Our Philosophy and History
Established in 1967 the Dungog Community Preschool has been an integral part of local families lives for over 50 years.
Our Philosophy
Play
By ensuring children are engaged in Play provides them with opportunities to explore the world around them. When educators facilitate children’s play through observations, interpretations and planning it enables children to be in the right now and they are supported through their development and learning. We believe that play is the foundation of everything and how the children learn.
“Hands on learning is the children’s work”.
Environment
By creating an environment that is inclusive and supportive turns the space into a learning environment. Learning environments are welcoming spaces that show similarities to the home and respond to the interests and needs of each child. A quality learning environment allows the child to become all that they can be. We believe an environment that makes people feel comfortable and encourages them to engage in the space.
“A place to feel included and secure”.
Relationships
By developing relationships and working in partnership with all people involved in a child’s life is important for ongoing, open and honest communication. When a strong relationship is developed the child is able to achieve at their highest ability and is able to show a stronger sense of belonging. All connections we have play a key role in what we believe, how we react and interact.
“Treat all with respect”.
Community
By developing community connections, it helps members to feel that they matter to each other and that they are interested in what each part of the community are doing. When strong community connections are formed children feel safe and secure in the environment that is around them. We support our family community by facilitating their shared vision. We understand the value of making strong connections within our community. We support families by working towards their shared dream.
“It takes a village”.
Quality
By having strong beliefs and expectation of Quality, the preschool shows that everyone involved knows what is important for Children’s learning and why. Expecting quality, showcases the important role that the preschool holds in Early Education. Maintaining consistency in its values and respecting the years of dedication and commitment that the preschool and the staff deliver.
“Quality ensures that everyone is proud”.
Our History
Dungog Community Preschool was formed by a group of mothers and opened in March 1966 with the help of donations from many local organisations. The preschool operated in the Presbyterian Hall until September 1967 and relocated to 1 Chapman Street Dungog, into the old railway barracks building.
Dungog Community Preschool continues today as a non-profit, community-based organisation. The preschool runs collaboratively with qualified educators and a Management Committee, elected annually at the AGM.
Management Committee
Dungog Community Preschool Management Committee over sees the business plans, finances, growth of the preschool and is the approved provider. The committee consists of 8 members 4 of which are members holding an office bearing position such as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The Preschool Director/ Nominated Supervisor and the committee members make up the Management Team.
The team work collaboratively with the committee to communicate the running of the daily program, feedback from families and future goals for our beautiful and inclusive learning environment.
Preschool Hours
Monday – Friday
8.30am – 4.00pm
Dungog Community Preschool is only open during the NSW school term. Please click here to view the calendar on the NSW Education Website.
Dungog Community Preschool acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We acknowledge the Gringai people as the traditional custodians of the Dungog region and pay our respects to Gringai elders past, present and emerging.