3 Year Old Program
We work hard to ensure a safe and stimulating environment for our 3 year olds program. In 2024 & 2025 children will attend two days a week, five hours a day. A total of 10 hours for the week. The Koalas day is 8.30am-1.30pm. The Joeys attend from 9.15am-2.15pm.
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For many of the children, kindergarten allows them to develop self-reliance and independence.
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At the same time they are discovering the implications of being part of a group; for example the need to wait, share and take turns.
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This occurs within the supportive guidelines and reassurance provided by attentive and caring Educators.
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All planned experiences are designed to be inviting and of interest to the children.
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Throughout the year we have professional in house experiences for the children to learn from professionals in their field. These change from year to year as we book according to the children's interest. Some examples are: Wiggerly Worm, rabbit rearing program, chicken hatching program, Drama Toolbox, Aboriginal Cultural Experience, Wildlife Xposure, Bunnings and a visit from a librarian from Chelsea Library to name a few.
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We also have fun with Pyjama Day and a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Mother's and Father's Day celebrations, Book Week, Science Week and Children's Week.
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Forming strong partnerships with families is a key Practice Principle that guides us as Early Childhood Educators. We value participation and contributions from all families to enhance your child's learning. Before kinder starts for the year we ask families to complete a "Getting to Know You and Your Family" form. By completing this form we gain a greater understanding of your child and family. This will help the educators plan for your child's learning, creating strong learning outcomes for your child. This form is where you let the Educational Team know what cultural/religious celebrations are important to your family. We then celebrate or acknowledge these events with the children, providing them with a rich cultural diversity.
In term 4 our Kidathalon is a favourite fundraiser amongst staff and families. This provides a wonderful opportunity for family involvement. Children love to participate in an outdoor obstacle course to help raise valuable funds for our kinder and support children's wellbeing.
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As the year progresses, the changes in the children’s play reflect their readiness for the greater demands of the 4-year-old program. Play is more co-operative and sustained. Focus and concentration improve. Increasingly, children develop an awareness of the needs and rights of others; all essential life-skills that are built on early learning at kindergarten and at home.