and their world.

But a community is more than a location; it involves the quality of relationships that connect people across places. Connecting with our community is a reciprocal relationship that enhances everyone’s wellbeing and sense of belonging.

Working with a diverse group of people within our community enables children to understand their place in our community. Learning to value and respect diversity encourages children to see differences amongst individuals as both common and positive.

As the communities within each centre have developed, we’ve found our philosophy taking on its own individual expression in each, out of which a range of community programs have evolved.

At some of our centres it looks like;

Hug-a-bub (Geelong)

All our nursery classrooms run a ‘Hug a Bub’ program, where they have a local retired residents come to spend some time in the classroom.

Contact such as hugging, holding and cradling is one of the most important stimulation required for development of a heathy infant’s brain. Not only does this program benefit our children, it also is a great way to connect with our local community residents whom all really look forward to the program each week.

Kardinia Community Shed (Geelong)

There is a group of wood-work loving people from our community who work in the shed in Geelong’s Harmony Garden. They help us by fixing, refurbishing and repurposing a lot of our toys and furniture that have been a little “too” loved, as well as being a helpful source of information.

Social Justice (All centres)

One focus that we place high value on in our curriculum is social justice.  Social justice teaches children to embrace the notion that we can challenge biases and stereotypes, while promoting inclusiveness and equity within our extended communities.

This happens in our classrooms everyday as the children learn respect and empathy, and explore similarities and differences in people, accepting each other for who we are. This is also emphasised in the social justice projects we take part in, of which has been vast and varied over the years.

Latest Social

In the spirit of respect, Kardinia Childcare and Kindergarten recognises the Aboriginal Peoples of Australia as the Traditional Custodians of the Land. We pay our respects to them, their culture and their Elders past, present and future.

Kardinia Early Learning are committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. Our service has a zero tolerance to child abuse and are committed to providing safe, respectful and trusting environments for all.

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