Cultural Safety

 OCK Cultural Rights Statement

At OCK, we acknowledge and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the children, families, educators, and communities we work with and educate. We are committed to upholding and promoting the cultural rights of all individuals and ensuring that every child feels a deep sense of belonging, identity, and respect.

We understand that through the Quality Framework, Child Safe Standards and Educational frameworks, that cultural identity is a fundamental part of each child's development and well-being. We believe that when educators’ practices are based on respect and knowledge of children’s culture that children’s self-esteem and confidence grows and so too their sense of safety and well-being.

At OCK, children have the right to:

• Be proud of who they are and where they come from, including their language, traditions, and spiritual beliefs.

• See their culture reflected in the learning environment, program, and daily routines.

• Use their first language and share it with others.

• Maintain strong connections with their family, community, and cultural heritage.

• Experience a learning environment that is inclusive and actively challenges discrimination and stereotypes.

We actively support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, acknowledging their unique cultural status as the First Peoples of Australia. We are committed to authentically embedding perspectives that honor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions.

Our educators are also diverse and respectful relationships and practices are at the heart of our operations, practice and polices. Through our language program we teach cultural diversity and use the Spanish culture and language as an inclusive learning opportunity which fosters discussions about our community’s language and culture. We celebrate cultural diversity through festivals and other activities and we partner with families and communities to create culturally responsive experiences that honor each child’s background, enrich their learning, and support their right to thrive.

Many of our staff are multilingual, and we actively embrace the use of different languages to support communication. By valuing home languages, we foster cultural diversity, strengthen connections with families, and create an inclusive environment where every child feels a sense of belonging. Our multilingual staff bridge language gaps and enrich learning for all.