We offer a play based curriculum, as we believe play is essential for children’s development. In a play based curriculum you will never see twenty-five things that are exactly the same e.g snowmen, caterpillars daffodils, as emphasis is on the participation and process not the end product. We encourage children to think creatively and to be resourceful and in doing this no one feels pressured to conform or feel inadequate because they were unable to meet adult expectations. This helps maintain each child’s self esteem and develop self confidence.

Children are encouraged to contribute to the program through expressing their ideas and voicing suggestions that relate to the topics of interest or modifications to planned experiences. E.g additional equipment, materials, involvement in a project. This gives each child a sense of belonging and a feeling that they are valued as an individual.

Within the curriculum all developmental areas are provided for through open ended activities. This enables staff to develop the ‘whole child’. This gives children the opportunity to work at their own pace, at a stage appropriate for their development. Through this, staff can also assist children on an individual basis and extend others as required.

The curriculum clearly identifies planned experiences in each developmental area. This ensures the children receive a balanced program, reinforcing the development of the whole child.

A DAY AT KINDER

Our timetable for the day may change at times depending on the weather, the time of year, special events, or more importantly the dynamics of the group. We are flexible to meet the needs of all our children.

Beginning January

7.30am – 9.00am Before Care

Kindergarten Program Commences at 9.00am

9.00am – 10.00am Indoor Developmental Play

9.15am – 9.45am Morning Tea

10.45am – 11.15am Outdoor Play

11.30am – 11.45am Group Time

11.45am Lunch

12.45pm – 2.00pm Rest Time

2.00pm – 3.45pm Indoor Developmental Play/ Outdoor

3.45pm – 4.00pm Group Time

Kindergarten Program Finishes at 4.00pm

4.00pm – 6.00pm After Care

ACTIVITIES:

- Large outdoor play area: large sandpit with shade cloth, cubby house, lots of equipments to climb and slide.

- Mini Maestros – a weekly music and movement program. The day changes each term to cater for part time children.

- Group times: Perry the possum, music and movement, puppet shows, story telling, games and role play.

- Visit of a library teacher once a month who tells a range of stories and sings songs.

- Gardening, cooking

Our vegie patch

- Introduction to a foreign languages with native speakers. We currently have French sessions once a week.

- Educational programs on computer

- Arts & Crafts: a wide variety of painting and collage activities. Sensory exploration using clay, play dough and other tactile mediums. Drawing: pencils, pastels, charcoal, etc.

- Incursions: living eggs, sea animals, reptiles, farm animals; and excursions.

- Special events and celebrations such as: Chinese new year, special lunches, dress up days, grand-parents day.

COMMUNICATION

A newsletter will be going out once a month to update parents on events , curriculum and info.

A reflection of the days events is displayed each day near the notice board.

A parent communication book will be available for each blue room child. Individual children portfolios will be kept through out the year in the form of a visual diary.

There is also a report in our quaterly CECC newsletter and parent-teacher interviews are can be organised upon request anytime thoughout the year.