WHAT WE PROVIDE

Implementing a school readiness program in the Pelican room enables the children to develop their developmental skills in key learning areas such as literacy, numeracy and self help skills. By developing these skills each individual child's short and long term success at school will be enhanced. It is also a crucial stage to build positive relationships with each child as this is essential in developing their self esteem which will assist each child to make effective transitions from a childcare setting to school environments.

Child-Focussed

In early childhood education, the curriculum is not the focus, the children are. We feel that a meaningful, integrated emerging curriculum that incorporates "The Early Years Framework" is the most beneficial environment for children's learning across all developmental domains. Play is the main focus of learning as a basis for life skills.

Evaluation

The staff document the children's learning throughout the day, making observations at these various activities and developing experiences and plans for each child which are then added to the daily program. This is linked to the "Early Years Framework" and Quality Standards principles demonstrating how we achieve these goals. All observations are available for families to read each day in their child's portfolio which is displayed in the classroom. These portfolios go home with the child at the end of each year. A daily reflection sheet is also completed each day on our indoor and outdoor environments with a focus on small group and individuals.

We focus on six key areas to ensure children are ready for school and thrive during their first school year.

Literacy — using Ants in the Apple method which concentrates on the alphabet, the letter-sound collaboration/phonics. Engaging in pre-reading and writing experiences, experimenting with computers including use of the mouse and keyboard.

Numeracy — a strong understanding of basic mathematical concepts through practical hands on experiences.

Fine Motor — strength, control and coordination of the hand muscles for writing, cutting etc.

Language — speaking, listening, vocabulary and comprehension.

Intellectual — concentration, persistence, problem solving, memory, following instructions.

Emotional/Social - using PALS program showing respect, speaking confidently to peers and adults and to care for their belongings.

Our School Readiness program starts from the first day your child attends Willy Wagtails Kindergarten, regardless of their age! Babies and toddlers will learn to separate with ease from their parents upon arrival and pre-schoolers will learn social skills in the playground such as problem solving and negotiation. The dolphin room caters for children aged approximately 3-4 years of age, this does vary depending upon the month your child is born in as well as individual needs. The highly qualified teachers and educators are focussed on developing particular skills to assist your child in preparing for starting school. These skills are then consolidated in the pelican room which caters for the 4-5 year olds approximately.

School readiness in the dolphin room is not a separate part of the program. At Willy Wagtails we promote all areas of your child’s growth and development in conjunction with the Early Years learning Framework. By responding to each child’s unique learning style and interests we provide opportunities that encourage the skills and attributes needed for starting school.

Children are encouraged to become confident learners through a variety of planned activities that also have an emphasis on numeracy and literacy development. Being socially competent maximises children’s opportunities to engage in learning and to take on the challenges that school presents. When children struggle to communicate and build relationships with peers and teachers, this detracts from their capacity to learn and participate in the school program.

Willy Wagtails Kindergarten aims for children to confidently and competently take part in the school environment by encouraging the development of core social skills. Taking turns, sharing, being able to make friends and a degree of independence are some of the skills that children are being supported to develop. The dolphin room also prepare children for school by encouraging the development of strong relationships with others. This is essential for children in developing self-confidence and resilience to enable them to cope and thrive other environments that they are unsure of such as school. The use of programs such as Munch and Move also assist in keeping physically active as well as developing healthy eating habits.