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Byron Bay Preschool Cavanbah joins sister service in Excellent ranks
Freya Lucas
Aug 09, 2024
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Byron Bay Preschool Cavanbah (BBPC) has joined sister service Byron Bay Preschool Coogera Centre in being noted for excellence, as recognised by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
BBPC was noted for its:
- collaborative partnerships with professional, community or research organisations
- commitment to children that respects, reflects and celebrates culture and diversity, including place of origin
- inclusive partnerships with children and families
- positive workplace culture and organisational values, sustained commitment to professional development and support of educators.
Dedicated cultural facilitator, focus on connecting with Country
One point of note for ACECQA in reaching its decision was BBPCs appointment of a dedicated Cultural Facilitator (CF) who is employed for two days per week, playing a key role in enhancing practices, programs, and outcomes by embedding cultural experiences.
The CF, an educator with a Diploma in Aboriginal Culture and Community Development, has worked with BBPC since 2022, and is viewed by the service as having been instrumental in leading contextual cultural initiatives and ensuring that each child’s cultural background is acknowledged and valued.
Tasks undertaken as part of the CF role include providing cultural briefs for planning, supporting educators in gathering family cultural information, celebrating individual cultural practices, and translating assessment reports into home languages to ensure clear communication with families.
This dedication to inclusion, and to embedding First Nations perspectives, is continued in BBPCs emphasis on being present and mindful in nature through a deepening understanding of Bundjalung Bush Rules. Guided by a local Elder, BBPC integrates key principles of Bunjalung culture, such as respecting nature, sacred sites, and maintaining a balance between taking from and giving back to the land. Educators and children engage actively with nature, expressing gratitude for environmental gifts like wind-borne branches, which are used during creative art experiences.
Child centred approach to risk
Another point of note was the active involvement of children in the risk assessment process, with children contributing to the identification and mitigation of potential hazards within their physical learning environment.
Children at BBPC engage in discussions about various safety concerns, such as fire evacuations and the introduction of new resources. The children document their findings and suggested solutions in a Floorbook, with educators assisting in transcribing their ideas.
When a child with a nut allergy enrolled at the service the children collaborated on strategies to minimise risk which were incorporated into daily routines and documented in the floorbook.
This participatory approach extends to policy development, including the update of the service’s sleep and rest policy, which was updated to allow children recognise their own tired cues following feedback regarding large group rest times.
Children are valued members of the BBPC practice of daily morning meetings, where they contribute to the agenda and engage in discussions regarding different topics relevant to the running of their room. Educators organise the meeting agendas with input from the children, who are encouraged to propose topics such as ordering resources, resolving conflicts, and managing issues.
During the meetings, children lead discussions, express their concerns, and collaboratively develop solutions, which fosters empowerment and a sense of ownership over their environment. Topics often include establishing behaviour agreements, assessing weather-related risks, and exploring the concept of community.
For BBPC these meetings have been integral in developing children's decision-making, problem-solving, and civic responsibility. For example, when children noticed excessive packaging from a supplier delivery, they wrote a letter expressing concerns about environmental impacts and suggested alternatives. They also repurposed the packaging materials for an art project and composted the cardboard.
Support for families
To support potential BBPC families who experience financial hardship the service offers free enrolment across the week to children from vulnerable backgrounds. This includes families experiencing family stress, poverty, displacement, or other vulnerabilities as identified.
In extenuating circumstances, outstanding fees are waived for families unable to pay, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to quality education and care.
Working with its fellow service Byron Bay Preschool Coogera Centre, BBPC supports its local community’s children and families and advocates for early childhood education and care through community focused initiatives.
The Village Vibes initiatives, facilitated by the approved provider, include regular playgroups and workshops that cater for children from infancy to their transition to school. Through these initiatives, the service staff share information, build trusting relationships, help reduce barriers to participation and advocate for access to early childhood education and care and community health services.
To learn more about BBPC please see here. Further advice and support about the Excellent rating may be found here.
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