Our Beliefs | Petit Early Learning Journey

Our philosophy is embedded in six core beliefs. These core beliefs represent who we are and where we are heading. It is what keeps us focused and ensures we always — always — put your child first.

Importance of philosophy

Our statement of philosophy reflects the core elements of our learning framework, commitment to quality outcomes for our children and guides our decision-making on curriculum delivery, ongoing learning and reflective practices at each Petit ELJ centre. It reflects a shared view of who we are and where we would like to be. For parents, this means you should feel we partner with you throughout the journey of your child’s early years – you are aligned, supported and understood by Petit ELJ.

Statement of Beliefs

Here are some of the ways our six core beliefs are embedded in teaching approaches and practise at our centres. Each centre has been influenced by their local context and priorities of families. To see how these beliefs are embraced at your centre, remember to view the belief wall at your centre during your visit.

Upon enrolment, every family has gifted a hardcopy of our Petit ELJ philosophy booklet which dives deeper into our Statement of Beliefs.

“Every child is capable, resourceful and a constructor of their own knowledge”

What this looks like:

Children’s autonomy is encouraged through our open-ended resources.
Children’s voices are heard and respected.
We invite children to express their ideas.

“Learning is an active process, a keystone to play based pedagogy”

What this looks like:

We plan intentional teaching experiences to scaffold children’s learning through play.
Our program is designed in such a way to foster each individual child’s learning journey.
Children are encouraged to reflect, investigate, wonder, be curious, and the learning focus is on the individual child rather than the outcome.

“Partnering with families fosters strong reciprocal relationships”

What this looks like:

We value the perspective and insights regarding the child builds trust and respectful relationships, working together with families ensuring children’s capacities to succeed are met.
The journey of learning with families creates a strong foundation of trust and honesty.
Families are encouraged to participate in our studio goals and term objectives.

“Connection with community supports health and wellbeing”

What this looks like:

Intentionally planned community engagement through centre events, extracurricular activities, incursions and excursions.
Community relationships are built around the question, “What can we do at Petit ELJ to promote your business, how can we support you”.
Our community pantry is well stocked with necessities for those in need. “Give what you can, take what you need”.

“The learning environment is a place of potential and possibility for learning”

What this looks like:

We recognise the potential that the physical environment has for nurturing the learning and development of children and respect the role of the environment as the third teacher.
We use natural materials from the environment and loose parts in our programs.
We provide the children with engaging learning environments to enable them to explore their curiosity and creativity.

“Teaching teams to engage with contemporary teaching approaches”

What this looks like:

We reflect on our practice as a team to effectively implement engaging and relevant programs.
We engage in collaborative discussions and critically reflect to share different perspectives on pedagogy and practice.
We are responsive and flexible. Underpinning the pedagogy practice at Petit ELJ is an approach that recognises a holistic approach.

Language matters at Petit Early Learning Journey

At Petit, our philosophy and approach to early childhood education and care views young children, their families, and our Educator teams with respect for who they are, while also acknowledge the complexity and importance of learning, development, and wellbeing in the early years.

A key element of our philosophy and approach is to ensure we utilise, role model and advocate for respectful language at all times, from our everyday interactions with children, families, and colleagues, to how we share and celebrate our early learning centres in our local communities, and through our website and social media platforms.

The importance of language is also advocated for by Early Childhood Australia. At Petit, we are always striving to use and promote respectful language about children, and also about our early childhood educators and teachers.

We do not use the terms childcare worker or day care to describe our people or settings. This does not do justice to the knowledge, skills, and dedication our educators and teachers possess, nor do we believe it is respectful to our youngest children’s incredible capacity for learning and development. Care is an essential aspect of our settings, but we always acknowledge that it is education and care that children (and their educators) are engaged in every day.

We refer to ourselves within the wider Early Childhood Sector or Profession. This again acknowledges that young children and their learning matter! The learning experiences and environments we provide are based upon research, and involve continuous training and knowledge building to engage in ethical teaching practices. We do not use the term childcare industry to describe our early childhood sector, as an industry by definition is something that produces duplicate products. We do not see children or their learning as a duplicate product, to do so does not value the complexity and importance of children’s learning, nor the knowledge and professional skills our educators bring to their role.

The language we use at Petit Early Learning Journey is just one of many practices we engage in everyday to create respectful, meaningful, and engaging learning experiences and environments for your child!

Gift your child with the love of learning. Enrol your child into a holistic early learning journey that guides your child’s development and keeps you connected every step of the way.