Our approach to care and learning
Child-led, play-based and Montessori-informed, in a safe home environment where every child belongs. Here's what that looks like in practice, and how we keep children safe.
What we believe
We provide child-centred, play-based and Montessori-informed education in a safe, nurturing, home-like environment. We work closely with families and practise cultural responsiveness, so every child feels they belong, enjoys their childhood and is supported to reach their potential.
Learning is child-led. Mixed-age groups, which are natural in family day care, let younger children learn from older ones and give older children the chance to help. Children build independence through choice, concentration and exploration.
Our programs follow the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF), and My Time, Our Place for school-aged children.
What guides our educators every day
Purposeful play, Montessori activities and real-world inquiry, built around each child's interests.
The environment as a teacher
Calm, organised indoor and outdoor spaces with clear areas for different kinds of play, and everyday sustainability: reusing, gardening and caring for living things.
Child-led, mixed-age learning
Children choose their activities and work at their own pace. Mixed ages build confidence, patience and independence.
Equity, diversity and cultural safety
Books, materials and experiences reflect many cultures, languages and abilities, and we build connections with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Reflective, qualified educators
Educators observe closely, step in only when needed, keep health and safety front of mind, and keep learning through professional development.
Connected to the community
Links with local schools, libraries, parks and cultural organisations help children understand the place they live.
Partnership with families
You know your child best. Educators share observations and plan with you, and your family's culture and routines shape your child's day.
Why choose family day care
Compared with a large centre, family day care offers:
- A familiar home setting where each child is known, respected and included
- Individual attention in a small group, built around your child's strengths and interests
- Continuity from babyhood to school age, so siblings can often stay together
- A play-based program informed by Montessori principles and the approved learning frameworks
- Flexible routines that respect your family's culture and your child's own rhythm
Acknowledgement of Country
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, work, learn and play, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are committed to honouring First Nations histories and knowledge, and to helping every child grow in understanding, respect and belonging.
How we meet Victoria's 11 Child Safe Standards
Child safety runs through our governance, our daily practice and every educator's home. These are the Standards every Victorian child service must meet, and what each one means at Five Stars Learning.
Cultural safety for Aboriginal children
Our leaders help everyone in the service value the strengths of Aboriginal culture and understand its importance to Aboriginal children's wellbeing and safety. This includes Acknowledgement of Country, partnerships with local Aboriginal organisations and Elders, and learning that honours First Peoples' perspectives.
Leadership, governance and culture
Child safety is built into leadership, risk management and decision-making. Responsibilities are clear, our Code of Conduct sets expected behaviour, and leaders model a culture where people speak up.
Child empowerment
Children know their rights, take part in decisions that affect them, and are taken seriously. We use child-friendly language and visuals, ask for children's agreement, and adjust choices to their age and ability.
Family and community engagement
We treat families as the experts on their children and link with community services to strengthen safety and inclusion.
Equity, diversity and inclusion
Accessible play spaces, materials that reflect many cultures and abilities, anti-bias review of books and images, and communication in families' languages where we can.
Suitable and supported people
Thorough screening and induction, supervision and reflective practice, and ongoing training on child safety, mandatory reporting and professional boundaries.
Child-focused complaints
Simple, confidential complaints processes that children and families can use. Concerns are recorded, acted on quickly and reported to authorities when required. How to raise a concern.
Training and awareness
Everyone in our service receives regular training on child safety, cultural safety, online safety and the safe use of technology.
Safe physical and online environments
We identify and control risks in homes, on excursions and online. We follow the National Model Code for images and video: only service-issued devices are used to photograph children, and only for clear educational, safety or regulatory reasons.
Review and continuous improvement
We monitor incidents, feedback and audits, review our practice and policies, and record improvements in our Quality Improvement Plan.
Policies and procedures
Documented policies cover recruitment, conduct, risk, complaints, privacy and records, including secure storage, access controls, retention and consent for any images.
Talk to us about care for your child
Tell us your suburb, your child's age and the days you need. We'll tell you honestly what's available near you, usually within one business day.