Yarraville Community Centre’s childcare centres work closely with children and families to develop a sense of responsibility and care for the environment. Sustainability practices guide and drive everything from the curriculum to the way they design and manage their child care centres.
Their learning programs provide opportunities for children to explore their natural world, gather knowledge about the environment and how their actions have an impact.
In the veggie garden they explore the importance of sustainable practices, the concept of paddock to plate is put into action where the vegetables that are planted and tended to and tasted by the children.
They also use a worm farm to reduce food waste. The children are involved in maintaining the worm farm and compost bin. Educators encourage the children to place food scraps into separate containers for use in the worm farm or composting bin. They also help the children interact with the worms and teach them which scraps worms can eat and which foods can be composted.
“Children can see the food cycle in action and participate in growth and outcomes” said Narelle Rufus, Child Care Program Coordinator.
YCC believe that it is their responsibility to encourage future generations to connect with their natural environments and contribute to the solutions for the challenges that our environments face.
To find out more about how YCC’s Sustainability Philosophy and curriculum, feel welcome to drop in for a visit and tour of their childcare services, Occasional Care, Monday to Friday and for the Pre-School kids program Tuesday and Wednesday (no bookings required between 10am and 1pm).
Their child care centres are located at:
Occasional Care Pre-School Kids
59 Francis Street, 114 Blackwood Street
Yarraville Yarraville
For more information check out their website at www.ycc.net.au or call 9687 1560.
(Yarraville Community Centre is a Community Partner providing financial support to The Westsider)
