The East Melbourne Childcare Co-operative is a registered co-operative under the Co-operatives Act and has its own Constitution. It is sponsored by the Melbourne City Council. Parents, residents and staff are eligible to become members of the Co-operative.
What is EMCC?
Message from the Executive Director
I strongly believe children have a right to high quality early education, where best contemporary practice is critically reflected on and always promoted, children are unique, competent and capable citizens with rights. Children’s Agency is important to us as it gives children a voice in matters that impact upon their world. The importance of relationships are fostered and necessary to a child’s healthy development, wellbeing and learning success. EMCC is committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children in our care, and we recognise the important role we play in helping children develop into happy and healthy members of society. At EMCC we have zero tolerance of child abuse.
Our professional and dedicated educators are united in their commitment to providing the best contemporary programs, resources and experiences possible, this is reflected in our exceeding NQS ratings.
I encourage you to read our philosophy and strategic plan which reflects our values, beliefs and priorities. These documents were recently developed and capture the voice of all stakeholders at EMCC.
We have a diverse and inclusive community that thrives on input from all who are involved with us. From management, educators, families, community and most importantly the children. Forming a partnership between the centre and each child’s family is vital, as you know your child best. Our educators have valuable knowledge and experience in early childhood development, each can be a wonderful resource to the other. I look forward to, hopefully, meeting you and your child in the future.
Sincerely,
Rebecca Vouch
Executive Director
EMCC: Statement of commitment to child safety
At the EMCC, we have zero tolerance of child abuse.
We are committed to:
- Maintaining the safety and wellbeing of all children in our care.
- Promoting a culture of respect, dignity, and inclusivity.
- Promoting children’s rights to participate and empowering children.
- Fostering cultural safety for Aboriginal children and children from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds,
- Providing a safe environment for children with a disability.
- Preventing child abuse and identifying risks early, and removing and reducing these risks.
- Complying with all relevant laws and regulations related to child safety and wellbeing, including but not limited to the Child Safe Standards and the National Quality Framework.
- Taking all reasonable steps to prevent and respond to child abuse, including reporting any suspected abuse to the appropriate authorities and supporting affected children and families.
- Fostering a child-centred and participatory approach to decision-making and planning and we are committed to actively seeking and respecting the views and opinions of children, families, and stakeholders.
The EMCC requires all stakeholders to uphold this commitment and has specific policies, procedures, and training in place to achieve this commitment.
Acknowledgement of Country
We would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land in which we operate. We would also like to pay respect to the Wurundjeri Elders past, present and future.
EMCC Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)
In 2018, EMCC developed its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and began our journey towards a deep understanding and respect for Australia’s First Peoples.
A RAP is a formal statement of commitment to reconciliation. It’s developed using the Narragunnawali platform which registers and extend on existing initiatives.
We employ an Aboriginal Cultural Consultant, Emily Baksh, who guides and liaises with educators and management, as well as engaging in direct experiences with all children across our two centres.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge, traditions and current ways of being are embedded in all aspects of our programs and something that we are incredibly proud to be a part of with our youngest citizens.
EMCC’s Vision for Reconciliation
We acknowledge the deep hurts of the past, the injustices perpetrated against First Australians as well as current experiences of marginalisation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
East Melbourne Child Care Co-operative is committed to seeking unity, equity and equality between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians, believing that reconciliation is of critical importance towards a future of solidarity.
As educators, we recognise the crucial role we play in promoting and celebrating the rich histories, cultures and current achievements of First Australians.
We endeavour to impart understanding and appreciation from non-Indigenous Australians while honouring and strengthening awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.