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Caring for Children, not for profit.
Yawarra Children's Services is a community-based early education and care service comprising Pooraka Community Early Education and Care and Kesters Community Early Education and Care centres. As a not-for-profit organisation, we are committed to providing high-quality education and care services to children and families.
Our History
Established over 30 years ago, Yawarra Children's Services has a rich history of providing quality education and care services to children and families. We have earned a reputation for excellence, built on our commitment to delivering high-quality programs that meet the unique needs of each child.
At Yawarra Children's Services, our philosophy is centered on the needs and well-being of children. We believe that every child deserves a nurturing environment that fosters their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. Our services are designed to provide a safe, secure, and supportive environment for children to explore, learn, and grow.
Our Approach
Our services are guided by the National Quality Standards (NQS) set by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) and the Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011) and Early Years Learning Framework 2022 (EYLF). We are dedicated to providing a place where children feel safe, secure, and supported as they begin their lifelong learning journeys. Each of our service has their own place-based pedagogy that is influences their practice, educational programs, learning environments and resources making it a uniquely rich and vibrant space for children to be, belong and become in their learning, development and wellbeing.
Our Educational Programs
Our programs are founded on the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) principles of Belonging, Being, and Becoming. Our onsite Preschool and Kindy programs are designed to promote child-led emergent curriculum, which captures each child's unique voice, needs, interests, and experiences while respecting their differences. Our programs are designed to be inclusive, responsive, and reflective of the diversity of our community.
Our Committment
At Yawarra Children's Services, we are committed to providing high-quality education and care services that meet the needs of each child. We strive to build strong relationships with families, engaging them in our programs and encouraging their participation in their child's education. We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life, and we are dedicated to providing the support and resources necessary to achieve this goal.
Our Directors
Our directors are dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education and care services to our children and families. With a strong passion for education and a commitment to excellence, our directors are instrumental in shaping the future of our services.
Our
Educators
At Yawarra Children's Services, we believe that our educators play a vital role in your child's wellbeing, development and learning. We recognize the importance of family as the first and most influential teacher in a child's life, and our educators work closely with families to provide a nurturing and supportive environment for children.
Educator Qualifications
Our educators are comprised of Diploma-qualified educators who are supported by Certificate III educators. Each day, your child will have the opportunity to engage with our qualified and experienced educators who provide positive interactions and experiences that support their learning and development.
Professional Developement
We view our educators as lifelong learners and encourage them to engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with best practices in early childhood education. Our educators are required to complete a minimum of 60 hours of professional development for registration renewal and we strive to exceed this requirement annually.
Child Safety and Wellbeing
All our educators hold current certifications in the following areas:
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HLTAID004 – Provide an emergency First Aid response in an Education and Care setting
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Asthma management
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Anaphylaxis management
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CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
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SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) prevention and response
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Reporting Abuse and Neglect (Mandatory Reporting)
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Working With Children's Checks
Our Preschool Teachers
Our Preschool and Kindy programs are overseen by University-qualified Bachelor of Early Childhood Education teachers who possess a deep understanding of early childhood education principles and practices. Our teachers are committed to providing high-quality education programs that cater to the unique needs and interests of each child.
Our Kitchens
Our kitchen is a vital part of our early childhood education and care services, providing nutritious and delicious meals for our children. We believe that food is not just about fuel, but about family, community, and identity.
Our kitchen philosophy is guided by Michael Pollan's quote, "Food is not just about fuel; Food is about family, food is about community, food is about identity and we nourish all these things when we eat well." We strive to create a menu that is not only healthy and nutritious but also culturally diverse and inclusive.
Menu and Nutrition
Our menu is designed in accordance with the "Eat a Rainbow" program from Nutrition Australia, which encourages children to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. We take pride in our daily cooking, using fresh and locally sourced ingredients to provide a diversified menu that changes weekly.
Food Safety and Standards
We maintain the highest standards of food safety and hygiene, ensuring that our educators are trained in accordance with City of Salisbury Council and National Standards. Our kitchen staff are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our children to enjoy their meals
Dietary Requirements
We understand that every child has unique dietary needs, and we are committed to accommodating these requirements. Our experienced kitchen staff work closely with families to provide menu options that suit their child's needs.