Stories, friendships and memories are held dearly by all in the Perry Street community; children, educators, and families value connections as an integral part of human development and well-being. “I feel happy with my friends.” Our place on Wurundjeri land, Fairfield, is a green haven where early childhood education is honoured and nurtured by a not-for-profit community-based model of care.

 

Nature is a powerful teacher at Perry Street. Our learning environment is rich with natural resources where children are encouraged to explore, take safe risks and express creativity with home grown resources. “Perry Street sounds like a bird and wind.” We ensure outdoor spaces are part of, and not just the subject of, our daily learning.

 

Care for Country is achieved as educators weave sustainability, First Nations culture, and awe of the natural world throughout everyday experiences. We strive to show children the preciousness of the living environment, their impact on living creatures, and ‘farm to fork’ cycles through our beloved kitchen garden program. At Perry Street, we draw inspiration from multiple theories of learning in order to meet diverse community backgrounds and needs. We embrace the rainbow of individual learning preferences and pathways for  developing, which helps provide an inclusive second home for everyone. The right to safety, positive well-being and an embrace of neurodiversity is evident across our Centre.

 

Educators at Perry Street share reflective practices as a basis for continual improvement and demonstrate high quality professional standards with a commitment to excellence. Partnerships based on reciprocal respect are core to our everyday operations. “Perry Street is a house.” This influences a constructive culture between families, staff, and between both key stakeholder groups.

 

Experience and knowledge of every child is treasured as the adults in their world cooperate to provide the best opportunities possible. “I feel sad because I miss my mum and dad but I like to play at Perry Street.” We uphold the voice and rights of our children as partners in decision making in order to model compassion and collaboration.

 

The early childhood years are unlike any other, which is why positive, healthy and secure connections are cherished by Perry Street through this period of enormous growth. These foundational relationships provide our children with a confidence to explore and learn throughout their lives.