Little Penguins Child Care Centre

Little Penguins has a new home! The new purpose-built centre, located at 83 Burgess Street, is now open and boasts some more of the ocean views that are so unique to Bicheno.

Little Penguins offers quality care for children between the ages from birth to 12 years and is run by warm, friendly and motivated child care professionals. Catering for mixed ages in care, children have access to creative expression through music, movement and visual arts.

School Holiday Care is available at the Bicheno Memorial Hall and details can be found here.

Hours of Operation

The centre offers care between the hours of 8.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Session times are:

Full Day                            8.00 am - 5.30 pm

Morning Session               8.00 am - 12.30 pm

Afternoon Session           1.30 pm - 5.30 pm

Before School (Burgess Street)        8.00am - 8.45am

After School (Burgess Street)   2.45pm - 5.30pm

The centre is closed for 4 weeks over the Christmas holiday period, fees are not payable during this closure period.

 

Philosophy 

• Experiences and Learning - We believe that young children should be actively involved in making meaning out of experiences and directing their own learning. Our service recognises the importance of childhood as a time to be in the present, while supporting individual children’s ability to engage with life’s joys and complexities as they meet challenges and explore new experiences. Learning in early childhood should be drawn from the strengths and interests that children already have, in an enjoyable and positive way. We acknowledge that the process of learning is more important than the outcome. The social and emotional development of all children is recognised as an important element in programs for the group and individuals. We believe that the centre should provide a diverse, stimulating and enriching program, including aspects such as sustainable futures. Children will be encouraged to play, explore, discover and practice in a safe nurturing environment.

• Partnerships - We acknowledge that relationships are crucial to children’s sense of belonging,and are central in supporting children’s emerging identity. We believe that family support is a key aspect to successful learning and development for young children. We acknowledge that each child is a part of a family, a cultural group,and a community. Building strong relationships with families, through the exchange of information on each child with staff is recognised as central to our practice. We support family input into the centre’s organisation and management and recognise that the skills, knowledge and contributions families can make will enhance the quality of our service. We believe that young children should learn to respect and celebrate the diversity of the Australian community. We recognise that diversity relates to culture, race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status and differing abilities. Our service believes that we have an important role to play as an advocate for young children and their families, encouraging a more equitable and compassionate community, where everyone has a sense of their rights and responsibilities.

• Staff Relationships - At Bicheno Little Penguins we value the diverse skills, strengths and resources that each staff member has to offer. We acknowledge that working together as a team requires understanding of diversity with regard to each staff member’s experiences and background. Positive staff relationships are a key aspect in ensuring that the centre provides children with a safe, secure and happy environment. Educators will be provided with opportunities to have input into decision making, pursue professional development and to reflect on their own practices and that of their colleagues. The service will also support students in becoming professional early childhood educators.

• Evaluation - We recognise that the environment in which the centre operates is constantly changing. Ongoing evaluation of the needs of children, families, staff and the community will allow us to create a service that is dynamic and responsive to change. The evaluation process requires us to have an openness to change, encourage reflective practise, recognise diversity and support life long learning.