One of the learning outcomes that educators work towards with children during their time in the Early Learning Centre is in relation to the children developing a sense of identity.

“When children feel safe, secure and supported they grow in confidence to explore and learn.” Early Years Learning Framework for Australia

Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity

• Children feel safe, secure and supported
• Children develop their emerging autonomy, inter-dependence, resilience and sense of agency
• Children develop knowledgeable and confident self-identities
• Children learn to interact in relation to others with care, empathy and respect

When children engage in positive experiences in the early learning context they develop an understanding of themselves as significant and respected. These experiences also assist to shape the children’s identity and help them to feel a sense of belonging to the community.

Secure relationships with educators and peers are important to developing a sense of belonging. This is something that we actively foster within our programs in Campbell House. Children explore aspects of their identity through their play and relationships with others.

Learning opportunities are also provided for children to develop an awareness of their social and cultural heritage, and their significance in the world. The children are invited to share their individual identity and culture and also to learn about those of their peers.

It is essential that we support the children to establish a strong sense of identity, as it is from this secure foundation that children will grow and learn.