Wall display

Here is a copy of what i have put on my wall display at the centre. When researching my information i was unable to find anything in the QAIS principles about Environmental sustainability even in the dot points under the subheadings.

How is Environmental Sustainability relevant to Child Care?




Our new national Early Years Learning framework for Australia Belonging, Being & Becoming clearly states in it the importance of the natural environment and that children feel connected to it. In regards to learning environments the BBB states:

“Play spaces in natural environments include plants, trees, edible gardens, sand rocks, mud, water, and other elements from nature. These spaces invite open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk-taking, exploration, discovery and connection with nature. They foster an appreciation of the natural environment, develop environmental awareness and provide a platform for ongoing environmental education.”

Outcome two in the BBB is Children are connected with and contribute to their world. One point under this outcome is that Children become socially responsible and show respect for the environment. Two ways the BB recommends that educators reinforce this point is by providing the children with access to a range of natural materials in their environment and share information and provide children with access to resources about the environment and the impact that human activities have on the environment. However when talking to young children about the environment it is important not to scare them about the future, it is important to focus on the positives and what difference they can make by doing simple things such as following the three R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle).

The Code of Ethics that all people working in Child Care must adhere to clearly states the importance of teaching children about their role in environmental sustainability. Under the section on what we must do in regards children (number 1.4) the code of ethics states “In relation to children i will: Work with children to help them understand that they are global citizens with shared responsibilities to the environment and

humanity.”

What am I doing in regards to environmental sustainability?

I have set up a worm farm to involve the children and help educate them in some sustainable practices. It will help take some of our food scraps and will eventually produce some fertilizer for our vegetable patches. We are no longer using a garbage disposal unit to dispose of our food scraps so we have purchased a green waste bin and some corn starch bags which sit in a basket and then get thrown into the green waste bin. When the green waste bin is collected it is then taken to create compost and potting mixes which is a much better alternative than a garbage disposal. I have also used a range of natural resources with the Kindy Room and the Nursery children. You may notice my natural colleague in the nursery, or the reused drink bottles with natural and recycled things inside them and a wooden truck and car my father made.