Educational Program and Curriculum
The National Early Years Learning Framework (Belonging, Being & Becoming) and its underlying principles guide our weekly program. This framework outlines five key outcomes of high-quality early education and care which form the basis of all of our programs and routines:
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
The educational programs provided at Dorrigo Preschool are developed using a play-based approach to teaching, learning and development. Our educational programs are developed based on the educator’s close observation of the children’s learning styles, interests and interactions with others and the environment and in direct consultation with children, parents and other educators. Our educators thoughtfully plan educational programs based on their knowledge of the children and child development. Planned programs are developed to enhance and extend each child’s skills, knowledge and interests, whilst ensuring all areas of development are addressed.
Educators use dynamic and stimulating practices that respond to the needs and strengths of the individual child to support active participation, learning and development. Our educators monitor each child’s progression towards the above outcomes through their participation in the program. All programs are regularly evaluated to ensure the content, interaction and objectives are achieved.
Our educational activities and play areas are designed to engage, inspire and stimulate curiosity and problem solving and to challenge each child to reach their full potential. Learning areas are established in our indoor and outdoor environments, where children can make choices while being guided, supported and encouraged to participate. Spontaneous learning opportunities occur throughout the day as the educators interact with the children.
Educators provide a balance of child and educator led individual, small group and whole group experiences to support children to develop independence, confidence and cooperative and social skills.
We welcome and invite parental input into our educational program.
The learning experiences we provide will encourage your child to:
- grow in their independence
- embrace responsibility
- respect themselves and others
- co-operate with others
- make sensible choices about their health and safety
- develop their physical skills
- develop their language
- develop their understanding of literacy and numeracy
- learn how to be thinkers and problem solvers
- use their imagination and creativity
- learn about their environment
indoorOur Daily Routine
A daily routine is established at Preschool to provide a secure and predictable environment for the children. The day is structured, however, it is flexible and is frequently guided by the interests of the children. We believe children learn best when they are interested in the topic or activity and allowed the time to pursue their interests.
Our day starts at 8:30am
- 8:30-9:15am “Meet and Greet’ outside play
- 9:25-10:00am Continuous morning tea
- 10:00-11:15am Indoor/ outdoor self-guided play
- 11:15am Group Time (two groups)
- 12:00pm Lunch
- 12:20pm Quiet Activity Time – Rest and relaxation time for our bodies.
- 1:30 pm Continuous afternoon tea
- 1.30-4.00pm Self-guided indoor/ outdoor play
- Our day finishes at 4:00pm
