Daystars acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the Land, Rivers and Sea. We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders; past, present and
emerging of all Nations
Daystars Early Learning is a family-owned educational childcare group with two purpose-built childcare centres for ages 0 – 5 in Killara and Bardwell Valley.
At Daystars, we believe that all children are naturally capable learners who learn best through a balance of play-based and structured learning experiences.
We offer children stimulating learning environments, hands-on learning experiences, and extensive school readiness opportunities to nurture learning confidence and competence. Our aim is to nurture every child’s unique sparkle by providing the highest standards of early childhood and care.
At Daystars our Philosophy is a mission statement identifying our beliefs and our reasons behind our practices. Our Philosophy is created to guide the operation of the service and the delivery of the education and care program for our families, educators and community.
Daystars believe all children are capable, unique with individual needs, interests, and strengths. All children are given equal opportunities regardless of their gender, culture, socio-economic background and supporting the inclusion of children who require additional support.
We show a deep respect for children’s interests and see play as the major learning and developing tool for young children. At Daystars our children are encouraged to have input and make decision relating to their learning, fostering a strong sense of self-esteem, independency and a sense of belonging. (Belonging)
Children learn best through play and educators will support development by providing experiences that are meaningful, challenging and ignite curiosity through investigation. Children are given the opportunity to choose their own experiences that, most importantly, reflect their interests. For example, the child’s knowledge is valued and can be used as a tool for enhancing the knowledge of others. (Becoming).
We appreciate the importance of the present day in our children’s lives, learning about themselves in a holistic manner, building and maintaining relationships and enjoying life. (Being).
Families are the most important people in their child’s life and have valuable information to share with us. We educators value and respect our diverse families within our wider community with their diverse values, beliefs and language, cultures and rearing practices. We believe that parentships with families is beneficial to their children’s success at the service. Therefore, we endeavour to create sound and reciprocal relationships with our parents and the wider community. (Belonging).
At the heart of our program is the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) which guides and support our program and practice. Through the use of principles, practice and learning outcomes, these are used to direct our planning for children’s learning. These outcomes are achieved through educators scaffolding children through play-based learning and open-ended opportunities and experiences. The program empowers our children to make choices through a positive learning environment which is created where children can learn at their own pace. Our educators actively observe children extending learning by encouraging children to wonder, explore, test, predict, problem solve, negotiate, reflect, and research through play in partnership with each other and the educators. (Being).
We recognise and respect every educator is an individual with diverse needs, interest, skills, knowledge and experiences. Our educators continuously act as a suitable role models by showing wonder in their environment, seeking our learning opportunities and undergoing professional development. Educators enable children to explore, whilst encouraging participation in all learning areas and experiences at Daystars.
Daystars strives to maintain positive relationships within our community, we invite to build on strong community communication and involvement. We welcome feedback to develop and grow and meet our families needs. We understand the importance of fostering these partnerships and incorporate these into our program to guide and support children and families’ expectation and reassurance.
At Daystars, we engage in environmental and sustainable practices. The children at Daystars are encouraged to participate in planned experiences which support their engagement with the respect for the natural environment. This in turn, provides children with a sense of responsibility for caring for the environment and aims to implement strategies which support children’s awareness of our environment and the wider community for future generations. (Being).
Our Service is made up of a team of high-quality professional educators who are committed to and passionate about early childhood education and care. Our staff promote the human rights, safety and wellbeing of all children and consider and respect the diverse backgrounds and needs of children.
Our educators are continually evaluating how our curriculum meets the educational needs of our children and reflecting on ways to improve children’s learning and development and are supported by a team of highly qualified professionals. Our educational leader and early childhood teachers guide our educators in providing quality, research based educational programs.
We consider our educators a most valuable resource, and that their culture and life experiences enrich our Service. They strictly adhere to the Early Childhood Code of Ethics and to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. They are role models in all of their interactions with children, parents and other educators. Our childcare workers’ voices, personal philosophies and ideas are respected and duly considered. They are encouraged to pursue their professional goals, and to engage in critical reflection and self-development.
Our Service complies with the National Quality Framework (NQF) including the National Quality Standard (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Regulations (Education and Care Services National Regulations). Our Service is regulated by the new national body for early education and care – the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as well as the state licensing department in our State/Territory. To contact our Regulatory Authority, please refer to the contact details below – New South Wales NSW Early Childhood Education and Care Nominated Supervisorate www.det.nsw.edu.au 02 9716 2100, cslicensing@dhs.nsw.gov.au, Locked Bag 4028, ASHFIELD NSW 2131
Our Service is regulated by the national body for early education and care – the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) as well as the state licensing department in NSW. To contact our Regulatory Authority, please refer to the contact details below:
18 Fiddens, Wharf Road, Killara
NSW 2071 Australia
Tel (02) 94999049
29-31 Hannam Street, Bardwell Valley
NSW 2207 Australia
Tel (02) 95999888