Our Philosophy, Ethics and Social Responsibility of Totom House
Totom House is located on the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal people, whose spiritual and cultural relationship with Country we respect.
We are committed to upholding the rights of all children and acknowledge the place of childhood as a unique and critical part of the human lifespan. By encouraging children to engage in purposeful and meaningful experiences, we stimulate children’s natural desire for learning. Our curriculum fosters each child’s sense of identity, wellbeing and self-worth, enabling positive and respectful relationships with others to evolve and flourish. In this way, we support the development of the children into becoming socially-responsible citizens of the present and the future.
We are committed to recognising families as the most important social, language and cultural learning community for children. It is within the family unit that children first learn about who they are and begin to make connections to the world around them. By forming a strong, respectful, and authentic alliance with families, we ensure that children can move between settings safely and securely, and that families and educators share a mutual regard for each other’s role in, and impact on, children’s lives.
We are committed to supporting educators as lifelong learners, who always act professionally and collaboratively in the best interests of children. We nurture a culture of continuous learning that is based on professional inquiry, ethical choices, diversity in views and mutual respect. We embrace an approach to professional practice that ensures the right of all children to achieve their full potential, regardless of circumstances.
We are committed to advocating appreciation of the importance of childhood within the community. In making our teaching and the children’s learning visible to the Totom House community, we promote our image of children as competent and confident learners. We value the contributions of children to the community as citizens of the present, not just the future.
We are committed to ensuring that the principles and practices that frame the early childhood profession in Australia underpin our work. We engage in research, apply child development theories and approaches, and uphold the Early Childhood Australia’s Code of Ethics, all of which inform our teaching and learning practices. We take pride in being able, as educators, to contribute to furthering a collective understanding of children, childhood, and fostering high-quality and innovative professional practice.
This statement articulates the fundamental beliefs and values that guide our professional actions and decision-making, especially in relation to our ethical and social responsibilities. Through our adherence to these beliefs and values, we ensure that all children at Totom House feel valued, secure and supported, enabling them to thrive and prosper.
Our values
Empathy
Empathy is central to all our relationships.
Wellbeing
The wellbeing of children and educators is our primary focus at Totom House, achieved through developing caring, respectful relationships and showing gratitude to all in our community.
Professionalism
Our professionalism and ongoing research are manifested through our Action Research Projects and ensure that we continue to provide high quality care and education for the children.
Open-mindedness
We encourage people to feel comfortable about contributing their ideas and expressing their views, aware that their views will be treated with respect.
Ethics
We consider ethical responsibilities when making decisions, choosing what is right over what is expedient or convenient and stand up for what our profession values.
Cooperation/Teamwork
We all learn from each other and acknowledge that when individuals work cooperatively and collaboratively with others, the results for all are amazing.