Environmental sustainability policy.
Our approach to environmental sustainability in centre operations and the children's program.
National Quality Standard for Early Childhood Education and Care
3.2.3 - Environmentally responsible - The service cares for the environment and supports children to become environmentally responsible.
Purpose
We are committed to protecting our environment to ensure a sustainable future for our children, through continuous improvement we strive to be better tomorrow than we are today.
Each of our Centres actively participates in caring for our environment and promotes sustainable practices through educating and working with the children, families and wider community. As a community, we can create, encourage, and increase awareness of being environmentally responsible. These practices need to be eco-friendly and involve staff, children and families to be successful.
Implementation
We believe environmentally sustainable practices should be embedded into the operations of the Service. Our centres will promote children’s awareness of the environment through daily practices within the routine and program, resources and interactions. We will encourage sustainable practices within the service and encourage staff, children and families to become advocates for a “green” environment.
Focus and attention will be on
Using recyclable materials where possible.
Encouraging children to recycle paper and rubbish within their rooms, at home and when in the wider community.
Converting water saving taps.
Educating children in the natural decomposition cycle through exposure and participation in worm farms and composting food scraps.
Educating children and having them participate in ‘garden to plate’ activities i.e. seed sprouting, weeding, vegetable gardens, cooking amongst other activities.
Educating children on caring for plants and our waterways i.e. recycling water etc
Where possible electronic communication will be used to reduce paper use.
Re-use materials such as cardboard boxes, one side paper, shredded paper, bottle tops etc. Seek to purchase equipment that is environmentally friendly where possible. Educators will reduce the amount of plastic and disposable equipment they purchase and select materials that are made of natural materials.
Engaging staff, children and families in recycling programs eg: Terracycle stationary/plastic lid collections.
Our Educators will role model and promote sustainability by
Educating children about caring for our environment.
Promoting awareness of the environment through ‘green housekeeping practices’ such as healthy eating, gardening, minimising waste, recycling and reducing water and energy consumption i.e.: switching off lights and fans in rooms that are not being used.
Assist children in developing an understanding and respect for the environment and encourage critical thinking.
Working with children and families to research sustainable practices.
Using the concept of “reduce, re-use and recycle” which will become part of everyday practice for both children and educators to build lifelong attitudes towards sustainable practices.
Recycling water from water play into the gardens.
Asking families to bring in recyclable items to use for arts and craft.
Re-using plastic and paper bags from grocery stores.
Utilising environmentally friendly products (where possible).
Source resources and materials from Reverse Garbage or second hand stores to use within the Service.
Network with the local community to keep up to date with current practices
Professional development
Recycling is a part of the everyday practices at our service. Recycling containers will be provided throughout the Centre to encourage Educators to role model sustainable practices.
Educators will discuss sustainable practices with the children as part of the Centre’s curriculum and this will be evident in the program. Idea sharing will be encouraged between the staff, children and families regarding sustainable ideas, implementation and resources. This can be done at meetings, through emails, the centre App and conversations.
Educators will use their local Council and Government departments as sources of information on sustainable practices used in the local community. They will liaise with the local Council and Government departments for possible grants available to put in place water and energy conservation practices in the Service.
Source: Education and Care Services National Regulations
National Quality Standard
Early Years Learning Framework V2.0 2022
Community Early Learning Australia
Aussie Childcare Network
Centre Support
Kuringai Council
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