Our Educational Program

 

 

Come on a journey to discover our natural learning environments

and  our inclusive connections.

 At Dungog Preschool we embrace the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The EYLF guides educators in their curriculum decision-making and assists in planning, implementing, and evaluating quality.

 

Belonging, Being and Becoming are fundamental to our shared vision as educators and we implement these through our philosophy and program.

Respectful and Reciprocal relationships are an important part of our program.  All our educators are connected to the children, families and carers and build on these relationships by being available to discuss children’s interests, needs, outcomes, developmental milestones and celebrate children’s achievements.

 

Each Term the children will have a focus educator, this educator will work with families to identify children’s interests and develop focus goals based on children’s needs and develop strategies and learning experiences to support the child’s engagement at preschool.

  At Dungog Preschool school readiness is embedded into the program. We provide engaging and stimulating learning experiences in a safe and natural environment. We support a holistic approach to learning paying attention to children’s physical, personal, social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing as well as cognitive aspects of learning.

 

Our daily routine is flexible and meaningful as children are encouraged to explore the open-ended learning environments and extend their interests with the support of peers and educators.  Our learning together program supports children to learn collaboratively and gives them a sense of agency to explore and engage in all areas of the preschool program.

 

We have dedicated learning spaces to provide opportunity for ongoing learning in STEM (Science, Technology, engineering, mathematics), Language and literacy, Art, and our Outdoor environments.

Nature play and being connected to the local environment ensures children gain a sense of care and appreciation for living things. Our preschool gardens, vegetable gardens, compost, chickens, worm farm, water tanks, riverbed and mud pit provide opportunities to learn about sustainability and   support sensory and inquiry-based learning.

The children care for the chickens daily, bringing in scraps and collecting eggs! Outdoor spaces also provide the room for children to engage in physical activities and play. Open spaces, climbing and obstacle equipment, bike track, sandpit, boat and back playground equipment challenge the children’s coordination, confidence and encourage social interactions.

 

Each day the educators and children gather for what we like to call our “Yarning Circle”. This is a great opportunity to build our sense of belonging and community at preschool. We say good morning to each other, the children enjoy discovering who is attending and absent for the day and count our friends and educators. We sing our “Care for Country” song acknowledging the custodians of this land. The children may also share some news through our discussions, we may sing a song and sometimes dance!     

 

Transition times at preschool are times when we are moving from one activity or area to the next for example from play to lunchtime or from indoors to outdoors. Often a tambourine is used to gain children’s attention and we gather for a short time and reassure children what we are doing next, we often discuss hygiene and healthy eating.

Intentional teaching moments and group times are an important part of our program as educators focus on children’s current interests and learning and are incorporated into our routine at appropriate times. Our STEM, Literacy/Language, Art, and Outdoor learning environments have dedicated educators reflecting on the children’s lines of inquiry and extending on their learning.

 

Our connections with Community Groups and Families are holistic and strong. We gain knowledge from the interactions and invaluable life skills shared. During the year we plan visits to Lara Aged Care, NeighbourCare, Library and we enjoy welcoming other community groups into environment.

Our Preschool provides opportunities for Emergency Services to visit onsite throughout the year. These interactions involve role playing how to stay safe and to seek help in an emergency. The interactive visits are organised during our Emergency & Evacuation months to support Child, health & Safety.

 

Term 1 and Term 4

8:30am – Outdoor learning

9.30am/10.00am – Progressive morning tea. Children choose when they would like to have morning tea during outside play

11:05am – Yarning Circle and  Group Time

11:30am – Indoor learning

1.00pm – Lunchtime

1.30pm/2.00pm – Rest and Relaxation time. Mindfulness

2.30pm – Quiet activities/ Storytime

3.00pm- Outdoor play

4.00pm- Home time

 

Term 2 and Term 3

8:30am – Indoor learning

9.30am/10.00am – Progressive morning tea. Children choose when they would like to have morning tea during inside play

11:05am – Yarning Circle and Group Time

11:30am – Outdoor learning

1.00pm –  Lunchtime

1.30pm/2.00pm – Rest and Relaxation time. Mindfulness

2.30pm – Quiet activities/ Storytime

3.00pm – Outdoor play

4.00pm – Home time

 

 

Time table is flexible & holistic