“At Dorrigo Preschool we support children in feeling that they belong to our community, to be in the present moment of everyday life and to become active and involved participants as successful lifelong learners.”
About Us
Established in 1973 and situated on the picturesque Dorrigo Plateau, Dorrigo Preschool is a small ‘not-for-profit’ community-based service, providing quality education and care for children aged 3 – 5 years. At Dorrigo Preschool, we aim to provide children with fun learning experiences and opportunities to develop memories to last a lifetime. We value each child as a unique, capable decision maker and an active constructor of their own world. We understand that children learn best through play and, as a team, educators place play at the heart of our program, providing children with opportunities to explore, discover, experiment, imagine, create and play. At Dorrigo Preschool, we support children to develop a sense of belonging to our community, to be in the present moment of everyday life and to become active and involved participants in their learning.
Dorrigo Preschool operates during NSW School terms and provides education and care between the hours of 8.30am and 4.00pm. We are closed during school holidays, on public holidays and NSW Department of Education student free days.
Dorrigo Preschool is operated by the Management Committee and the Centre Director, ably supported by a dedicated team of educators and administration staff. Our Management Committee consists of a group of dedicated parent volunteers and interested community volunteers elected at our annual AGM in March each year.
The service is licensed and primarily funded by the NSW Department of Education and Communities. Our remaining funding comes from Preschool fees, fundraisers and donations. Dorrigo Preschool participates in the National Quality Framework, a system that sets the standards for and improves the quality of children’s education and care services. In 2021, Dorrigo Preschool achieved a rating of “Meeting National Quality Standards” under the National Quality Framework.
Our Philosophy
Our Philosophy is a living document, continually evolving in the light of new research, the ideas of new team members and input from families and our community.
At Dorrigo Preschool we value:
- The important place that Dorrigo Community Preschool holds in the lives of the many families who currently have, or have had, a connection with the only preschool on the Dorrigo Plateau. We recognise that this unique community environment is a valuable resource, which we embrace when planning children’s learning experiences.
- The Gumbaynggirr people as the Traditional Owners of our preschool land and we acknowledge the important role this indigenous culture has had throughout history. We acknowledge this culture through ensuring that it is woven into our daily practices and routines.
- Every child as a unique, capable, decision maker and an active constructor of their own world. We acknowledge each child’s right to be respected and their right to quality education and care, and to feel safe and secure. Family diversity is embraced, and differences are seen as a learning opportunity and a way to explore what makes us all unique.
- All our families and caregivers, acknowledging them as their child’s first and most influential teachers and we embrace and appreciate their valuable insights into their child/ren.
- The child’s voice and offer opportunities and experiences that are meaningful and responsive to that voice.
At Dorrigo Preschool we believe:
- In developing a holistic approach to our practices by engaging in critical reflection to improve our practices and making informed decisions through the implementation of workplace policies, standards and practices which are fair, non-discriminatory and in the best interest of our children and their families.
- Children learn best through play and, as a team, educators place play at the heart of our program by providing children with opportunities and experiences to explore, discover, experiment, imagine, create and play. The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia defines play-based learning as “A context for learning through which children organise and make sense of their social worlds, as they engage actively with people, objects and representations.”
- Children benefit from developing an appreciation of the natural world by being in the outdoor physical environment where they are connected to the world around them. We provide daily opportunities to run, hide, ride bikes, climb trees, play in the mud kitchen.
- Children can take increasing responsibility for their own self-help and basic health routines to develop their growing independence and satisfaction in being able to do things for themselves.
At Dorrigo Preschool we support:
- Children in feeling that they belong to our community, to be in the present moment of everyday life and to become active and involved participants as successful lifelong learners.
- Children to think about the impact of their behaviour on others and to learn the value of the development of considerate behaviours.
- Both the child and their family as they undertake the transition journey from preschool to Primary School.
Our Educators and Staff
Kyrah, Diploma Educator
Kyrah has been working in the Early Childhood sector for 9 years and has completed a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. She has worked at Dorrigo Preschool for 5 years and loves the community spirit it has to offer. Kyrah enjoys taking children on excursions and engaging in natural and risky play. Kyrah is committed to supporting the team to provide children with the highest learning opportunities and experiences. She is passionate about children’s wellbeing and aims to guide them to become strong, independent individuals.
Judy, Diploma Educator
I have been at Dorrigo Preschool long enough that the children I have taught have come back to be trainee educators. But overall I have had more than 20 years in Children’s Services in various capacities. I am diploma trained however most of my real education has come from being with the children themselves. They keep me in touch with a world that is magical, beautiful and full of love and hope for their future. I view each child as a bud bursting to blossom wanting to show the world all their beauty and uniqueness.
Kayla, Diploma Educator
I have been in early childhood education since 2014, in 2014 I started my cert 111 traineeship and then went on to complete my Diploma. During that time, I had two beautiful children, one of which comes to Dorrigo Preschool and really enjoys it. I have just started back after two years of maternity leave with my second child. I really enjoy helping the children learn through play and getting them to use their imaginations. Seeing where their imagination takes them is my favourite part about working here. Getting to know all about the children and their families is also one of my favourite things about this job.
Mattiah, Cert III/ Diploma Trainee
Mattiah joined our team July 2021 as a Certificate III Educator. Mattiah attended Dorrigo Preschool herself in 2002-2005. Mattiah loves watching the children learn and grow and watching them become the best versions of themselves. Mattiah enjoys being outdoors and engaging with children in a range of physical activities. Mattiah loves supporting the children’s interests and extending on their ideas by implementing these into our program. Mattiah loves engaging in art and craft activities and anything hands on.
Mikenzi, Cert III Educator
Mikenzi has been working in the early childhood sector since 2018 after getting her Certificate III in early childhood and care, after having 2 children and moving to Dorrigo from Nambucca she was excited to join our team one day a week.She is very passionate about supporting children’s interest and helping them grow in many different ways. She also believes play is a very good way to learn, develop and create a great imagination.
Laura, Cert III Educator/Diploma Trainee
Born in Germany but raised in the bush, I call Australia home. I am a seamstress/pattern maker and trained as a yoga teacher in 2012. Early childhood education wasn’t a field that I had ever imagined, until a friend suggested I apply for the job, I must say that working with children has given me one of the greatest feelings of purpose that I have ever felt! Not only do you get to support a child’s development, but you are also given the opportunity to see the world through their eyes which is truly refreshing.
Tahlie, Cert III Educator
Tahlie joined our team in May 2021 as a Certificate III trainee. She completed her Certificate III traineeship at Dorrigo Preschool in 2022. She is mother of two young children who both attended the Preschool in previous years. Tahlie thoroughly enjoys engaging in experimental activities and outdoor play experiences with the children. Tahlie loves supporting the children’s interests and being able to be a part of the life-long memories with the children.
Kyra, Cert III Educator
At the beginning of 2023 I started my Certificate III traineeship with Dorrigo Preschool. I am really excited for this opportunity. I enjoy being with the children and watching them learn and grow through a range of experiences. I cannot wait to learn more about the industry and get to know the children and their families.
Sue, Admin Assistant
Sue joined our team in March 2022. Sue has been in customer service and office administration for 40 years. Sue is enjoying the challenge of all the regulations.
Tammy, Centre Director
Tammy has dedicated her career to the Early Childhood Education and Care sector for 25 years. With experience in long day care, preschool, and the early years of school, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to Dorrigo Preschool. Tammy has also taught Early Childhood Education and Care at TAFE and university, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in additional needs and early intervention. She firmly believes in the crucial role that early childhood educators play in fostering positive outcomes for children. At Dorrigo Preschool, Tammy is committed to providing a nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive and develop lifelong skills.
Our Committee
Dorrigo Preschool is managed by a Management Committee consisting of parent volunteers and interested community volunteers. The Management Committee oversees the preschool’s operations and is responsible for ensuring:
- the incorporated association complies with the Associations Incorporations Act and its regulations
- the Preschool maintains quality care and education for children
- compliance with state and federal laws
- the Preschool meets regulatory, and national quality requirements
- appropriate management of the service’s finances to ensure its ongoing viability
- collaborative relationships and open communications with staff, parents and the community.
A new management committee is elected at our Annual General Meeting held in March each year and, together with the Centre Director, this committee forms a team to provide the management to run the preschool for the year. The following positions are typically representative of committee membership:
- President
- Vice President
- Treasurer
- Secretary
- Maintenance Officer
- Fundraising & Events Coordinator
- General Committee Members
