1. Serendipity Early Learning Centre A suggestion for policy change (Silky Oaks Childcare Centre, 2015)

2. Policy LegislationRegulations Ethics Relevance to setting Relevance to community Philosophy Beliefs Visions

3. The educators will control the use of water for water play Rich learning experiences +Sustainability (Escambia County School District, 2007)(Let the children play, 2010)

4. Discovery learning increases children’s likelihood of retaining information as they discover the information themselves (Bruner, 1967). Outdoor play and learning in nature are significant contributors to children’s learning and development (Malaguzzi, 1998). ('Waterplay fun', 2015)

5. Child leadership and advocacy for water conservation (a social benefit) Uptake by teaching staff of sustainable education pedagogies (an educational benefit) Improved water conservation and resource management practices (environmental benefit) More efficient use of water (an economic benefit) (Rous Water, 2015) Early Childhood Australia Early childhood professionals will “work with children to help them understand that they are global citizens with shared responsibilities to the environment and humanity” (Early Childhood Australia, 2007, code 1.4).

6. Where does water come from? What forms can water take? What is water used for? How much water should we use? How can water be reused? “Installing a rain water tank next to digging or sand areas for children to use, provides an opportunity for them to make a connection between the rain that falls on the roof and the water we use everyday” (Young & Elliot, 2004, p.43).

7. Encourage more sustainable living practices We surround the child with natural beauty We embrace the use of natural and improvised materials We aim to support a deep connection with the natural world

8. There are enough resources for all children to use that are safe and hygienic Design environments where children can play together Promote the outdoor environments as a space for play and learning

9. Greater learning experiences Gain an understanding of sustainability Setting a good example for sustainable practices Positively impacting the environment Long term cost effectiveness Supports 3 aspects of our philosophy Supports 3 aspects of our policy

10. Step 1- Vision and Philosophy Step 2- Consider goals and influences Step 3- Review of the policy needs (Gibbs, 2008)

11. Process Development Step 4- Gathering of resources & research Step 5- Collaboration & brainstorming Step 6- Draft PolicyStep 7- Consultation & review of draft Step 8- Publish & ImplementStep 9- Evaluate policy in action (Gibbs, 2008)

13. References Bruner, J. S. (1957). Going beyond the information given. New York: Norton. Early Childhood Australia. (2007). Code of Ethics. Retrieved 28 January, 2015, from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/code_of_ethics/early_childhood_australias_code_of_ethics. Escambia County School District. (2007). Retrieved 27 January, 2015, from http://www.escambia.k12.fl.us/echild/prek/Images/waterplay.jpg Gibbs, L. (2008). Policy development in early childhood settings: From idea to evaluation. Pademelon Press, NSW. Let the children play. (2010) Retrieved 26 January, 2015, from http://www.letthechildrenplay.net/2010/04/just-add-water.html Malaguzzi, L. (1998). History, ideas, and basic philosophy: An interview with Lella Gandini. Inc. Edwards, L. Gandini & G. Forman (Eds.), The hundred languages of children: The Reggio Emilia approach-Advanced Reflections. Westport, CT: Ablex. Rous water. (2015). Learn About Water. Retrieved 29 January 2015, from http://www.rouswater.nsw.gov.au/cp_themes/default/page.asp?p=DOC-KGW-60-24-66 Silky Oaks Child Care Centre. (2015). Retrieved 28 January, 2015, from http://www.silkyoakschildcare.org.au/ Waterplay fun. (2015). Little Wonders. Retrieved from http://littlewondersschool.com/waterplay-fun/ Young, T., & Elliot, S. (2004). Just discover. Connecting young children with the natural world. Melbourne: Tertiary Press.