Your Child's Day
On the first day
Until they are settled in, you can make children feel more comfortable and confident by:
Being positive and happy yourself
Staying with them for a little while to play. Let them know that you will do an activity with them and after this, leave promptly. Try a puzzle or read a story, as these activities have an end
Avoid time concepts such as, “I’ll stay for 10 minutes”
When you have completed the activities follow through, seek an educator and let them know you are departing, say a positive goodbye as you then leave. Lingering or indecisiveness will only prolong your child’s anxiety. The classroom teachers are very experienced at comforting children and getting them involved in activities, should they become upset.
Separation from parents or primary caregivers can be unsettling for children at times, even if they’ve previously attended early childhood centres. Throughout the year, jitters may also be triggered by such events as a new baby, new routines, moving house, or even an event that adults find trivial. All children are individuals and all respond in their own ways to new experiences and surroundings.
Parents sometimes experience difficulties with separation too. Parents may have various kinds of emotions when they bring their children to school for the first time. Our experienced educators are here to support you and your child. If you would like to know how they have settled please call on 9437 4260 for an update, we are happy to help.
What to bring
Here’s a list of things your child will need at Preschool:
A bag that is easy for your child to access without adult assistance
A healthy snack for morning tea and a drink
A lunch box lunch and drink bottle which are easy for your child to open independently
A change of clothes, including socks and underwear
Your reusable wet bag, and
The Preschool hat (given to your child on the first day)
Label everything!
Labeling your child’s clothing with their name will help prevent loss, confusion and possible distress for your child. Lost Property is held for the term and located in the foyer.
What not to bring
Some things are best not brought to Preschool. They can create disharmony amongst the children and/or make your child sad if they get lost or broken. Please avoid bringing lollies, sweet biscuits, toys or money.
Learning at Preschool
Your child’s learning at Preschool will build on what you have taught them at home. Children learn through play. The learning experiences your child takes part in through play will be carefully planned by the teacher and directed by your child’s interests, in collaboration with children and their families.
Through these learning experiences your child will explore and experiment, and develop their skills in solving problems, communicating and building sensitive and responsive relationships. They will also develop self-esteem, confidence and the foundations for their formal learning.
The learning program in Preschool is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. To find out more click here: www.startingblocks.gov.au
Our Preschool is certified as a Little Scientist House which recognises our dedication to early childhood STEM education. Our active learning environment incorporates educational concepts such as inquiry-based learning, metacognition and co-construction
Activities for learning:
Our creative staff provide a variety of activities to maximise opportunities for each child’s learning. They include:
“PreLit” early Literacy programme that lays the foundation for later reading instruction
Visual Arts incorporating a range of materials to inspire a lively engagement and self-expression
Talking and Listening activities that foster confidence in self-expression build a sense of identity and belonging
Early Learning Languages Australia (ELLA) programme for the four year old children (year before school), integrating the Japanese language learning and technology. This Australian Government initiative inspires children by driving a genuine interest in a new language and culture (See www.ella.edu.au)
Dramatic Play (e.g. dressing up and playing in the ‘home corner’ or cubby house)
A weekly Music programme involving listening to and playing music, singing, dancing and rhythm fostering early music appreciation
Gross Motor activities including the “Munch and Move” programme. Other activities include: climbing, balancing, running and jumping in our natural outdoor environment
Sustainable Practices through a variety of educational experiences
Engaging Information and Communication Technology experiences using iPads and other technology to access information, investigate ideas and represent their thinking
Scaffolding children’s early understanding of Mathematical concepts including numeracy and shape through play-based experiences
Fine Motor and Sensory development and exploration (e.g. playing with clay, play-dough, sand and water)
Spatial Awareness and visual motor planning is developed through much loved activities, puzzles and construction toys
Communicating with the Preschool
Taking your child to Preschool for the first time can be an anxious moment for parents as well as children. Our Preschool community is warm and welcoming and we aim to support parents and keep the channels of communication open. Contributions and suggestions are welcome at any time throughout the year.
Family collaboration
We value and seek the involvement of parents to share in the decision-making about their child’s learning and well-being. We provide opportunities for families to offer insights on how their child learns best. Sharing family news and activities helps develop children’s sense of belonging and ability to form trusting relationships.
Children’s Development
Storypark is a secure online digital platform used to record children’s individual learning stories and record of their interests and development. Access is free and parents are can invite extended family members or close friends to share in their child’s stories. Families are invited to provide feedback and contribute to their child’s learning during the course of the year.
Hours, Arrival & Pick-up
Preschool hours
Arrival is between 8:00-9:30am. We like to lock the front door after this time and re-open for departure from 2:30-4:00pm. Please ensure that you let only those children being cared for by you into and out of the doors to the Preschool. Remember our children’s safety is everyone’s responsibility. Our educators commence work at 8:00am and finish at 4:00pm, therefore we request your prompt departure by 4:00pm.
Two and Three Day Programs
Our three day programme operates Monday to Wednesday, while our two day programme operates on Thursday and Friday . For more information on age and eligibility for the two programmes, please read our Enrolment Process page.
Sign in/out
Every day children must be electronically signed in on arrival and out at pick-up time.
Who can collect your child?
Children can only be collected from Preschool by persons you have nominated in writing as authorised to do so. You may add names as the year progresses, an educator can assist. If there is a change in routine, please ensure you also inform an educator or email the Preschool. Please also inform persons you have authorised to collect your child that they may be required to produce ID.
Hello and Goodbye
Our teachers ask that parents and children personally greet a staff member at pick-up and drop-off. This helps foster our collaboration with families and reinforces our safety policies.