Molong Preschool began in the Church of England Hall in 1972. The present premises (the old R.S.L. Hall) was purchased in 1975 and has been a happy place for many preschoolers and staff ever since. In 2013 Long Day Care started and the centre changed its name to Molong Early Learning Centre.

Molong Early Learning Centre (MELC) is managed by parents and interested community representatives who form a committee. An executive is elected at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) in March each year. The Management Committee meets monthly.

We are a group of parents, carers, and friends who come together to:

• develop strong relationships between MELC and the community,

• meet and welcome new parents and carers to our community,

• learn the ropes of being a committee member, and

• help provide resources through fundraising initiatives.

Philosophy of Service

We here at Molong Early Learning Centre acknowledge the land which upon which we learn, grow, and play, always was and always will be the land of the Wiradjuri people. We pay our respects each day throughout our practices and aim to create a culturally safe environment for all to embrace and foster respect of diversity and cultures.

This involves valuing the diversity and cultures, languages, and traditions so that all children and their families can feel a sense of belonging. We believe it is important to actively listen, learn, and engage with different cultures to ensure a safe and inclusive place for all to learn and belong.

In relation to our educational program and practices, we believe that every child is a unique individual who deserves respect and equal treatment as they develop and grow. We provide opportunities for each child to discover their place in the world around them and recognize that every child develops at a different pace. We believe in holistic support for children that respects their uniqueness and provides acceptance and support.

During a child’s first five years of life, positive social and emotional development plays a crucial role in their overall learning. It is essential for healthy brain development that children have positive relationships with others. By building strong, consistent, warm, and supportive relationships children learn to understand themselves and others in a social environment. These skills are important for school readiness and building upon a socially successful life. “I like school because I get to play with my friends” children’s voices.

As educators, it is our responsibility to guide children on how to interact with others and how to be sensitive to the feelings of others. We are attuned to each child’s health, well-being, and development and are always responsive to their unique needs.

As advocates of child development, we recognize the immense benefits of play-based learning which not only fosters social and emotional development but also enhances problem-solving skills, cognitive development, imagination and creativity, language, and literacy skills. Our educators are dedicated to creating a supportive environment that helps children learn through play. It requires intentional teaching of being deliberate, purposeful, and thoughtful in our decisions and actions. We guide children’s knowledge and skills by providing appropriate support when needed. In relation to the children, we act in the best interests of all children (Code of Ethics).

Furthermore, we firmly believe that a well-rounded approach incorporating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and exposure to nature, including opportunities for risky play, is essential for optimal growth and development in children. “I like to play on the monkey bars and the see-saw” children’s voices.

We advocate positive sustainable practices and value the importance of building children’s sustainability awareness. We take an active role in caring for the environment, to facilitate and embed daily practices and programs. Empowering children to understand the importance of the need to care for our environment and to respect our land, will build influential leaders for the future. “I love feeding the chooks ” children’s voices.

At MELC, we prioritise fostering positive and respectful relationships within our team and strive to create an inclusive and high-quality work culture.