Kurri Early Childhood Centre

The Seahorses (0-2 year olds)

The seahorses are our youngest group, and we provide extra staff in this room to ensure a nurturing, and stimulating environment, in which children can learn and grow safely.

A balance of indoor and outdoor time is provided to ensure that children experience a variety of activities, and environments.

Each child is programmed for individually, as we recognise that the changes children undergo as they move from infant to toddler, can be frequent and dramatic. A record of your child’s year is provided in the portfolios prepared during the year.

Wherever possible, staff will maintain children’s familiar routines during the day, providing genuine care and attention for all.

Nutritious meals are provided according to the individual stage of each child. Staff supports parents in the introduction of solids and new food experiences.

Communication books are maintained for each family, providing information about each child’s day, what they have eaten, toileting, and activities they have participated in. Families are invited to comment in this book to provide a link between home and daycare.

Families are asked to provide:

• at least one change of clothes
• a sunhat, for outdoor play
• a set of cot sheets, for rest
• a jumper, for weather changes
• bottles, and formula if required
• dummies or comfort items.

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The Seashells

(18 Months to 2½ years )

Children and families are supported as their children begin the development of their self help skills. These include feeding themselves, dressing, and the all important toilet training.

The daily program includes both indoor and outdoor activities, to provide a variety of environments, and experiences. Children are supported as they explore their world, emotions and the company of others. Through their play, the children learn about sharing, taking turns, using language, and their own developing abilities.

Each child is programmed for individually, and portfolios are compiled during the year to provide a comprehensive record of your child’s progress. Through photos, artwork, comments and observations you are given a lasting insight into your child’s time at daycare.

Nutritious snacks and meals are provided daily, with all children being encouraged to experiment with new flavours and foods.

We ask that families provide any formula (if required), bottles, dummies, and comforters, a sunhat, change of clothes, and sheets for rest.

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The Turtles

(2 ½ -3 ½ year olds)

Children in the Turtle room are continuing to explore their own abilities, and their relationships with other children. Staff support children in their efforts to dress, feed themselves, and toilet independently, and continue to work with families in these areas.

A balance of indoor and outdoor activities is provided, to encourage each child to explore their environment, and their developing abilities. Having fun, and being active are used as important learning tools, as the bridge is built in transition to preschool.

Each child is programmed for on an individual basis, and parents are consulted about the goals they may have. Using the information provided, and their observations, room staff develop goals to guide their time with each child.

Portfolios are presented to each family at the end of the year providing parents with a lasting record of your child’s year. It includes photos, observations, artwork, and comments that indicate how your child is progressing, and areas of development the staff are concentrating on.

Families are asked to provide bottles(if required), dummies or comfort toys, a labelled change of clothes, a sunhat, and sheets for rest time.

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Penguin and Dolphin Rooms

(4-5 year olds)

These are our preschool rooms and their aim is to ensure that children and families are prepared for the big step to formal schooling.

Whilst offering full day care facilities, our preschools also offer a comprehensive preschool education program, in line with the guidelines of the NSW Curriculum Framework.

The staff plans opportunities for children to learn and develop their skills, by combining observation and family information to identify strengths and interests that can be used as a base for learning.

Through our daily activities, children are encouraged to explore their environment, their interests, planned activities and themselves….learning through their play.

As part of our formal program, the children are involved in

• A phonics program, which familiarises them with the phonic alphabet, the look and sounds of the letters they will encounter daily
• pre reading and prewriting activities
• grouptimes which explore language, number and children’s interests
• Show and Tell to familiarise children with speaking in front of a group, and answering and asking appropriate questions
• Learning and participating in group games, and performances.

 

Other significant elements of the preschool program are

• Developing in children an awareness of the environment, through the maintenance of a vegetable garden and worm farm
• Accessing the community through visits to places such as the library and post office
• Exploring current items of interest, e.g the Olympics.
• Encouraging the children’s independence, social skills, and ability to cope in the school environment.

Families are encouraged to attend a School Readiness evening, which involves teachers from the local schools, and provides further information on the skills being looked for as children begin Kindergarten. In conjunction with this evening, reports and individual portfolios are provided to families to assist in the decision of school enrolment.

Parents are asked to provide a sunhat, jumper, change of clothes (labelled), and sheets for rest time.