CCGS Kindergarten Sustainability Framework If we want children to flourish, to become truly empowered, then let us allow them to love

the earth before we ask them to save it ~ David Sobel Introduction A change in lifestyles and accommodation styles has caused many children to miss out on the traditional back yard experience. There is an increasing need for children to participate in activities that help them to connect with nature in order for children to eventually develop a sense of responsibility for our natural environments. Children need to connect to learn to care. People who have a sense of responsibility and care about the environment are more likely to engage in behaviours and eventually lead the way to responsible Sustainable living. Because of the way we believe that young children learn, environmental education needs to be an integral part of our program. Our approach is holistic and permeates all areas of the curriculum. As a centre we explore sustainable behaviours in many ways. Staff model the sustainable use of resources (power, water, materials, waste), providing a wide variety of resources that promote sustainable living and a connection to the environment (materials, cleaning products) and through actively promoting a culture of sustainability. We actively promote the values of respect for all living things and respect for natural places. We promote active engagement with the environment, wherever possible we ensure children are able to learn from observing and manipulating. We encourage children to learn through an enquiry based model, observing natural processes closely. We encourage democratic principles and the idea that we have the power to create change and a better future for all. Connecting Children need to experience a wide variety of hands on experiences with nature. Natural materials are widely used in the indoor and outdoor environment. Issues of environment, sustainability and connection are taken into consideration when choosing large scale projects e.g. Animals, plants, earth, rocks, water, weather, recycling etc. The children participate in gardening activities and Fawkner Park is visited. The deep connection that many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have to country is explored through the curriculum using a variety of resources: books, discussions and play based activities such as learning about Bush Food, setting up bush shelters, fishing play and bush cooking areas. Water Children are introduced to the ideas of; Responsible use of water; hand washing quickly and turning taps off immediately. Using the half flush option on the toilet when appropriate and where available. Using water in outdoor play sparingly, understanding how the rainwater tank works and the properties of water e.g. flows down, can turn corners, freezes, melts, ways to recycle water at home. Lever taps have been installed in 2012 to allow children to turn taps off more easily. Power Turning off lights and equipment when not required is a part of each rooms normal procedure; turning heater/coolers off when not required and when leaving the room, closing doors to maintain room temperature, dressing appropriately for the weather are actively modelled and encouraged by the staff. Materials The materials used and aesthetics of both the indoor and outdoor environment have been carefully planned to ensure a sense of harmony and connection with nature. Materials that are

made of natural materials and are recycled are preferred. Materials focus on what can be re used, recycled and donated. Children are required to choose the materials that they are going to use carefully, they are encouraged to return to their work many times, ensuring that materials are used to their maximum benefit. We have a preference to order supplies from companies that show a commitment to sustainability i.e. Reverse Art truck and local companies. The children are introduced to the ideas of Re-use, reduce, recycle. Families, children and staff collect, sort and use recycled materials. The centre has a place for sorting and storing a selection of recycled materials. Cleaning products An audit of the cleaning products used in the classrooms while children are present is part of the 2012 plan. With the idea that all products will become green and non-toxic by the end of the year. Waste There is a worm farm that operates within the centre so that much of the fruit scraps can be fed to the worms. A recycling bins is part of the 2012 plan with the idea that all classrooms will be sorting all their rubbish into recyclables, food scraps (suitable for the worm farm) and garbage by the end of 2013. 2012 Plan To build resources that introduce Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture and develop staff awareness and confidence in presenting and using these materials in a respectful manner. To complete a bush food project introducing native plants to our gardens and top learn more about Bush Food together. To encourage modelling of Sustainable living in the day to day program. Audit all cleaning products used. An acceptable products list is formulated and distributed to all staff by the end of 2012.

2013 Plan To achieve measurable improvements in waste reduction, efficient water and energy use: Specifically in waste reduction by introducing recycling bins for plastics, glass, paper and tin. Children begin to sort and recycle their lunch waste. To participate in Professional Learning on the topic of Sustainability in Early Childhood.

Professional Development http://www.ceres.org.au/ In Brunswick We are working with them on the Sustainable Schools Program. They do not yet have an EC Sustainability program. http://home.vicnet.net.au/~eeec/ Environmental Education in Early Childhood http://www.gosford.nsw.gov.au/environment/education/copy_of_pre-school-resources Little Green Steps Sustainable Kinder program NSW

Materials Reverse art: Ringwood office 17 Greenwood Avenue, Ringwood VIC 3134 Phone / Fax: (03) 9879 1264 Hours:Tuesday - Friday 9am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 1pm. Cranbourne office, The Rear, Casey Indoor Leisure Complex Suite 15, 65 Berwick Cranbourne Rd, Cranbourne VIC 3977, Phone / Fax: (03) 5995 3168,Hours:Friday 9.30am to 5pm Saturday 9am to 1pm.