Dorothy Waide Centre for Early Learning
Dorothy Waide Centre for Early Learning has been a part of the Griffith community for over 40 years, opening in 1985 and providing quality education and care ever since. Named in honour of Councillor Dorothy Waide, whose vision and dedication in sourcing land and funding helped establish Griffith Child Care Centre, one of the first child care centres in regional NSW. We operate as a not-for-profit centre overseen by a board comprising of parents and community members. Surplus funds are put back into the training of staff, improvement of facilities and supporting workers with above award conditions, leading to a committed team of staff members.
With several staff spending over a decade in the centre, we have a wonderful bank of experience to call on. Alongside this experience we have a strong history of mentoring and developing educators from within. Mentoring by experienced educators has supported staff in progressing to further studies and building capacity to provide high quality care. Staff are also supported to have their own children attend the service, inherently setting standards that any parent would have for the care of their own children.
Our commitment to families is shown in having current parents dropping off their children at the centre they once attended, a sense of belonging that can only be achieved through longevity and commitment to quality care. It has also fostered our connection to the local community, finding familial links to local services and fostering both social and working relationships. The building of relationships between staff, children and families underpins the provision of early childhood education.
The building may have changed over the years but the philosophy has remained consistent. Our philosophy is based on the word Family, without their support we cannot thrive. Another constant has been the mulberry tree, situated at the rear of our vast playground, many a shirt has fallen victim to the mulberry stains from our piece of living history.
Our playground itself sets us apart from most other centres, offering large expanses and access to natural environments, perfectly mimicking the surrounding environments of the MIA. The connection to nature is at the forefront of our program and practice, utilising the outdoor space and its endless possibilities to encourage children to explore their own interests. Play based learning theories underpin our daily practices, giving scope for children to learn through a wide variety of resources and open up their mind to creative and imaginative play. We value children as competent, capable, curious and active participants in their own learning with play relationships and meaningful experiences guiding our everyday practice.
Children are paramount in our decision making and our practices are guided by the regulations and standards that are placed upon our sector. We have a commitment to child safety that continues to be implemented through training, reflection and upholding of principles that aim to protect the rights of the child. Dorothy Waide understands the vulnerability of children and maintains a high quality of care through consistent staffing, familiar routines and assessment of risk in our environments. The safety of children is of the utmost importance, not only at Dorothy Waide, but throughout the early childhood education and care sector.
“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.” – Alfie Kohn
Our Educators
David
Acting Manager & Cockatoo Room
Kerry
Administration Manager
Kylie
Rosella Room Leader
Khusha
Rosella Room
Erica
Rosella Room
Benedetta
Rosella Room
Joanne
Rosella Room
Mel
Rosella Room
Janelle
Rosella Room
Frances
Cockatoo Room Leader
Alannah
Cockatoo Room Leader
Lucy
Cockatoo Room
Michaela
Cockatoo Room
Punitee
Cockatoo Room
Rebecca
Kookaburra Room Leader & Educational Leader
Jacqueline
Kookaburra Room Leader
Alana
Kookaburra Room
Janelle
Kookaburra Room
Samarah
Kookaburra Room
Kim
Kookaburra Room
Kulvinder
Kookaburra Room
Alisha
Float
Jean
Float
Rebecca
Float
Jan
Centre Cook
Our Commitment to Child Safe Practices
At Dorothy Waide for Early Learning Centre, we:
- Have zero tolerance for child abuse.
- Create an environment that provides a sense of safety and security that allows the children to feel supported and safe.
- Empower children in voicing their concerns and making decisions affecting themselves.
- Assist children by providing them with the tools to confidently communicate their wellbeing needs.
- Support children of diverse backgrounds, ensuring that their voices are heard, supported and actions are taken to create safety and maintain the child’s innocence.
Establish a reporting framework so reports are:
- Easy to make for all employees.
- Responded to in a timely manner.
- Recorded appropriately.
- Forwarded to relevant authorities.
- Pay particular attention to the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torris Strait Islander children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as the safety of children with a disability.
- Be committed to ensuring we are at the forefront of being proactive in abiding with legislation and education for all our employees.
- To ensure all staff, visitors and families are aware of our Commitment to Child Safety.
- To ensure all involved in our service have a responsibility and a commitment to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children within our centre ensuring that it is of supreme importance.
Our Philosophy
Future
At Dorothy Waide, we believe today’s children are our future. Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), we recognise the early years as a vital and meaningful stage in every child’s life. We believe children are capable, competent, and successful learners who actively construct knowledge, contribute to their learning, and reflect alongside others. As educators, we see ourselves as co-learners, growing and learning alongside the children in our care.
All
We believe it takes a village to raise a child. Families are valued as children’s first teachers and our most important source of knowledge and connection. We work in partnership with families, extended family members, and the wider community to support each child’s wellbeing, learning, and development. Our Centre is committed to maintaining a child safe culture that supports children, families, and communities, ensuring all staff are dedicated to safeguarding children.
Many
We are one, but we are many. We embrace diversity and inclusion, acknowledging and respecting the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our Centre stands. We value and celebrate the unique cultures, beliefs, identities, and experiences of all people within our community and strive to ensure every child and family feels welcomed, respected, and included.
Inclusive
We believe all children have the right to feel safe, valued, supported, and loved. We recognise every child’s individuality, strengths, abilities, and voice. We empower children to express themselves, participate in decisions affecting them, and confidently communicate their needs. As a service, we have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to creating environments where children feel secure, respected, and protected at all times.
Land
We value meaningful connections with the environment and encourage children to develop respect, appreciation, and responsibility for the natural world. Our outdoor environment is viewed as the “third teacher,” offering opportunities for exploration, creativity, resilience, and risky play. Through gardening, sustainability practices, caring for animals, and engaging with nature, children develop an understanding of environmental responsibility and the importance of caring for our world for future generations.
Yourself
As educators, we are committed to ongoing reflection, learning, and professional growth. We strive to create calm, nurturing, and engaging environments where children can explore, take risks, and learn at their own pace. By building strong relationships and listening closely to children and families, we support every child to develop confidence, independence, and a strong sense of self, empowering them to become the best version of themselves.
Our Program
At Dorothy Waide Centre for Early Learning, our curriculum is child-centred, responsive and guided by childrens interests, ideas and emerging curiosities. We move away from highly structured approaches, instead supporting learning through open-ended invitations, provocations and intentional teaching moments that naturally emerge throughout the day. Inspired by methods such as the Curiosity Approach and taking knowledge from different theorists such as Reggio Emilia and Te Whariki, Emmi Pikler, Montessori to support meaningful learning experiences while placing relationships at the heart of all we do.
While experiences are thoughtfully planned, we recognise that some of the richest learning often comes from spontaneous moments, conversations and discoveries that unfold through children’s play. Children are encouraged to make choices, follow their interests and develop a strong sense of autonomy. We value children’s voice and create opportunities for individual, small group and collaborative experiences while respecting each child’s own pace, strengths and ways of learning.
We also recognise the importance of appropriate risky play and believe children learn through challenge, testing ideas and building confidence within supportive environments. Our environments are thoughtfully designed to feel welcoming, home like and connected to nature. Natural materials, open-ended resources and opportunities for nature play encourage creativity, imagination, curiosity and exploration.
Learning is made visible through observations, learning stories, individual learning journeys, floor books and inquiry projects, helping us capture childrens thinking and guide future learning opportunities. We believe learning is strengthened when programs reflect the cultures, perspectives and experiences of children, families and the wider community, with cultural perspectives embedded naturally throughout our environments and experiences.
Our Policies & Procedures
Our policies and procedures are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain current, effective, and aligned with all relevant regulations and requirements set by the Department of Education. Through ongoing evaluation and updates, we are committed to maintaining best practice and ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and quality care of all children. These are available in the reception area and can be accessed at any time by parents and families
Our Quality Improvement Plan (QIP)
The Quality Improvement Plan (QIP) outlines the service’s commitment to ongoing improvement. It is available in the reception area and can be accessed at any time by parents and families.
Parent Involvment
At Dorothy Waide Centre for Early Learning, we value the important role families play in children’s learning and believe that strong partnerships create the best outcomes for children. We encourage parents and caregivers to be actively involved in our Long Day Care Centre community in a variety of meaningful ways.
Families are welcome to spend time in the centre, sharing experiences, skills, and interests with the children. Whether it’s reading a story, participating in activities, or contributing cultural knowledge, these moments enrich our program and strengthen children’s sense of belonging.
We also invite families to take a more active role in the service by joining our Management Board. This is a valuable opportunity to contribute to decision-making, support the ongoing development of our Long Daycare, and be part of shaping its future.
Through open communication and collaboration, we aim to build respectful and supportive relationships with all families. By working together, we create a strong, connected community that enhances each child’s learning and development.
Parent Communication
