Children’s safety, sense of connectedness and feeling of respect is a central consideration, and here at Wonderschool we ensure that everything we do is supporting this mindset. Our educators value the authentic partnerships that we build with our children and families, and we strive to create environments that keep these values and approaches top of mind. 

Families are a child’s first teacher. Here at Wonderschool we understand that this relationship brings a unique insight into a child’s personality, development and learning styles. By prioritising the strong partnership and relationship between children, their families, and our Wonderschool educators, we are able to authentically connect with children so that they can develop the confidence to be active and involved participants in their learning journey.  
 
Wonderschool’s values of wonder, integrity, respect and empowerment influence all of our approaches when it comes to teaching, education, relationships and environment. These values are linked to the philosophical approaches of educating and caring for children. One of the core approaches that we strive to embed into our practices is the RIE approach – Resources for Infant Educators. 

The Educaring Approach

“The basis of the educaring approach is respect”  

The core of RIE is respecting children, based on Magda Gerber’s Educaring approach. Taking the time to explain our actions and being slow and deliberate in our movements shows our respect and helps children feel safe and secure with our educators and in our environments.  

“We not only respect infants, we demonstrate our respect every time we interact with them”.  

When we communicate and interact with the infants in our care, we adopt the model of slowing down a little and then slowing down some more. By going slower, we allow time and space for a child to respond to an educator and process their surroundings. For example, pausing for a response before wiping a child’s nose allows them to process the intent and action.  

We do not need to rush through these moments, but support children to make decisions that directly affect them. 

Demonstrating Respect and Consent in the Wonderschool Way

Verbal confirmation is not the only way children can offer an educator their consent. Our educators are skilled at observing an infant’s body language; the simple act of an infant raising their arms to be picked up or smiling at their carer is a child’s way of giving consent. The more we observe as educators, the more we understand and appreciate the uniqueness of each child within our centres.

Utilising our Environment

“The environment as the third teacher links with the RIE approach”.  

Our environments at Wonderschool are thoughtfully curated to support children in developing their independence and sense of agency. For instance, in the infant’s room the environments are created to be open so that the child can connect with their educators. They are also designed to support children to have dedicated time for uninterrupted play by allowing each child the freedom to explore and interact with other infants. This creates dynamic interactions and a sense of independence with children, educators and resources available for children in the space. 

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