Play
Based Learning •
Inclusion
• Curriculum
• Locations
& Contacts • Information
for Families
Waitng
List Online Application
Koorana
has two preschools in Sydney’s Canterbury Local Government Area.
They are:
Koorana
Croydon Street Preschool
at 33 Croydon Street, Lakemba
Koorana Phillip Street Preschool
at 22 Phillip Street, Roselands
Play
Based Learning
Preschool programs are based on on-going observations of children’s
interests, strengths and needs. Projects evolve in response to children’s
discoveries. For example, in response to children’s interest in a
spider web in the outdoor play environment, staff provided books about
spiders and insects. The children worked in small groups with a teacher,
to look for information about spiders on the internet. Spiders were featured
in stories and songs. A variety of representations of spiders and webs
appeared in children’s art and craft work. Once this interest was
satisfied, it was time to move on to something new.
Young children learn most effectively when they are actively engaged,
and they are actively engaged when they play. Hence Koorana’s preschool
programs are play based. Many activities offered at preschool are open
ended, offering children the opportunity to explore and make choices.
This flexible environment encourages the involvement of all the children,
including those who have additional needs.
Children also learn to follow the daily routine, move from one activity
to another, look after their own needs with toileting, hand washing and
eating (with support as needed), share equipment and attention, take turns
and express their needs.
Group times involve turn-taking games, music, language and early literacy and numeracy activities. As children approach school age, group times increasingly expose children to some of the skills they will need at school, such as sitting for longer periods, following group directions and telling news to their friends.
Inclusion
The principle of inclusion means that all children, regardless of ability,
gender, cultural background or home language, have opportunities to participate
actively in all aspects of the preschool program. All children can benefit
from experiencing this diversity within the preschool setting.
Koorana has a policy of enrolling children with disabilities and delays
in development, and providing additional support for these children in
the preschool. There are several children at preschool each day who need
this support.
Our inclusion support teachers and therapists work closely with preschool
staff and families to develop Individual Family
Service Plans and individual education programs for these children,
which are then implemented by everyone involved. As far as possible, programs
are implemented through play activities and daily routines, alongside
other childrens.
Curriculum
At Koorana, we base our program on the Te Whariki
Curriculum. Developed in New Zealand, this curriculum guides
us to look at each child’s development in five key areas:
Well-being
Children develop their understanding about how to
keep healthy and care for their physical and emotional needs.
Belonging
Children learn that they belong in the community,
as well as their family. They begin to learn to be responsible for their
own actions and for the safety and well-being of others.
Contribution
Children learn how to be a member of a group, how
to co-operate and how to play with others.
Exploration
Children develop new skills by exploring their environment,
trying new experiences and seeking information.
Communication
Children learn that they can use communication skills
for a variety of purposes, and that they communicate through speech, movement,
drawing and creative expression.
Each child has a focus teacher who monitors their learning and ensures
that their learning needs and strengths are addressed within the program.
Preschool Locations and Contacts
Koorana Phillip Street Preschool
22 Phillip Street, Roselands
Mailing address
PO Box 403, BELMORE NSW 2192
phone (02) 9750-3655 •
fax (02) 9758-3666
Koorana Croydon Street Preschool
33 Croydon Street, Lakemba
Mailing address
PO Box 403, BELMORE NSW 2192
phone (02) 9759-4494 •
fax
(02) 9750-4533
Information for families of children attending Preschool
Parent involvement
Parents are always welcome at Preschool. Parents and carers can be involved
by helping staff with children, for just a few minutes or a few hours.
Staff are happy to explain why they set up activities the way they do.
Parent participation may involve:
•
telling a story to the children in your own language,
•
bringing in a book or activity for the children to use for the day,
•
Assisting with cutting up the fruit for morning tea,
•
Making playdough,
•
Cutting things out for the children to use in craft activities,
•
Sharing recipes,
•
Contributing articles for the newsletter,
•
Talking about their work or an interesting aspect of their lives,
•
Joining the Management Committee.
Morning
Teas
Regular informal morning teas provide a way for parents to meet each other.
A Family Worker is present to offer information to families on a range
of topics. Look out for information about upcoming Morning Teas when you
sign your child in at preschool.
Excursions and Visitors
Several outings are planned throughout the year. Many are within walking
distance. Parents are asked to sign permission for these on the child’s
enrolment form. When we plan trips requiring transport, separate permission
slips and information will be given to parents at the time. Parents are
always very welcome to come along on excursions.
Photos
Staff use digital photos and videos to record children’s achievements
at preschool and preserve memories of outings, visitors and other special
events. Photos or videos of your child will not be used outside the Preschool
without your written permission.
Arrival and Departure
Preschool is open between 9.30 am and 3.30 pm each day. If for any reason
you are running late to pick up your child, please phone to let us know.
For safety reasons, Koorana cannot allow children to leave the preschool
with anyone for whom we have no written authorisation.
Illness
For the well-being of all children, the Preschool cannot care for children
who have contagious illnesses. Please refer to the NSW Department of Health
Guidelines, and check with your doctor if in doubt.
Dress
Please send your child to preschool in comfortable clothing that is easy
to wash – preschool activities can be messy! A complete spare set
of clothes is advised. Sun hats are required. Please apply sunscreen to
your child in summer before coming to preschool. We will apply more during
the day. If your child has an allergy to sunscreen products, please let
us know.
Food
Please bring a piece of fruit each day for morning tea, and a lunch and
drink in a labelled lunch box. We have a microwave to heat food if necessary.
We encourage healthy lunches and a minimum of ‘treats’ such
as lollies or chips.
Medication
If your child is taking medication, you should inform your preschool teacher.
Medication can be administered by staff only according to strict procedures:
the staff will give you more information.
Lost and found
Please label all your child’s belongings.
Online
Application (coming
soon)
