We offer a number of programs and services to support your child’s early years learning.

Preschool program

Times

Your child can attend preschool for up to 15 hours per week.

What to bring

Children need to bring these items each day:

• bag that is easy for your child to open, close and carry
• Vale Park Preschool hat or broad-brimmed hat without chin straps, in terms 1, 3 and 4
• drink bottle with water only
• lunch box with a healthy lunch
• snacks for morning and afternoon tea, such as fresh fruit, vegetables or dried fruit
• spare clothes in case of accidents or getting wet while playing.

Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.

You can buy short-sleeved t-shirts with the Vale Park Preschool logo from us.

Some children may want a familiar item from home when starting preschool. If you feel that your child would benefit from bringing in something from home please speak with an educator.

What not to bring

Children should not bring these things:

• food containing eggs or nuts (some children have allergies that can be dangerous)
• unhealthy food or drink (lollies, chocolate, chips, fizzy drinks)
• toys from home.

Additional information

Curriculum

Our curriculum focuses on the development of the whole child. We help children to be independent, curious, confident, reflective and caring so that they can develop academically, intellectually, socially and emotionally.

Education is an continuous process of learning that is based in the child’s own knowledge and interests. By focusing on children, we design learning environments and experiences that give children the chance to explore and learn deeply.

Each step of the learning program is adapted to the goals of the children and families of our preschool. Our weekly program is displayed on the whiteboard in the parent area, and our newsletters give an overview of the learning for the term.

STEM

We focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Children are naturally curious about the world and we use STEM teaching to help them engage with what is already happening. We encourage children to solve problems from real-world projects using critical thinking, collaboration and creativity.

We want to develop partnerships to extend STEM learning for our children. If you are interested in working in partnership with us, please speak with us.

Playgroup

Playgroup is available for children older than 2 years 6 months who will be attending Vale Park Preschool the following year. Playgroup is a chance for children and their parents to get to know the preschool environment, meet other children and make new friendships.

Parents must come to playgroup and supervise their child at all times. It is run by an educator and parent volunteers.

Please fill in a registration of interest form, the same form as the preschool registration of interest form, if you want to join.

Session times

Friday 9.00am to 10.30am

Cost

This program costs $30 per term or $4 per session.

What to bring

• bag that is easy for your child to open, close, and carry
• hat
• drink bottle with water only
• fruit or vegetable snack
• spare clothes in case of accidents or getting wet while playing.

Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.

What not to bring

Do not bring food containing eggs or nuts (some children have allergies that can be dangerous).

Transition into preschool

Children can come to transition sessions in terms 2 and 4 (the term before they start preschool). Transition visits allow your child to meet educators and familiarise themselves with the environment and routines, without their parents or caregivers.

What to bring

• bag that is easy for your child to open, close, and carry
• hat
• drink bottle with water only
• fruit or vegetable snack
• spare clothes in case of accidents or getting wet while playing.

Please write your child’s name on all their belongings.