Early childhood is a paramount time for children to reach their full potential. As children grow, key factors influence their development of independence. These include their educators and peers as well as their environment and how they're nurtured. Promoting autonomy is so much more than learning how to put your shoes on, and one of the most significant aspects of early childhood.

At Kindaburra, promoting independence begins in the babies room. There is more to playing peek a boo, crawling through a tunnel, finger painting, nappy change time and the first steps. Alongside children's home environment, community and the building of relationships, it is these milestones and support from the educators that help mould every child's independence individually. As children grow, these skills thrive.

Our program is interest based, and reflects the individual development of all of the children. All educators at Kindaburra follow the Early Years Learning Framework. This curriculum focuses on developing a sense of agency and a sense of belonging. This framework also guides our practice with the use of principles in all of the developmental areas.

Our routine focuses on developing self help skills. Transitions such as washing our hands for lunch, taking our shoes off and putting our jackets away are teachable moments for educators to collaborate, scaffold and promote autonomy. Through assisting the children, demonstrating and interacting the children are developing the most valuable gift of learning, to do things for themselves.

Toilet training is also one of the biggest milestones in early childhood. We believe that it's not a race, and that children will successfully toilet train when they are ready. By working with families, educators ensure there is that consistency between the centre and at home. Nappy change and toilet time is always a positive experience, with children developing at their own pace. At Kindaburra we also believe in positive praise. Educators always ensure that children’s achievements are recognised.

Promoting independence is also very significant in the preschool. By this time it is great to see children making their own beds, looking after their belongings, putting things away and looking after their resources. It is because of that partnership between families and educators in supporting the children, that there is so much competence with independence and self help skills.

Enabling children to take the lead in their learning strengthens our role as educators. Developing independence lays the foundations of taking on the world around us, and the support of educators makes all the difference.