Our Program
The preschool program is based on current best practice and is supported by the Australian Federal Government Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The principles, practice and outcomes of EYLF guide our reflective planning and practice. The EYLF has three core values Being, Belonging and Becoming, that underpins our practice at preschool. The learning outcomes are:
- Learning Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
- Learning Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Learning Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- Learning Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
- Learning Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
The team of educators in each room work collaboratively to observe and interact with each child to develop and implement goals that support progress towards the Early Years Learning Framework learning outcomes. We support children to develop skills and knowledge across all developmental areas including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), literacy and language, creative arts, social, emotional, and physical development.
Throughout the day, the children will have the opportunity to interact in a variety of group sizes, including small groups, 1:1 opportunities and larger groups. These groups are both planned and spontaneous within our familiar preschool routines. We support the children to learn through a play-based program which incorporates both child-initiated and intentional, planned teaching experiences. Our program is culturally appropriate, inclusive and supports the participation and progress of all children.
Parent Involvement
We recognise the important role family plays in the life of a child, and we aim to meet the individual needs of families and promote shared decision making while maintaining respect for the culture, beliefs and customs of all families. All families are welcomed as part of our preschool community and encouraged to be involved in their child’s learning at preschool.
Our Learning Environment
Our Preschool has 3 rooms with names that connect to our local area and the local Aboriginal Dharawal language. River (Bangalee) Room, Ocean (Gadhu) Room and the Mountain (Warra) Room. Each room provides a preschool program for 20 children per day. The ages of the children are mixed from 3-6 years of age. The Education team consists of a combination of full time and part time staff working in each room. We have a minimum of three educators in each room (University trained teachers and trained educators) which is above required ratios to allow us to support the inclusion of all children at preschool and to maintain a high-quality preschool program. We have a large range of good quality resources and equipment. We have vegetable gardens, bike tracks, swings, compost bins, sandpits and bush tucker garden. We teach the children about sustainable practices and the children are actively involved in caring for our environment.
The learning environment is designed to promote thinking, investigation, co-collaboration and independent learning. Within each room we have an art studio, construction area, STEM exploration, dramatic area, thinking area, library and various discovery centres dependent on the children’s interests at the time.
Curriculum statement
“A program consists of all the interactions, activities, experiences, routines and events, both planned and unplanned, that occur in an environment designed to foster children’s learning and development” – EYLF (DEEWR, 2009)
Our curriculum is influenced by the core values of our philosophy and is underpinned by the five outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework. Our service is rated as exceeding against the National Quality Standards in Educational Program and Practice. We draw on knowledge of child development and theory and plan to support each child’s growth across all developmental domains. We have a good balance of child lead learning as well as planned intentional teaching through a hands-on, play-based preschool program within a social environment. All aspects of the program are carefully considered to maximise opportunities for each child’s learning and to make progress towards the learning outcomes of the framework.
Transition to School
Transition to school is embedded in everything that we do in our preschool day and ensures that each child is well equipped with the developmental skills and knowledge for a smooth transition to the school environment. This includes supporting each child’s growing independence, organisational and planning skills in preparation for the demands of kindergarten. We have consistent routines and a strong focus on wellbeing which nurtures each child’s emotional wellbeing and provides supported opportunities for children to build their social skills, emotional confidence, and resilience within a group of peers. Key learning areas such as literacy and numeracy are explored using an age-appropriate play-based approach which promotes positive attitudes towards learning.
For Purchase
We sell good quality hats and shirts featuring our preschool logo.
Hats/shirts: $14 Warm winter jumper: $20
There are a range of colours and sizes available for purchase from the office.