Our program
Mission
To develop and provide high quality, innovative, educational programs and care, which meets the needs of children and their families, whilst building positive attitudes towards sustainable values and practice.
Values
We believe:
1. Childhood is a unique and specific stage of the lifespan, that is different to any other age.
2. Children are individual with varied needs, interests and abilities.
3. Children are capable and competent.
4. Children are intrinsically motivated and learn at their own pace through hands-on exploration of open ended materials.
5. Children learn through play that is child initiated, directed, interest based, fun and provides opportunity for challenge.
6. Children have rights and deserve to have a voice.
7. Children are curious and spontaneous.
8. Children have strong beliefs, feelings and attachments
Language/Literacy
Our room is filled with conversation, child/child and adult/child. Reading and writing materials are in many parts of the room. Stories are read every day – individually, in small groups, to the whole group – and the ideas and illustrations talked about.
Inclusive Play
Our program has an emphasis on social collaboration between children. Teachers guide children to extend and develop lateral thinking.
Excursions
We provide developmental excursions each term.
Recent excursions have included:
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Botanical Gardens, Bundoora Park Farm, Watsonia Library visit, Local community outings.
Friendships and social development
Watsonia Pre-school provides a happy, warm, stimulating and secure environment to allow opportunities for children to develop friendships, physical confidence and competence, language, cognitive skills, creativity, independence and self-esteem, laying the foundation for future learning.
Creative learning through making and moving
Each term the program builds on learned skills with stimulating activities designed to enhance children’s spatial awareness, motor control, participation and enjoyment. Our program addresses many of the alarming childhood health issues of obesity, poor fitness and decreasing levels of activity.
Watsonia Pre-School
Belonging, being, becoming.