Provisions

Our daily program reflects the interests of both children and educators as co-collaborators in learning. Educators document the experiences that children are involved in through-out the day with an emphasis on building and strengthening relationships.

A daily question or ‘provocation’ provides a starting point for the children to plan and structure their day and this provides a learning story which is recorded in an individual portfolio. These may be group or individual stories that focus on their interests. Each child has an Educator that is their Primary Caregiver and that is the educator who documents their learning in the portfolio. This portfolio is a “living document” that embraces the concepts of Belonging, Being and Becoming from the Early Years Learning Framework. Families and educators work together to enhance learning opportunities for children.

Our daily art program, facilitated by the Art Educator teaches skills of working with materials and media to help children create and document their ideas and learning. The art program allows children time to think, to pause, to wonder about the world around them.

The physical environment is aesthetically pleasing, inviting and incorporates natural playspaces. Our vegetable garden grows herbs and vegetables which are used in the kitchen and the water tank and worm farm form part of our sustainability program. The Centre has installed solar panels on the roof to minimise future energy costs.

Meals

Our meals are prepared by our cook and provide more than 50% of a child’s daily nutritional requirements. Children can watch the cook prepare meals and often participate in cooking experiences. All children and educators have lunch together in the dining room. We promote healthy eating habits and use local fresh produce wherever possible.

The Centre provides morning and afternoon tea, lunch and a late afternoon tea. Milk is provided at morning and afternoon tea and water is available throughout the day. Children and babies with allergies and on special diets can be catered for and the centre is “nut-free”.

Supplies

The centre provides all:

Food
Nappies
Sunscreen
Linen for beds and cots

Entertainment – We select a variety of in-house visitors and/or performers through-out the year that provide musical, cultural, scientific and wildlife shows, based on the interests of the children.

Excursions – Pre-school children have the opportunity to attend outside excursions during the year. These are normally to the local park, library, shopping centre or the Newcastle Art Gallery.

Projects

Each year the children are involved in projects which may be short or long term. These projects may come from the children, staff, families or community events. There is an emphasis on literacy, numeracy, community and the environment. Projects involve in depth documentation and often excursions into the community.

Fund-Raising

The Centre derives additional funds by organising cultural and fund-raising events. Parents are invited to participate in the life of the centre through donations of time or kind. Social events are held through-out the year to raise funds which are used to provide additional equipment for staff and children. A fund-raising committee of staff and parents is formed after the Annual General Meeting each February to plan events.

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