Play’n’Around ELC have a strong commitment to the environment and education for sustainability among our children and families. The aim of education for sustainability is to promote a sense of responsibility, respect, empowerment, active participation, enquiry and social change to make a positive difference to the generations of today and the future.
We believe that early childhood is a great time to involve children in education for sustainability where we want to develop lifelong practices to ensure the respect and protection of each other and our planet. We believe a sense of wonder, belonging to and love of the natural environment and living things is critical for young children to develop lifelong respectful, positive and proactive attitudes towards protecting our environment, caring for all living creatures and creating a sustainable environment. We encourage the children to bring foods that are free from rubbish teaching the children the skills to identify this following guidelines from Munch and Move created by NSW health.
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM
Our educational program follows the National Quality Framework which has been developed and fundamental to being, belonging and becoming from the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). From before birth children are connected to family, community and culture, their earliest development and learning and most influential educators.
As children participate in everyday life, they develop interests and construct their own identities and understandings of the world.
Our Service’s educational program includes the five Learning Outcomes that are created to capture the integrated and complex learning and the early childhood range.
The outcomes are broad and very observable. They acknowledge that children learn in a variety of ways and vary in their capabilities and pace of learning.
Encouraging children to be responsible for their own learning through choices in activities based on their interests.
Using conversations, actions, and play as the basis for teaching.Involving the children as partners in teaching by seeking out ideas, opinions, thoughts and questions.
Encouraging children to further their independence and self-help skills.
Involving the children in interest projects and learning stories to further their learning and knowledge.Involving the families as partners to gather a comprehensive picture of the whole child.
Promoting positive relationships with individuals and in group experiences both small and large. Using the physical environment to promote choices throughout the day. Giving the children control of the day within a flexible and consistent routine.
The outcomes are:
Children have a strong sense of identity.
Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
Children are confident and involved learners.
Children are effective communicators.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
At Play’n’Around ELC we connect with our community around us. The children have the opportunity to participate in several incursions throughout the year including music, multicultural, sport, science, environment, drama, healthy eating and our bodies, Fire Brigade, Police and many more. These extra curricula activities allow the children to build and expand upon their skills and learning.
SCHOOL READINESS
Our School Readiness Program commences at the time your child is enrolled at the centre, regardless of their age and represents a continuous approach to preparing each child for school.
Our program consists of a combination of foundational concepts as well as interest based learning. Foundational concepts include:
Colours - both Primary and Secondary
Shapes
Name Writing and also recognizing their name in written format
Numbers – recognising and writing numbers
Letters – recognising letters and writing letters
Forming letters on a line from left to right
Matching and Sequencing
Drawing a picture in detail
Sorting objects into categories
Demonstrating the concept of opposites
Correct pencil grip
Using scissors with safety and control
Complete a task and tidy up afterwards
Participates in imaginative play
An awareness of road safety, stranger danger sun safety and dental hygiene
Following directions without constant supervision
Putting shoes and socks on without help
Work in small and large group situations.
We respect that every child learns at different paces and in different ways we work towards these goals for all children in a way suitable to them.
All children learn “Ants in the Apple” an Alphabet Phonics Program during their time at the centre. The children learn using Visual Prompts – Flash Cards as they join in singing the song. The children complete activities at the centre a simple tracing or writing activity for each letter each week. The year prior to school each child is given a workbook to take home with small quick activities that are extending on from what we are learning that week to complete. The children really enjoy this time and it’s great to see each child progress further throughout their journey in preparation for “Big School”.
Children are taught the foundations of Auslan - the language of the deaf community in Australia. The children are encouraged to use different signs throughout their day. These include and are not limited to please, thank you, yes, no, various songs, letters, their name and lots more.
ONLINE LEARNING
Each child enrolled at the centre will have an online portfolio outlining each child’s interests and strengths. Parents will receive ‘Kinderloop’ notifications each day your child is at the centre filled with your child’s learning. Each child will receive both individual and group observations along with what is happening at preschool during each day.
You will get an insight into your child’s day no more unsure answers when you pick your child up and ask “what did you do today?” You will be able to extend on your child’s experiences with them