Welcome to Bittern Preschool, a centre that was opened in 1992. In 2022 we are offering two groups of 4 year olds, and one group of three year olds. Our program is based on the National Quality Frameworks, and is centred around the child’s interest. From term two we offer a Bush Kinder program that is closely linked to the local primary school.
Preschool provides your child with the opportunity to freely socialise, explore feelings about themselves, experiment and be wonderfully creative, all within a safe and comfortable setting. Your child will be encouraged to contribute to, and participate in both group activities and individual ones. By sharing their experiences, they begin to develop a positive self-esteem and at the same time begin to develop an appreciation of the contributions others can make.
A child who has been eased into Preschool is well on the way to feeling confident and independent, which is great preparation for future steps in their learning. The variety of interesting experiences provided at Preschool cover the different areas of a young child’s development. While a child is involved in an activity they are developing their social skills and concepts about the world in which they are a part – such as shape, size, weight, colour, etc. As they learn and play in a group environment, they practice the skills of being patient, listening to another’s contribution, sharing their own ideas and most of all… HAVING FUN!
The Preschool year is also a wonderful opportunity for you, the parents, to participate and contribute at various levels. You will make friendships with other families and enjoy knowing that you belong to and are an important member of the Preschool community.
Our Philosophy
The basic premise and philosophy of early childhood education is founded on the knowledge that:
- Each child has the right to play and interact in a safe and welcoming early childhood environment.
- Each child develops at a different rate.
- Children learn through play and that play should be fun!
All children have a natural desire to learn. All they need is opportunities to do so, and the skills necessary to benefit from the opportunity.
The teacher, who has a minimum of 3 years training in early childhood development and education, will individually observe and make records on a child’s behavior and development.
From these records the basis of the program and activities provided by the Preschool will be formed. Much of these activities will be relaxed and unstructured so the child has the chance move around through activities at their own pace. Each child is at a different stage of development and maybe highly skilled in one area and yet need help in another. As most children learn from their total environment learning occurs through our senses of sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste, many of the activities will be sensory to improve and refine these skills.
The program will also be based around our environment, the community and popular festivals. It will incorporate learning skills which will help in the future with maths, reading, music, sport, science, dramatic play, creative arts and people skills.