For children, a sense of community plays an important role in the development of their feelings of belonging and security.
As children grow and develop, connections to the outside world help them to find their place in the world, to develop understandings of how society works, and to recognise and understand the shared values that underpin our society.
Childcare is often the first contact with a wider community beyond home and Because of this, we foster supportive relationships between families as well as connecting families to other organizations and services in the local community.
Some of the ways we encourage participation is:
Inviting children to share information about their experiences with extra-curricular activities such as scouts, sports or music through our weekend forms
Taking small groups of children to local shops and services such as the post office, library or park
For staff seeking out and forming links with local community organizations provides child care professionals with opportunities to gain invaluable guidance, skills and knowledge from colleagues, peak bodies, experts, resource agencies, training institutions and local authorities. The input and assistance of relevant people and organisations will also help to keep child care professionals up to date and informed about recommended practices.
Our external community includes just some of the following:
Darebin Council
We have strong links with the council for staff education, kindergarten program support, network co-ordinators meetings, promoting local events….
Local Allied health services
Speech pathology, dental services
University and Registered Training Organisations
At Nicki’s we are big supporters of helping future early childhood educators to develop the practical knowledge and skills that they will require to become successful and passionate teachers.
We have built relationships with a number of universities and RTO and provide their students with practical experience placements as part of their courses. This is a reciprocal relationship that allows these students to build a better understanding of the practical side of early childhood education, whilst helping our own staff learn from these students about new developments in the theories of early education.
Supporting Local Business
Where possible we utilise fellow small business in our local region for most of our supplies and goods for our daily needs.
Fruit and vegetables, cleaning services, cleaning supplies, maintenance work, gardening work…
Charity and Fundraising
We will participate in many charity events such as RCH Easter appeal, lord smith animal hospital drive,