2023

Embracing Inclusion At Figtree Early Learning Centre, Croydon

Ensuring the meaningful inclusion of children at Figtree Early Learning Centre is not just a social and moral responsibility; it is also an adventure of discovery, laughter, and growth that we have been on for the last 12 years.

At Figtree, we believe that every child has the right to be a significant part of their community. What better way to support their journey than through the vibrant, fun, and exciting programs offered at Figtree? Our programs are developed and implemented by the dedicated team of educators at Figtree and aim to support children’s communication, self-help skills and the development of their social interactions alongside peers. Friendships flourish in an environment that encourages collaboration, empathy, and a joy of shared experiences.

In addition to providing care to typically developing children, Figtree also provides specialised support for children with disabilities and developmental delays. Children attending the service have a range of disabilities that include Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Global Developmental Delays as well as vision and hearing impairments.  

For all children, the team imagine an education and care experience that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Partnerships with families and other early intervention professionals are not just encouraged but celebrated to ensure the best outcomes for the children at the service as we collaborate to curate programs with the feedback of all stakeholders, always ensuring the child is at the centre.

The team of educators at Figtree strive to make sure that our centre is a place that sees each and every child as a unique individual, with a voice that deserves to be heard and ideas that deserve to be explored based on their interests and their evolving needs.

In this thriving early childhood education and care space, a sense of belonging isn’t just a concept; it’s a daily reality, where staff ensure a warm embrace that tells every child, “You are an essential thread in the tapestry of our village.”

Within the new St Anthony’s Family Care village, our purpose-built childcare centre, has been built with every nook and cranny designed to inspire wonder and curiosity for all children. The expansive outdoor area is not just a space to run and play; it is a canvas for imagination and discovery. Key when supporting children with a range of diverse needs.

At Figtree, children are provided with the opportunity to climb structures, discover the joy of the natural environment and spark creativity at every turn. In this village, peers become partners in the grand adventure of childhood.  

What truly sets Figtree Early Learning Centre apart is the team of committed staff who believe wholeheartedly in the boundless abilities of all children. These are not just caregivers; they are mentors, cheerleaders, and guides on the exciting journey of learning and self-discovery.

The magic lies in the belief that when we support the inclusion of every child, we’re not just building a village; we’re crafting a world where diversity is celebrated, and every child’s unique light shines brightly.

We are on a mission to create a world where every child not only belongs but thrives, and where the journey of inclusion is as thrilling as the destination itself.

Regards,
Teresa Petrone
Executive Manager Early Learning Services

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A Village Full of Heart

Our story at St Anthony’s Family Care (SAFC) first began in May 2020 when our first child, Isabella, was 18 months old and started attending Figtree Early Learning Centre. It was at the height of the COVID pandemic and while this was an overwhelming time within the world, the SAFC village and team at Figtree helped create a sense of safety and security within the community we were joining.

Shortly after joining St Anthony’s, in June of 2020, we found out that our second child would be born not only with Down Syndrome, but also with a significant congenital heart defect. When we arrived at the ultrasound appointment the technicians were very quiet as they looked at the scan. My husband and I knew they were going to say that the scan had shown that something was not as it should be, and we prepared ourselves. A Genetic Counsellor took us to a private room and explained that the scan, not only showed a high nuchal fold (thickness at the back of the baby’s neck), a small baby for his age and other markers for Down Syndrome, but our baby also had at least two holes in his heart.

To say that we were filled with grief and sadness is an understatement, but we decided to proceed with the pregnancy wondering what this would mean for our family.
When our son was finally born in December 2020, we named him Theodore which means “Gift from God”. Teddy, as we affectionately call him, was truly our little miracle but the challenges of having a son with Down Syndrome were only starting.
At a scan when Teddy was two months old, we found out things were much worse with his heart than first thought. It was at this time that the support and well wishes from the SAFC community really helped our family. The Figtree staff were quick to offer additional days of care for Isabella, so she could continue to thrive and develop alongside her friends with a sense of security and routine, while we took the extra time needed to care for Teddy.

SAFC was also kind enough to cover the fees during this time, through their Mary MacKillop Canonisation Fund, which significantly helped our family financially at this time.
Following successful heart surgery in April 2021 we were able to start making longer term plans for Teddy. The one decision we never had to struggle with as a family was where Teddy would go for childcare. From the minute we knew our son had Down Syndrome, we began speaking to the team at Figtree and were always reassured that Teddy would not only be welcomed with open arms, but also fully included in the programs offered at the centre. Something I have since discovered isn’t necessarily true for many other families who continue to face barriers in accessing inclusive early childhood education for their child with a disability.
Since starting at Figtree in January 2023, the staff at Figtree Early Learning Centre have been magnificent. To assist Teddy with communication, the staff are now learning Auslan (sign language) so Teddy can make his wants and needs understood.

The team have also taken the time to meet on many occasions to help ensure the learning environment offers Teddy everything he needs to flourish.
Teddy loves spending time with his peers and excitedly falls out of my arms and into the welcoming hugs of the Educators each day he attends.
As we plan for Teddy’s future, we look forward to a partnership with the SAFC community as we help our son learn to take his first steps, communicate effectively, feed himself and continue developing relationships with his peers and carers.
We sincerely thank the SAFC and Figtree community for their ongoing support and look forward to a bright and happy future for both our children and whole heartily agree with the SAFC tagline ‘it takes a village to raise a child’.
– Louise Burke
(Teddy and Isabella’s Mum)

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