Preschool Learning Programme

This is the age where your child will develop most of their learning; and our preschool learning programme is designed to encourage children to new levels, preparing them for the next important stage in their life which is primary school.

For Preschoolers Aged from 3 - 5 Years Old

Children are now provided with age specific activities that are designed around developmental stages. The programme supports independence, group and individual learning experiences. We have a strong focus on assisting children in discovering who they are, so that they can learn to express their own opinions and nurture their ideas.

This preschool environment at Heathcote Valley Preschool is provided with stimulating, challenging and accessible materials that are inviting and aesthetic to the child. This specially created environment entices the child to explore, discover, manipulate and learn. The resources and materials offered represent a wide curriculum, including literacy, numeracy, science, computer, technology, geography, music, drama, practical art, art appreciation, and physical.

Programmes are planned by careful observation of the child’s interaction with the environment as this reveals what is individually appropriate for each child.

Elements of the Reggio Emilia approach in the context of a project-oriented curriculum will be a main focus for this age group where the topic of investigation may derive directly from teacher observations or children’s spontaneous play and exploration. Project topics are also selected on the basis of an academic curiosity or social concern on the part of teachers or parents, or serendipitous events that direct the attention of children and teachers.

Projects begin with teachers observing and questioning children about the topic of interest. Based on the children’s responses, teachers introduce materials, questions and opportunities that provoke children to further explore the topic. While some of the teacher provocations are anticipated, projects often move in unanticipated directions as a result of problems children identify. Thus, curriculum planning and implementation revolve around open-ended and often long-term projects that are based on the reciprocal nature of teacher-directed and child-initiated activity.

The environment is regularly assessed and altered in response to the interest and the needs of the child. Teachers place a high value on their ability to improvise and respond to children’s predisposition to enjoy the unexpected.

*Portfolio Time is when children spend time with their specific care giving teacher, where they might share their portfolio with the other children or they may add something to their own portfolio. This is an important time for children and their specific care giving teacher in being together and supporting each other

*The Teaching Room is open from 9.30 am – 11.30 am & 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm for specific teaching purposes. It is a prepared environment with the purpose to enhance and engage children in high level thinking through exposure to a variety of technology, media and expressive materials where children are able to choose, explore, observe, create and learn in a literacy rich classroom type environment. Within this prepared environment we are able to recognise the unique and diverse learning approaches of each child. We are able to provide an educationally creative and evolving curriculum supported by specific curriculum areas.

*Concepts include a number, letter, shape, colour, days of the week and seasons each week.

Core curriculum areas will be set out or on offer throughout each day as part of the daily programme; science & nature, literacy, numeracy, carpentry, music, water play, play dough & clay, messy play, technology, sand & earth, art & collage, pretend play, books & stories, dramatic play, physical & gross motor, construction and multi-cultural.

The Daily Programme will be reviewed by the Preschool teaching team on a 6 monthly basis to ensure that the programme is catering to the needs of this age group of children.

Profile Books

Every child in our care will have their own Profile Book which is a celebration of who they are and all their accomplishments at the preschool. Please visit our Communication page for full information about our special Profile Books.

Primary Care

Our Preschool programme is operated by a primary care giving system which means that each teacher has responsibility for a group of children. Primary care giving is an important aspect in working co-operatively with families and enables the child to form a secure bond with one teacher. This teacher is responsible for managing you and your child through the settling process, pre-visits and the ongoing more formal care and education of your child. They will be responsible for your child’s portfolio and formal parent interviews held annually.

Parent Interviews

These are held in term 3 of each year for all 3 year olds and over where your child’s progress, interest, abilities and areas of development are shared.

If you would like to discuss any aspect of your child’s preschool experiences, please contact the teacher responsible for your child or the Head Teacher. Arrangements can be made to meet anytime.