What We Do

The preschool day

The staff arrive at 8.30am and prepare the preschool for the day's planned learning experiences.

Play is the natural medium that develops children's learning. That is why Kangaroo Valley Preschool has a play-based curriculum, based on the principles, practices and outcomes of the national "Early Years Learning Framework"

"Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity." - Kay Redfield Jamison (Professor of Psychiatry)

The children are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of play experiences which develop skills and knowledge in all areas of human development - social, emotional, cognitive (thinking skills), language and fine and gross motor (small & large muscle movement)  Objectives for each child's learning are formulated and experiences to meet these objectives are developed and presented through play.

Learning experiences are planned for both the indoor and outdoor environments. The children are given large blocks of time to take the opportunity to fully explore and become involved in their play. The ideas and suggestions that come from the children are acted upon wherever possible.

As well as active play we encourage the children to learn how to relax their bodies. After lunch each day the children spend some time in relaxation activities. We lie quietly and practice mindfulness using audio books, relaxing music and stories read aloud.

Group experience times are an integral part of the day. Together we play games, listen to stories, dance and sing.

Each child's learning is recorded and shared with families via "Kinderloop," a secure system for sharing information that can provide real time updates.

The children's preschool program begins at 9.00am and ends at 3.15, when they are picked up. Educators then set to work on developing the learning experiences, preparing the program for the next day and they also tidy and clean the preschool.

A typical day at preschool

9.00am
Children arrive

9.00am - 10.30am
Outdoor play experiences (weather permitting)

10.30am
Morning Tea

10.50am - 11.10am  
Group stories & games

11.10am
Indoor play experiences

12.30pm
Group stories & Games

12.45pm
Lunch

1.15pm
Relaxation

1.30pm
Outdoor or Indoor play experiences

2.30pm
Shoes on, Story time and games

3.15pm
Home time

(Preschool routines are subject to change due to seasons, weather conditions and children's interests.)