Deer Park Preschool

Deer Park Preschool offers three 4 year old groups and a 3 year old group.

2011 Session Times:

4 year old kindergarten – 10 hours 45 minutes per week

3 year old kindergarten – 3 hours per week

BPA Children’s Services sets annual fees based on the shortfall between Government funding and the operating costs of the centre.

Fee Subsidy for Low Income Families:

As per State Government Policy, Concession Card Holders are entitled to 10.75 hrs per week of free kindergarten in the four year old program only. The concession card must be sighted by a member of BPA Children’s Services staff when requested. Failure to show a valid concession card will result in full fees being charged. There is no subsidy for three year old programs.

CENTRE PHILOSOPHY

At Deer Park Preschool:

• we aim to create a happy, safe, welcoming, stimulating learning environment to encourage thoughtful play;

• we believe children learn through play and offer a play based program developed from children’s interests, ideas and needs.  These are gathered from discussions with and observations of the children.  This is supported by input of ideas and guidance of intentional teaching from staff.

• we value our families input and aim for them to feel a sense of belonging and partnership with Deer Park Preschool.

• outdoor play is highly valued and we aim to build positive attitudes, values and respect in our children towards their natural environment.

• we offer an inclusive program with appropriate support for children with special or additional needs.

• we document each childs journey throughout the year in a portfolio containing digital documentation, written observations, work samples and special events.

• our staff shares a passion and commitment to the field of Early Childhood Education and bring together many years of knowledge and experience.

• we provide a program that incorporates the encompassing Early Years Learning Frameworks including practices, principles and intentions.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM

The educational program is a very carefully planned one, based on our expertise as early childhood professionals, and observations of the individual child’s behaviour and developmental skills. The program strives to fulfil a number of broad goals throughout the year. These include;

•  Independence

•  Awareness of the world around them

•  Self confidence

•  Successful communication through variety of media e.g. Art, music, drama, language

•  Development of relationships with others

•  Development of skills

•  School readiness

The program is implemented in a play-based environment which will invite all children and families to experiment, challenge themselves, enjoy, develop relationships, grow together, and build positive self-images. The program is developed through observations of all children, and is based on each child’s own individual developmental needs and skills. Learning through play will allow children to develop at their own pace, while gaining the confidence and skills needed to succeed in the more formal environment that they will come across at school.

All activities are carefully planned to take into consideration the children’s interests as well as their level of development. Each days’ program gives them opportunities to make progress in various areas of development.

At times throughout the year the program may be based around certain themes, such as colours, families, autumn, Easter etc; and many of the activities will be associated with the theme.

It is important that parents are aware of what we are doing at kindergarten so they can follow-up and carry through the learning at home. It is for this reason that the program is displayed in the centre. Parents are encouraged to check it on a regular basis.

Enrolment:

Fill this form to contact Deer Park Preschool: