Children will be encouraged to develop a respect for and enjoyment of the natural environment and living things whilst furthering their appreciation of beauty in its many manifestations.
Procedures:
1. At least one Educator will participate in professional development workshops, which focus on 'Promoting Environmental Sustainability in Children's Services' and learn about the philosophy behind the Little Green Steps Project.
2. Educators will help children connect with nature, and work towards helping the centre become more environmentally sustainable by incorporating environmental education and practices with play-based learning experiences such as:
a) maintaining the worm farm, building a veggie patch and/or herb garden, composting fruit scraps etc. on an ongoing basis.
b) Incorporating natural and/or recycled materials into children's learning centres and activities.
c) Growing plants and flowers from seeds.
d) Responsible recycling.
e) Utilising outdoor environments and the efficient use of natural resources.
f) Using the Little Green Steps Project resource kits and teaching aids including picture books, posters and activity books on the topics of waste, water, wildlife and biodiversity (importance of native flora in our environment) to communicate environmental messages to children. Please see many books and resources in the Staff Room.
3. Educators will provide families with environmental sustainability displays, hints, articles, and fact sheets which promote sustainability on such topics as recycling, saving water and environmentally-friendly alternatives for cleaning purposes.
4.Educators will make attempts to celebrate aspects of environmental awareness events such as National Science Week, National Tree Planting Day, National Recycling Week, Clean Up Australia Day, and Walk to Work Day etc.
5.Educators will endeavour to equip the centre with and implement water-saving strategies, green cleaning and recycling. Where applicable, grants will be applied to aid in the implementation of these effective environmental strategies.
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6.Educators will keep up-to-date with the latest research and teachings on environmental education through newsletters, journals, and support agencies and in- servicing, sharing this information to enhance the children's program and families' knowledge.