Service Commitment

Inspired by Austrian Philosopher, Rudolf Steiner, and guided by the National Quality Framework, and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, Rodney Neighbourhood Steiner Kindergarten provides nurturing, inclusive programs where children can flourish whilst we protect and nurture the wonder and joy of an unrushed childhood.

The following is what we strive to achieve at Rodney Neighbourhood Steiner Kindergarten.

For the children

• To feel nurtured, valued, and loved
• To feel connected to each other and their environment
• To experience the rhythm of the day to gain a sense of security and predictability within their environment, so that they can relax and flourish
• To have extended time to freely engage in their environment so they are able to experience success and failure in a positive manner, and use trial and error to discover new ways of doing things
• To be able to truly experience and engage their imagination and creative thinking in a playful manner
• To have many opportunities to engage in their natural environment, experiencing the joys of the weather, creatures, changes in plants such as growing vegetables, gardening, and seasonal changes, and appreciate natures wonderful qualities.
• To engage in ‘real life’ tasks to support their development, such as cooking, handwork, gardening, and more.

For the families

• To develop strong connections with the educators and other families, developing a strong sense of community
• To feel welcomed, and have trust that their child will be safe
• To have opportunities to give their input, and to trust that this will be heard
• To feel a continuous connection to the RNSK community throughout the years beyond their child’s kindergarten year

For the educators

• To provide unrushed programs that provide a sense of security and predictability for the children, guided by daily, weekly, and seasonal rhythms, as well as through in-breath and out-breath moments
• To provide programs that support the young child’s creative thinking and imagination, through storytelling, singing, and meaningful craft and handwork
• To provide a nurturing environment that is reflective of nature, and that fully allows young children to develop both physically, and emotionally.
• To recognise that young children learn through imitation, and act in a way that is worthy of imitation of the young child, to help them care and show respect for each other and everything around them, and to foster their physical and emotional development
• To understand and appreciate the young child’s development in the early years, and act appropriately to scaffold the children throughout their development
• To develop professional, loving relationships with the children, so that they feel loved and welcomed
• To recognise each child as a unique being, and, through reflection and practice, support each child’s individual needs
• To be committed to continuous reflection of our pedagogy, open to learning, and continuing to better ourselves. “Do your best until you know better, then do better”
• To be intentional in all that we do