Pre-school Program

OUR AIM IS TO PROVIDE A PRESCHOOL PROGRAM THAT FULLY PREPARES CHILDREN FOR THEIR TRANSITION INTO PRIMARY SCHOOL AND BEYOND

We provide a quality play-based education program for children who are 3-5 years old in our preschool room. Our preschool program is the same as a traditional sessional preschool program; however, we offer the added convenience of long day care hours and meals provided to suit working families. The program is delivered by two university qualified Early Childhood Teachers and one Diploma qualified Educator. The curriculum content of the preschool program gives equal importance to both educational and social/emotional learning and development. It aims to develop the skills, abilities, and characteristics which promote children’s ability to become successful learners. The learning that occurs while children attend the preschool is carefully planned with the children’s needs and interests in mind. Learning is also informal and gained as children talk, explore and try out different ways of doing things.

PLAY

Young children’s play allows them to explore, identify, negotiate, take risks and create meaning. The intellectual and cognitive benefits of playing have been well documented. Children who engage in quality play experiences are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development, and are able to regulate their behaviour, leading to enhanced school adjustment and academic learning (Bodrova & Leong, 2005).

CURRICULUM CONTENT

Some examples of our curriculum content:

  • Science experiments
  • Sensory play with various textures, sand and water play
  • Literacy- learning alphabet games and songs, letter of the week
  • Numeracy- counting and measurement activities
  • Music and movement
  • Gardening
  • Cooking
  • Block building
  • Exciting socio-dramatic play areas
  • Zoo incursions, cooking,
  • Trips to the local library

STARTING SCHOOL

Our preschool program assists children to make a smooth transition to school. It enables children to become familiar and comfortable with the expectations, rules and routines in the school environment. The following list outlines some of the skills we help the children to develop:

  • Listening during group times, sitting still and not becoming easily distracted, following directions.
  • Socialising appropriately with peers e.g. cooperating, working as a group, helping others.
  • Recognising their health and hygiene needs independently.
  • Regulating their emotions, being comfortable with separation from parents.