**Quality Early Childhood Education in a small, home based setting**

Hi, I'm Zoe, owner of Zoe's Family Day Care. I have a Bachelor of Education (primary), post grad in educational studies and an Early Childhood Education & Care qualification. Prior to starting family day care in 2018, I had 12 years of experience teaching in primary schools in Melbourne, as well as overseas.

Children, teaching & learning, play & building relationships are my passions. So I'm excited to combine them all together in providing quality education & care in a small, home based setting.

I believe childhood is precious & should be a time of magic, joy & fun. Not solely preparation for the future but also about just being & enjoying the present.

I help children to develop a strong sense of identity, positive relationships & sound well-being.

I believe that when children feel safe in their relationships & supported to be who they are, they can become confident, involved & capable learners.

Children thrive on experimenting, exploring & doing things for themselves, so I encourage curiosity, independence & imagination.

Reading together, being out in nature, valuing the process not just the end product, being creative, getting messy, making choices, problem solving & being active are all important parts of my program.

I believe in allowing space to follow the children’s ideas & interests. So there is a mix of planned & emergent experiences in my program, reflecting the partnership between children, educator & families.

I view ongoing reflection as an important part of life & learning, so regularly research & reflect on my practice.