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Starting Preschool

How to enrol

Shoalhaven Community Preschool takes children’s details for their waiting list from birth.

Children must be at least three years old to start preschool, however there are priority of access guidelines determined by the Department of Education that are followed including prioritising children who are 4 or 5 years old and in their year prior to school.

To place your child on the waiting list please complete the enrolment enquiry located at the top right of our website. We are funded under the Department of Education Start Strong Funding program which aims to ensure that all children in New South Wales can participate in 600 hours of quality preschool education in the year before school. We enrol children for a minimum of 2 days (600 hours) and a maximum of 3 days (limited 3 day positions available) to ensure equity and access for more children in our community.

What to Bring

  • A wide brimmed hat
  • A water bottle
  • A healthy morning tea and lunch
  • Enclosed shoes
  • A bag of spare clothes

Please dress your child in comfortable play clothes so that they can actively explore the learning environment. Please be careful that your child’s clothes do not restrict his/her participation. We do have messy play opportunities for children to explore so wearing their “best” clothes can sometimes cause distress if they become soiled or dirty. Do not forget to pack a warm jumper on cold days and practical clothing for easily accessing the toilet (i.e. avoid belts, overalls, buttons that make it difficult to get to the toilet quickly) and wear suitable shoes, avoid thongs please.

Please label all your child’s belongings!

Routines

Our routines are consistent and provide children with predictability while encouraging participation and a sense of belonging. There are opportunities for both large and small group as well as individual learning exploration within our routines. Children contribute to the program and there is a mixture of both child initiated and adult lead experiences.

Warmer Day Routine (Terms 1 & 4)

8 – 9 amFlexible arrival
9 – 11 amOutdoor program including staggered morning tea
11 amGather and group times
12 – 2:30 pmIndoor program including staggered lunch
2:30 – 3 pmPack away and relaxation
3  -3:30 pmFlexible departure
3:30 – 4 pmExtended care (at additional cost, bookings essential)

Cooler Day Routine (Terms 2 & 3)

8 – 9 amFlexible arrival
9 – 11 amIndoor program including staggered morning tea
11 amGather and group times
12 – 2:30 pmOutdoor program
2:30 – 3 pmPack away & relaxation
3 – 3:30 pmFlexible departure
3:30 – 4 pmExtended Care (at additional cost, bookings essential)

Settling Your Child

We encourage you to bring your child to orientation visits prior to starting at preschool to build familiarity. Parents are encouraged to stay as long as needed when you first leave your child with us. Your child may go through periods of distress even after being in the centre for a while, this is normal. Each child reacts differently in new situations. It is important that you talk to an educator if your child is having difficulty separating from you. Please be honest and do not tell your child you will be back in a minute or sneak away without saying goodbye as your you may lose their trust, and this can make it more difficult in the longer term. Our focus is your child’s wellbeing and educators will support you and your child to feel safe and secure and create a sense of belonging.

Be You

‘Be You’ has some great info on supporting anxious children and dealing with separation anxiety.

https://beyou.edu.au/resources/news/how-to-support-an-anxious-child

https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/other-resources/factsheets/how-can-you-help-your-child-settle-into-child-care/

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.