Monash Student Association - SWiCh (Childcare)

About

Our Philosophy

At SWiCh we provide a sound educational program to enhance the learning of children between the ages of two months and five years.

As a student focused centre located within a University, we realise that we must accommodate various and flexible childcare options, ranging from part-time to fulltime care. Our facility enables adults to access education, training and employment.

Early Childhood Educators work as a team to provide each child and their family with a safe, secure and caring environment in which the child can learn and grow.

Our team of educators create an aesthetically and sensory stimulating environment.

Our programs are initiated and developed from the children's ideas, interests, staff observation and information gathered from families.

We aim to meet the needs of individual children covering their social, emotional, physical, language and cognitive development. We believe that children learn through play therefore we provide a wide range of natural and culturally diverse materials reflecting our multicultural society. Children have the opportunity for open-ended experiences where they are able to create their own learning.

We believe the success of our program is dependant on regular and open communication with parents and families valuing their input.

We acknowledge that children come from an ever diversifying and multicultural background and value each child as a member of a group fostering independence, self-esteem, resilience, awareness and consideration of others.

SWiCh honours diversity and equality by embracing an anti-bias philosophy respecting all individuals regardless of their gender, race, religion and/or intellectual or physical aptitude.

Early Childhood Educators are conscious of the importance of appropriate role modelling and the use of language, which conveys positive guidance and effective redirection.

History

SWiCh was formed in the early 1980's as a baby-sitting club for students to care for each other's children. In 1988 more formal arrangements were made making the centre a registered Class Two Centre. As a Class Two Centre care was limited to three hours per day and to ten hours per week. Parents found this arrangement difficult, as they often needed more hours than this registration could provide.

In 1997 SWiCh was relocated to a purpose built premises that allowed the centre to gain standard registration. SWiCh can now offer a complete range of childcare options from part time to full time care. The centre is open to staff but our first priority when enrolling new families is to students.