Philosophy

At Stars Early Learning, in beautiful North-West Tasmania, we are committed to providing a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment where children feel valued, respected and are empowered to learn and grow (to reach for the stars and beyond)

We respectfully acknowledge the Tasmanian North-West Aboriginal people, the traditional custodians of the land on which we play, learn and grow. We honour their ongoing connection to land, waters and culture and pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging. We are committed to reconciliation, building respectful relationships and creating meaningful opportunities for truth-telling, healing, and shared understanding between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader community. We are committed to embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in meaningful and respectful ways across our service.

We share a strong belief that children are strong, creative, capable, inquisitive and full of potential. We respectfully acknowledge that each child brings with them their own culture, experiences, ideas and identity. Stars Early Learning embrace a child-centred approach that places children’s voices, rights and agency at the core of everything we do. We recognise the importance of play, joy and connection, and believe that children learn best when they are having fun, forming friendships, and building a sense of belonging with their peers.

We recognise families as the primary and most influential educators in a child's life. Our collaboration with families is grounded in trust, transparent communication, and mutual respect. We actively invite family contributions to our curriculum, practices, and decision-making processes to ensure that our programs align with the values, cultures, and aspirations of those we serve. We appreciate the diversity reflected in family cultures, backgrounds, and traditions, integrating this richness into our daily educational practices. As a regional centre located in Northwest Tasmania, we are proud of our strong connections to the local community. We work closely with community organisations, schools, and services to enhance children's experiences and foster continuity in their learning journey.

Stars Early Learning’s curriculum is guided by the principles of the National Quality Framework (NQF), and the principles, practices and outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and My Time Our Place ((MTOP). We embrace an emergent curriculum approach, where curiosity leads the way and learning grows through observation, collaboration and reflection. Our educators intentionally design learning experiences in response to children’s evolving interests, questions, and ideas. We encourage children to explore, experiment, and express themselves freely, promoting creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of learning. We recognise the importance of the natural world in children’s learning and foster sustainable practices that encourage respect for the environment and responsibility for our shared future. Our beautiful Circular Head region, including our beaches, bushland, farms and rivers offer rich opportunities for connection to Country and nature. Children are supported in developing an awareness of their surroundings and the importance of caring for these environments.

Our team of educators and management are passionate, skilled and dedicated to continuous improvement. We support each another through ongoing professional growth, collaborative planning and a culture of respect and shared responsibility. We are guided by the seven Quality Standards of the NQS and engage in regular reflection, collaboration and evaluation of our practices to ensure they align with the highest standards of early childhood education and care. We are continually inspired by the curiosity, creativity and joy that children bring into our spaces, reminding us of the importance of wonder and play in our own practice. As a team, we value moments of laughter, connection and fun, knowing that a joyful environment supports not only children’s learning but also our own wellbeing and sense of purpose.

We are a Child Safe Organisation, committed to promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child. We uphold the highest standards of safety, care, and ethical conduct through: Empowering children to speak up and participate in decisions; Embedding protective behaviours and body safety education; Ongoing staff training in child protection and safeguarding; Transparent, respectful relationships with families and communities; A culture of vigilance, responsiveness, and accountability. We ensure that all children—regardless of culture, ability, or background—feel safe, heard, and valued every day. 

Our philosophy reflects a shared vision that is lived daily through our relationships, our practice and our commitment to quality. It is a living document, shaped by the voices or our children, families and educators and the broader community …. a foundation for the present and a guide for the future.