Our Balanced Environments
Just as our bee represents the balance in nature, we are committed to supporting our children to understand the impact that we all have on our precious environment. We have mindfully chosen resources which complement nature, including natural timbers and sustainable products. Through our “Garden to Gourmet” program, children learn about gardening, recycling, sustainability and healthy eating, while getting to enjoy the flavour of their work.
We make a conscious effort to purchase locally whenever we can, so that we can support our local businesses. Our philosophy guides our decision making around purchasing, particularly in regard to sustainable products and products that support authentic learning opportunities. Our furniture and timber features are made from long-lasting hardwood timbers, including Victorian Ash, Merbau and Ironbark. Each item has been chosen to stimulate children’s interests and their connection with the environment, and to encourage them to explore the world around them.
Our Balanced Inclusions
We aim to make the daily transition to and from care as easy as possible for both families and children by offering a range of inclusions such as nutritious meals prepared on-site. We have been mindful with our choice of suppliers to choose products which are both good for children and for our environment and/or communities. Our Enrolment Fee includes a hat, shirt and bag to get you started!
There is no need to bring nappies, wipes or sunscreen unless you would prefer to use your own brand, your personal preferences are welcomed. You may wonder why we’ve not chosen to provide sheets for sleep/rest time? This is because we believe that each child connects with their personal belongings and having their own recognisable sheets/blankets adds to their sense of identity as an individual. Sleep/rest time is a calm and relaxing time at our service and we believe that each child having their own sheets provides a sense of belonging both visually and through the scent that connects them to home.
Our Balanced Programs
Our experienced educators use the Early Years Learning Framework as a guideline to developing individualised programs which enhance each child’s development. This document is approved under the National Quality Framework to give children the very best start to life, at its core is learning through play.
The Early Years Learning Framework conveys the highest expectations for all children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transitions to school. It communicates these expectations through the following five Learning Outcomes:
- Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Children are effective communicators.
Our programs will be further enhanced by our local community connections as we build together and learn together.
Our Balanced Philosophy
Our philosophy is more than just an expression of who we are, we strongly believe that it shapes our decision making and should be reflected in everything we say, everything we do and everything we are. At Balance we believe that every child and every adult should have the opportunity to become the very best they can be regardless of how they started life and where their journey will take them. We value diversity and the richness that each individual brings to our service.
Our Balanced Community
“It takes a village to raise a child”
(African Proverb)
At Balance, we believe our children should have a healthy respect for, and understanding of, the world around them. We are committed to doing our part to contribute to a better future for our children. We support local and national charities in a holistic way, we are currently donating $5 from every enrolment from now until 30 June 2019 to Rural Aid to support our farming communities.
