Malin Friends programs are designed and implemented by trained early childhood professionals and incorporate the child's voice.
All programs are overseen by a qualified early childhood teacher.
Malin Friends acknowledges that the land in which we meet, gather, work, play and learn, are the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people and we recognise and respect the Wurundjei people's spiritual relationship with Country. We also acknowledge the Kulin Nation as the custodians of the lands around us and recognise that their cultural and heritage beliefs are of continued importance. We recognise their continuing connection to the land, water and community.
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We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of the past, present and emerging.
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At Malin Friends, we have a published Reconciliation Action Plan with narragunnawali.org.au and an ongoing Reconciliation Action committee.
Our educators are Certificate 3 or Diploma qualified and trained early childhood educators. We also employ qualified early childhood teachers. All staff hold a valid working with children check.
Our Philosophy
Our Programs are guided by the following philosophy, beliefs and action statements:
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In relation to children:
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We believe that individuals learn and develop at their own pace and that high quality educational programs are developmentally and age appropriate and interesting to children.
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We encourage exploration of the environment, which is rich in learning experiences based on natural elements. We respect the right for children to make choices and to be empowered within the environment. We provide experiences which foster creativity and imagination and encourage an appreciation of nature.
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We provide programs which accommodate a variety of learning styles, such as visual, sensory, musical, kinaesthetic and spatial. We provide holistic programs which help children develop cognitively, socially, emotionally and physically using their unique multiple intelligences.
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We provide a safe and secure environment where educators are responsive to individual needs and routines.
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We consult with children about their interests, which is the basis of programs.
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We promote children's communication and language development. Educators are appropriate language role models and are responsive to children's verbal and non-verbal communication.
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- We support and guide children in developing a positive self-esteem and self-concept, which is fundamental to the positive development of social skills. We encourage children to develop confidence in their abilities and to be proud of their achievements.
- We respect and value diversity of families including their types, abilities, culture, religion and experience, and understand the important role the family has for a child's growth and development. We demonstrate an anti-bias approach to our programs and promote inclusivity for children and families.
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- We communicate with families about their child's interests, learning and well-being and work towards developing strong partnerships by encouraging open communication and collaboration. We value feedback and participation in children's programs.
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In relation to the community:
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​We acknowledge and respect Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and embed their culture into our programs.
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We are dedicated to enriching our understanding of child development and best practice with current research and training, thereby enriching the programs we deliver to our children, families, students and our community.
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We are committed to providing environmentally sensitive and sustainable educational programs and in promoting an understanding of the environmental issues our community is currently facing, and aim to promote and demonstrate sustainable practices where possible in our practice.
