Lady Gowrie
Lady Gowrie
Excellence in Early Childhood Education
 Gowrie Children

 

 

The Children's Program is the cornerstone of our organisation, providing education and care for children on a part and full-time basis.
 
Gowrie Children caters for children from 6 weeks to kindergarten age. There are two centres, one in Carlton North (established in 1939) and one at Docklands (established in 2009). Both services operate Monday to Friday 8.00am - 6.00pm. The children are grouped by age across rooms, with qualified early childhood professionals staffing each room. Both services operate an integrated funded Kindergarten Program for preschool children. 
 
Gowrie Victoria’s approach to early childhood learning & development is reflected in the Early Years Learning Framework’s (2009) vision to provide children with a sense of Belonging, recognise and celebrate their Being & support their Becoming. Gowrie Victoria implements a play based, emergent curriculum. 
 
The environments are flexible, stimulating, inviting & purposefully arranged to capture children's interests, ideas & cater to individual needs. The use of natural resources is evident in creating open ended play spaces for children to imagine, create and discover.
 
Gowrie Victoria encourages the early childhood sector to strive for excellence in the provision of quality programs for children. Observation booths are utilised to enable children’s service staff, management committees, parents, students and other professionals to observe and discuss our children’s programs. For further information or to book your session go to Theory into Practice.
 
 
Philosophy 
 
Interaction  development   being education
belonging  wellbeing  becoming
We believe in the recognition of the uniqueness of each child and family and the need for children to develop an understanding and respect for self and others.
We acknowledge that children belong first to a family. We respect the diverse cultures of children and families.
We acknowledge the critical importance of children, parents and educators as partners in a learning community that promotes the wellbeing, education and development of all children.
We believe that children need a strong sense of wellbeing for good physical health, feelings of happiness and a positive sense of self.
We believe that interaction, sensitivity and attachment are fundamental elements in providing opportunities for children to realise their potential.
This potential is achieved through opportunities to:
- imagine and create
- propose theories and reasons
- master skills
- have meaningful experiences
- express thoughts and ideas
- solve problems
- engage in reflective thinking
- explore diverse ways of knowing, thinking and learning.
 
We believe that promoting positive mental health and wellbeing can make a significant difference to the lives of children.
We view children as capable, competent, co-contributors and acknowledge them as active participants in their own learning. We consult with children regarding a range of aspects of the program.
We believe that the role of educators is to provide a stimulating and responsive environment where positive reinforcement and encouragement make learning possible.
We acknowledge and value our own indigenous heritage and those of the wider community - locally, nationally and internationally. We will value and connect with people to create a sustained learning community.
 
We strive to support children in the ways they connect with the natural environment to promote awareness of environmental and sustainable practices.
We recognise, and value the knowledge and commitment of the educators and fully support their continued professional learning. Educators will engage in critical reflection of the philosophy, ethics and practice to enrich decision making about children’s learning.
We believe that a philosophy statement changes as new insights are gained and practice is evaluated.
 
What Happened to My World
Over recent years, many communities have experienced natural disasters. Following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the USA, 2005, Jim Greenman, Senior Vice President, Bright Horizons Family Solutions produced a book called What Happened to My World. This book written to help parents, educators and all those who work with families and children to support and assist children understand and cope with a natural disaster.  
 
Pademelon Press, the Australian publishers, together with Gowrie Victoria offer this resource book, What Happened to My World in electronic format, in the belief that it will assist you and your community support the families and children who are struggling to understand a natural disaster. Hard copies are available from Gowrie Resources online bookshop or in person at Carlton North or Docklands.
 
There are children's books and early childhood resource books available to assist families, educators and communities working with children. The early childhood consultants at Gowrie Victoria are available to assist you identify and find these publications.  If you would like assistance in finding additional resource material please contact us at books@gowrievictoria.org.au or on 03 9349 3050.
 
Some areas you might consider are:
Boosting Resilience; Nurturing; Moving House; Making Friends; Death and Dying; Being in Hospital; Exploring Science; Self Esteem

 
Contacts:
 
Gowrie Victoria
Corner Newry and Canning Streets
Carlton North VIC 3054
Ph: 03 9347 6388
Fax: 03 9347 7567
 
The Harbour Family and Children's Centre
1 Seafarer Lane
Victoria Harbour
Docklands VIC 3008
Ph: 03 8624 1000
Fax: 03 8624 1050