"When early childhood educators take a holistic approach they pay attention to children's physical, personal, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing as well as cognitive aspects of learning," (The Early Years Learning Framework, 2009, Commonwealth of Australia).
In the Preschool Room we aim to;
- Inspire each individual child to be actively engaged in their learning.
- Guide each child to experience success and to move beyond their potential.
- Collaborate with each child's family to ensure the best outcomes for children are met.
This is Implemented by:
- Providing a carefully balanced, sustainable, inclusive program which is individually and developmentally appropriate.
- Immersing children in an environment that nourishes divergent thinking, creative solutions, sustainable interactions, life skills and strong values.
- Ensuring the curriculum integrates all learning areas including Numeracy, Literacy, Nature, Science, Technology, Sport and Physical Activities, Healthy Eating, Australian Culture and Diversity within Australia, Community Involvement and Creative Arts.
"Learning outcomes are most likely to be achieved when early childhood educators work in partnership with families. Educators recognise that families are children's first and most influential teachers," (The Early Years Learning Framework, 2009, Commonwealth of Australia).
Educators
Within the 3-5 preschool room we have up to 30 children attending per day. At Koala we offer above child/staff ratios which ensures staff are able to provide many quality interactions throughout the day. Our preschool room also offers 2 Early Childhood teachers, 3 Diploma Qualified Educators and 1 Trainee. These qualifications exceed the National Quality Standards which attributes to better outcomes for children. Our children at Koala are offered a wealth of experience and knowledge from our combined team of educators.
Let me introduce you to our wonderful educators!
ALEX JOINED OUR 3-5 PRESCHOOL TEAM AS ONE OF OUR TEAM LEADERS IN AUGUST 2022. SHE HOLDS HER BACHELOR OF TEACHING (BIRTH TO FIVE YEARS) AND HAS BEEN EDUCATING AND CARING FOR CHILDREN SINCE 2012. Alex is passionate about music, gardening and SUSTAINABILITY, guiding young children’s behaviour and project work. She loves to spend time with family and friends and exploring the outdoors.
ILIADA- CO-TEAM LEADER 3-5 ROOM- Ili started her journey at Koala in April 2023, transitioning to Early Childhood Teaching after working as a Science and Mathematics Teacher since 2016. Ili is passionate about building strong and trusting relationships with children and their families. Her main hobby is gardening, and she enjoys spending time with her young family outdoors. Ili is enthusiastic about incorporating her love of science and mathematics into the centre and providing the children with rich, hands-on learning experiences which nurture their curiosity about the world around them. Her philosophy is that every child thrives in a learning environment that supports their differences and interests, and she is committed to providing a space where every child can flourish.
ASTRID- JOINED OUR KOALA TEAM AT THE START OF 2022. SHE COMPLETED HER CERTIFICATE 111 IN EARLY CHILDHOOD IN 2011 AND HAS A YOUNG CHILD OF HER OWN. ASTRID HAS MANY YEARS OF EXPERIENCE EDUCATING AND CARING FOR CHILDREN AND STARTED HER CAREER EDUCATING AND CARING FOR CHILDREN AGED FROM BIRTH- 5 YEARS OLD IN 2002. ASTRID IS EXTREMELY CREAtive AND LOVES TO WORK ON PROJECTS WITH THE CHILDREN.
Isha- is one of our early childhood teachers and has been working here in a full time capacity since 2023. she has a bachelor degree in early childhood education and has 2 years EXPERIENCE working with children. She is from nepal and has been living in australia since 2019. She likes to provide a fun and nurturing environment for the children, support their curiosity and help them to achieve their MILESTONES by providing them with opportunities to explore while they play. She believes in connection with families and working together to support children. Her aim is for children to have a great and MEMORABLE early childhood EXPERIENCE while at koala.
Eva- One of our wonderful preschool team members, eva works monday, tuesday and wednesday. She has over 12 years EXPERIENCE working in early childhood care and education and has her diploma in children's services. Eva is also a mum of 3 beautiful children who share their joy and learning journey with her. eva has been a part of the koala team since the beginning of 2023 and she enjoys teaching, learning and growing with children. Eva loves being a teacher and she finds it rewarding to help children become who they are.
NICOLA- one of our full time preschool room EDUCATORS, nicola has been working here at koala since 2021. She is originally from scotland where she was an event and wedding coordinator and a mentor for adults with AUTISM. she is the mother of 3 little children and a nurturer by nature. her journey in the early childhood sector began after her first son was born almost 8 years ago and she really started to become interested in learning about child DEVELOPMENT and began her studies. Nicola has 6 years INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE and holds her diploma in EARLY childhood care and education.
"i believe in the individuality of each little person and as an educator i think the most important thing is to be fully present and engaged in the moments with them. By doing this we will develop the most BEAUTIFUL relationships as well as see their interests and UNDERSTAND THEIR INDIVIDUAL needs"
Amanda - One of our FABULOUS 2-3's room educators, amanda currently also works on our preschool room on thursday and friday. She has a diploma in children's services and has been at koala since 2014 with 16 years overall EXPERIENCE. as a mum of 2 young children HERSELF, she UNDERSTANDS the value of family and cultural input reflected at koala ccc and sees KOALA as another part of her child's "village". Amanda is passionate about LANGUAGES, healthy eating, physical activity and cultural awareness. Each day she hopes to inspire children's individual interests and PROVIDE a safe, nurturing and fun ENVIRONMENT. She also endeavours for you and your family to feel the sense of community koala works so hard to foster with each and every family- like an EXTENDED family member.
lorraine has worked at Koala since 2013 and supports koala with our inclusion support.
Rosemary has worked off an on at koala over the last 15 years while also raising her own family. She has always worked with children with additional needs and aids with inclusion support.
Debbie Supports the inclusion of all children in our care environment
"When someone is taught the joy of learning it becomes a lifelong process that never stops, a process that creates a logical individual. That is the challenge and joy of teaching"- Marva Collins- Cited in "Chicken Soup for Teacher's Soul" by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen.
Primary Caregivers – Focus Groups
All of the children are placed in a small focus group which is decided at the beginning of each year. The list of focus groups is displayed in our hallway. The aim of this is to allow educators to get to know each child better and to assist in the documentation and extension of his/her development. Small groups also allow the children to interact more with stories, games or discussion at focus group time. If you have any questions about your child’s development you are most welcome to speak to your child's focus group educator. If this is not possible you could talk to another educator who will pass the information on, or you may make a phone call during the educators working hours. An appointment may be necessary at times to allow us to provide adequate time for discussion. Please arrange this with your child’s focus educator.
The Program
We implement the emergent curriculum program, which is aimed to put the topic and direction in the children’s hands. The educators then document observations and events to create learning stories as per the EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework) curriculum. From these we create follow-ups to extend the children’s learning. The daily program is documented in our Day Story Book which is displayed just outside our main doors. Every day we email our day story to families and welcome feedback.
We are also interested in any events or interests that stem from the children’s home life. Parents are able to fill out a parent input form which is located in our hallway or via email. Please feel free to keep us informed in any way that you feel could contribute to the program.
From June every year the children who will be attending school the following year participate in our School Activities program. This involves the children working in small groups in a more structured environment where there are 5 to 6 different activities each day. These activities which may include letter and number formation, numeracy and literacy skills, science and environment activities, creative experiences, as well as using ipads with educational apps to further develop their technology skills. This part of the day occurs after lunch for a period of 60 to 90 minutes which the children always look forward to.
We are also interested in any events or interests that stem from the children’s home life. Parents are able to fill out a parent input form which is located in our hallway or via email. Please feel free to keep us informed in any way that you feel could contribute to the program.
From June every year the children who will be attending school the following year participate in our School Activities program. This involves the children working in small groups in a more structured environment where there are 5 to 6 different activities each day. These activities which may include letter and number formation, numeracy and literacy skills, science and environment activities, creative experiences, as well as using ipads with educational apps to further develop their technology skills. This part of the day occurs after lunch for a period of 60 to 90 minutes which the children always look forward to.
The Routine
The routine aims to maximise the children’s morning period as it is often during this time that a young child’s concentration is best. We begin our day with morning circle time where we all say our Koala Acknowledgement to Country, discuss our calender and talk about any news.
We offer an indoor/outdoor program where the children can choose where they would like to play. During this time we serve a healthy morning tea. After morning activities the children move into their focus groups where they participate in small group times then lunch. This is followed by rest time or Quiet Activities/School Activities then afternoon tea and outdoor play. Around 4pm the children move back inside to play and have a late snack at 4.45pm.
We offer an indoor/outdoor program where the children can choose where they would like to play. During this time we serve a healthy morning tea. After morning activities the children move into their focus groups where they participate in small group times then lunch. This is followed by rest time or Quiet Activities/School Activities then afternoon tea and outdoor play. Around 4pm the children move back inside to play and have a late snack at 4.45pm.
Sleep/Rest -time
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At rest time the younger children who are not going to school the following year, are encouraged to lie down comfortably to sleep/rest to prepare them for the rest of their day. They can bring one soft toy if they would like to or a small pillow.
We are interested in learning about your child’s current sleep habits and working with you to provide for your child’s needs. Please let us know of any changes in routine. The children need to bring their own sheets, which we encourage (and assist) them to put on the bed and take off when needed. The sheets are placed in the child’s sheet bag for hygiene reasons and stored in the sheet box near our room door. Children are provided with the opportunity for sleep or rest on the beds and educators encourage parents to communicate their individual family’s needs as well as their needs for their child. Throughout sleep time children are able to express their individual sleep needs. |
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Munch and Move Program!
What is Munch and Move?
This is a fun, play based program that supports the healthy development of young children from birth to 5 years. We encourage healthy eating and daily physical activity via learning experiences, resources and interactions.
This is a fun, play based program that supports the healthy development of young children from birth to 5 years. We encourage healthy eating and daily physical activity via learning experiences, resources and interactions.
Special Events and Developing Relationships with the Community
During the year we offer many special activities and educational performances as part of our learning program. We believe that building respectful relationships with the community is important as the children gain knowledge on the world in which they live.
Some of the experience we have provided are;
• Dog safety and when it is okay to approach a strange dog
• The Jeral Puppets
• Magic Craig who talked about the importance of healthy eating and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise
• Tuza the African Drummer who had us all dancing and singing
• Visiting the Seniors at Southcare for art/craft/playdough - this is now ongoing and we visit on a regular basis.
• Ready Steady Go Kids weekly exercise program
• The Firefighters visit
• Rebecca the hospital gardener’s visit with her tractor
• Taronga Zoo visit with many special animal visitors
• Treetop bugs – we got to see some amazingly large stick insects
• Biggest Morning Tea where we helped raise money for cancer research
• The Happy Time Australian Show
• NAIDOC Week
• Animals of the Dreaming
• Police Visit
• Under the Sea Show
• Grandparents Day
• Mini-MAESTROS Music Program
• The Kaleidoscope Science Show
• Hatch ‘N Grow Chicks
• Around the World Multicultural Show
Some of the experience we have provided are;
• Dog safety and when it is okay to approach a strange dog
• The Jeral Puppets
• Magic Craig who talked about the importance of healthy eating and getting plenty of fresh air and exercise
• Tuza the African Drummer who had us all dancing and singing
• Visiting the Seniors at Southcare for art/craft/playdough - this is now ongoing and we visit on a regular basis.
• Ready Steady Go Kids weekly exercise program
• The Firefighters visit
• Rebecca the hospital gardener’s visit with her tractor
• Taronga Zoo visit with many special animal visitors
• Treetop bugs – we got to see some amazingly large stick insects
• Biggest Morning Tea where we helped raise money for cancer research
• The Happy Time Australian Show
• NAIDOC Week
• Animals of the Dreaming
• Police Visit
• Under the Sea Show
• Grandparents Day
• Mini-MAESTROS Music Program
• The Kaleidoscope Science Show
• Hatch ‘N Grow Chicks
• Around the World Multicultural Show
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Koala Child Care Centre-Community Based Long Day Care Centre |
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