Architecturally Designed
Childcare Centre

About OUR CENTRE

Kids @ Little School is a purpose built architecturally designed childcare centre that opened in March 2014, operating from 7am - 6pm, Monday to Friday, and licensed to care for 39 children per day, aged 0-6 years.

Kids @ Little School consists of 2 rooms, the 0-3 year old room is known as the Joeys room and has a maximum of 16 children attending. The 3-5 year old room is known as the Wallabies room and has a maximum of 23 children attending.

Our team consists of highly qualified Educators, including an Early Childhood Teacher in the 3-5 year old room with a 'School Readiness' program.

Our learning spaces are aesthetically pleasing, natural and inspiring.

ABOUT THE OWNERS

Martin & Leisa O'Donnell are the proud owners of Kids @ Little School. They are a local family and have been living in the Hills District for over 20 years with Leisa having lived in the area all her life. They have 3 children and together have seen the Hills District develop and grow into what they believe is the best family and community orientated area in all of Sydney.

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We care about your children’s future and believe that a childcare centre is a home away from home that not only cares and protects your child but through our Educators encourages and actively participates in their development and growth.

Martin & Leisa O'Donnell

Owners of Kids @ Little School

The education, care and encouragement which our educators offer to your children is paramount to our ongoing success and as owners we will continue to provide a positive working environment as well as support their professional development to ensure we maintain the fantastic education and service which Kids @ Little School has provided thus far.

Martin & Leisa 0'Donnell

Owners of Kids @ Little School

We value the opinions of our parents and believe their input and participation forms the foundation of everything we do at the centre and as such we will reach out to all families and encourage parents and relatives to provide feedback on how we can grow and what we can do better to continue to improve our service.

Martin & Leisa O'Donnell

Owners of Kids @ Little School

Our Centre's Philosophy

From our centre's philosophy we have developed many policies, which provide guidelines for the operation of our centre. Philosophy and policy review and development is ongoing and a collaborative process between management, Educators, staff and families, and through reflection of Educators’ interactions and discussions with children.

Kids @ Little School acknowledges the Darug People who are the traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respect to Elders both past and present of the Darug Nation and extend that respect to other Aboriginal people present.

John Bowlby's theory of attachment states that when familiar caregivers respond warmly and consistently to young children they form strong positive bonds. This is important for healthy emotional and social development. Our educators at Kids @ Little School inspire to achieve this theory of attachment through positive interactions and building trusting relationships. We take a holistic approach when supporting children's individual needs.

Click icons below to view our Philosophy in relation to: 

In relation to Children we believe:

  • Children are capable and resourceful learners who are active contributors to their own learning
  • Children need to be valued as individuals, within the context of their family and their community
  • Children develop confidence and positive self-esteem through a supportive and secure environment

Therefore we:

  • Implement a child-centred program based upon the principles outlined in the National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) - ‘Belonging, Being & Becoming’
  • Strive to empower children by using their thoughts and ideas to develop the program
  • Promote each child’s confidence and positive self-worth through a range of provisions, experiences and opportunities that build upon their understandings, skills, values and sensitivities, and promote success
  • Implement an inclusive approach to positively support children’s growth of identity, self-esteem and critical thinking
  • Encourage each child to reach their full potential in accordance with their individual ability
Children

In relation to Families we believe:

  • Trust, respect and collaboration form the basis for strong partnerships between families and staff
  • Families, children and staff form a caring community
  • Family involvement is integral to a high-quality program

Therefore we:

  • Are committed to open and constructive communication with families which includes discussions, child portfolios, daily reflections and Storypark
  • Strive to have empathy and be responsive to family needs, and provide support when required
  • Encourage families to engage in meaningful participation within the program
Families

In relation to Educators we believe:

  • In employing staff who are committed to working in the best interests of children and families
  • That each staff member brings fundamental, personal qualities to the centre environment such as empathy, respect, warmth and a passion for learning
  • In the importance of creating a collaborative environment where personal and professional contributions are valued, communication is open, and confidentiality is maintained
  • Critical reflection is fundamental to the continuous growth and improvement of our Educators and service
  • Research and theorists explain and assist in better understanding children’s development and their milestones

Therefore we:

  • Provide opportunities for staff to share in decision making and to obtain feedback
  • Provide a safe and comfortable working environment with release time for programming and other duties
  • Provide ongoing professional development for staff
  • We use critical reflection to analyse our practices, interactions and communications with a view for continuous improvement and growth
  • We research and refer to theorists to enhance, support and explain the development of children during their early years
Educators

In relation to the Curriculum we believe:

  • Children learn through collaboration and communication with other children and adults and through interacting with the environment
  • Children need opportunities to practice and consolidate their skills in key learning areas including: language and literacy; creative and expressive arts; mathematics; science and social and emotional development, and work towards learning outcomes as expressed in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) - ‘Belonging, Being & Becoming’
  • A rich, stimulating and nurturing environment has the potential to stimulate imagination, promote creativity and enhance aesthetic development
  • Diversity within our centre, families, staff and wider community should be respected and celebrated and that we can play a role in fostering and developing a social conscience among children with a view to addressing social inequities

Therefore we:

  • Implement a flexible program that is responsive to the evolving nature of the early childhood environment and that provides for different learning styles
  • Make observations of children and document their work to form the basis of the program
  • Use both the indoor and outdoor environment to encourage the children’s ability to observe, perceive, explore, investigate, imagine, make choices and problem solve
  • Provide attractive, well maintained play areas, with the thoughtful use of furnishings and displays
  • Introduce children to a wide range of social and cultural experiences, family types and different ways of doing things so they will learn to value diversity, learn to accept challenges they may face and become capable and resourceful members of society
Curriculum

In relation to the Environment we believe:

  • Children’s health and safety is of paramount importance
  • Children should feel safe, secure and nurtured
  • Sustainability empowers children to develop an appreciation for the environment and their relationship to their world

Therefore we:

  • Ensure that risk management procedures are in place and adhered to
  • Provide a warm, friendly and inviting environment
  • Sustainable practice is embedded into the daily operation of our service, infrastructure and teaching
Environment

In relation to the Community we believe:

  • We must strive to be a centre of excellence for early childhood education within our community
  • As advocates for our profession, it is important to share our knowledge and experience
  • We are a central link to information and support services within the wider community
  • In the importance of nurturing established relationships with community organisations, such as the fire department and police, council and local schools
  • The needs of children, families, staff and the community are constantly changing and that ongoing evaluation is essential to create a service that is responsive to those needs

Therefore we:

  • Ensure that we operate within the guidelines set down by governing and professional bodies
  • Use the established channels of communication with committee, council and the community
  • Encourage Early Childhood and work experience students to take part in our program
  • Utilise local services in an effective and meaningful way
  • Participate in community events
  • Evaluate our centre goals and program regularly
Community

Our Team

Our team at Kids @ Little School are a group of highly qualified and professional individuals who are committed to providing the highest quality of care and education for children. Our Educators are continually evaluating on how our curriculum meets the educational needs of our children and reflecting on ways to enhance children's learning and development. Our Educators bring fundamental, personal qualities to the centre environment such as empathy, respect, warmth and a passion for learning.

ROSE

Rose

Centre Manager
Nominated Supervisor

VOULA

Voula

Early Childhood Teacher
2IC/Educational Leader

VICTORIA

K61-1212

0-3 Yrs Joeys Room Leader 
Diploma in Children’s Services

STEFANIE

K61-1205

3-5 Yrs Wallabies Room Leader
Diploma in Children’s Services