Children have a strong sense of identity
A quality educational preschool program is developed and implemented by our qualified and experienced early childhood Educators. Our educators work in cooperation with a child’s family to develop & implement a program that will foster the development of each child to their potential.
Our preschool program is based on the National Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) – Belonging, Being & Becoming. The Key Learning Outcomes as stated in the EYLF are:
The five learning outcomes are designed to capture the integrated and complex learning and development of all children across the birth to five age range. The Frameworks vision is for all children to experience play-based learning that is engaging and builds success for life.
The educators provide resources and support as required to scaffold children’s play, ideas and learning. The program includes intentional teaching experiences and spontaneous learning. The children are involved in a variety of individual, small and large group learning opportunities and experiences, in both our indoor and outdoor learning environments.
Educators continually observe the children and use these observations & their understanding of child development to provide opportunities for children within the program. The developmentally appropriate program builds on children’s strengths, needs, ideas and interests as individuals and as a group.
We inform families about what is happening in our program in various ways. This includes the day books, discussions, newsletters and notes and displays put up around the preschool. We value the input of parents to the program- ideas, suggestions, children’s interests, sharing a skill or talent, occupation, hobby, interest (e.g. cooking, reading books, art & craft or sewing) or joining in during a session.
Our beautiful natural learning environments support our programs for the children. We offer a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for children to learn and discover. We share our natural playground with various birds, and insects. We use water tanks for sand play and to water our gardens so children can learn about sustainability and learn to respect and care for our environment. The children love planting in our preschool vegetable gardens and using the food in cooking experiences.
Working in Partnership with our Community
We are proud of the partnership we have within the local community.
As we are situated adjacent to Thurgoona Public School we work closely together with them to develop and implement a positive transition to school program. Even for those children who may not be attending Thurgoona Public it is great for all children to discover and gain confidence within a school environment.
We have a beautiful ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ sensory garden in our playground as the result of a Coles Land Care Grant we received. Bunnings Albury have been a great support to our preschool. They have made additions of a strawberry patch to our playground and often come to preschool to facilitate art experiences.
We have visits from the local librarian, Responsible Pet Ownership Program, vets, police, fire brigade and many other visitors to enhance and support the program and follow up children’s ideas and interests.
Each year we participate in the Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening Program (StEPS) which is an initiative of NSW Health.
The preschool offers children and families referrals to services such as speech therapist, occupational therapist and early intervention services. We work closely with these services and families to incorporate individualised programs for children with additional needs into the preschool program. We can also provide contacts to professional child and family support services.
