3 Year Old Programs

Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten & ELC

3 Year Old Programs at Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten & ELC

Kindergarten is a magical time in a child’s life. During the preschool years, children begin to form a more complex understanding of the world around them and their role in their wider community. In 3 year old kindergarten children are supported to extend their learning and skill development in a social context with support from their peers, families and educators.

As educators we feel honoured to share this learning journey with the children and families we work with. By learning from each other and sharing information together we can work collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for individual children.

Please read on to gain a better understanding of our curriculum, pedagogy and the philosophy behind our practice.

Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten & ELC

Our 3 Year Old Kindergarten Curriculum

“Play is the ‘work’ of Early Childhood”

The curriculum at Little St Margaret’s is informed by the Federal government’s Belonging, Being, Becoming Early Years Learning Framework for Australia and the VictorianEarly Years Learning and Development Framework.

Belonging acknowledges children’s interdependence with others and the basis of relationships in defining identities (EYLF).

Being recognises the significance of the here and now in children’s lives. It is about the present, and them knowing themselves, building and maintaining relationships with others (EYLF).

Becoming reflects the process of rapid and significant change that occurs in early childhood as children learn and grow (EYLF).

Our curriculum is designed to meet the individual needs, interests and skills of the children while working towards meeting the following outcomes:

Outcome 1: Identity- Children have strong sense of identity In order to form a strong sense of self, children need to build secure relationships first within the family and then with caring, attentive adults in other settings (VEYLDF).Outcome 2: Community - Children are connected with and contribute to their world Over time and with opportunity and support, the ways in which children connect and participate with others increase. Participating in their communities strengthens children’s sense of identity and wellbeing (VEYLDF).Outcome 3: Wellbeing - Children have a strong sense of wellbeing During early childhood, the foundations for social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing are laid. Wellbeing includes good mental and physical health, feelings of happiness and satisfaction (VEYLDF).Outcome 4: Learning - Children are confident and involved learners When young children are relaxed and involved they express wonder and interest in their environments. When they are encouraged and supported to be curious and enthusiastic participants in learning, they begin to develop positive dispositions for lifelong learning (VEYLDF).Outcome 5: Communication - Children are effective communicators Children’s wellbeing, identity and sense of agency are dependent on their communication skills and are strongly linked to their capacity to express their feelings and thoughts, and to be understood (VEYLDF).

Based on the National and Victorian Frameworks, a play-based curriculum meeting the needs of both the individual child and the whole group is developed. Educators are led by the interests of the children and facilitate their journey of inquiry and active exploration of the world around them. In the social context of kindergarten, educators encourage children to experiment, take risks and make discoveries in a secure, safe and supportive learning environment.

Ongoing professional development for all educators at Little St Margaret’s ensures that the curriculum we provide is based on sound research, current educational practices and principles and is consistent with optimal learning methodologies.

Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten & ELC

The Format of Our 3 Year Old Programs

Little St Margaret’s has two 3 Year Old programs which run on different days of the week. These are known as the “Green” and “Blue” groups.

Each group is supported by a specialist Early Childhood Educator and Co-Educator and has a maximum class size of 14.

Hours of attendance

Green Group

Monday 9:00am-12:00pm Extended care offered 12:00pm-3:00pm combined with 4yr old children (additional cost involved)

Wednesday 9:00am-12:00pm Extended care offered 12:00pm-3:00pm combined with 4yr old children (additional cost involved)

Friday 9:00am-12:00pm

* Before-care is offered each day from 8:15am-9:00am (no fee associated)

Blue Group

Tuesday 9:00am-3:00pm

Thursday 9:00am-3:00pm

* Before-care is offered each day from 8:15am-9:00am (no fee associated)

We offer a structured daily routine that provides the children with a feeling of security. Each day involves indoor learning discovery, outdoor learning exploration, collaboration at group times and communal mealtimes. The amount of time spent in each aspect of the program will vary according to the needs and interests of each group of children.

Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten & ELC

How does 3 Year Old Kindergarten at Little St Margaret’s differ from other preschool programs?

Educational programs are recognised as among the best in Australia. We have received an “Exceeding the National Quality Standards” rating through the Federal government independent assessment and rating process. Little St Margaret’s is ranked in the top 10% of Early Childhood services across Australia.

Industry leading Educator to child ratios Uniquely small class sizes Intimate learning environment in a historic building Opportunity to attend for 2 long or 3 short days Separation anxiety managed sensitively Individual needs for rest catered for on long days Flexibility of attendance. Parents can choose to increase their child’s

attendance by utilising our before and extended care programs. Toilet training supported in a caring and encouraging manner Weekly specialist music class Sustainable practices promoted Frequent incursions (special visitors within the program) Regular group & whole centre celebrations. For example, Mothers’ and

Fathers’ Day, Easter and Christmas celebrations, Grandparent’s Day, end of year concert and family picnics.

Speech and language screenings offered (with speech pathologists and occupational therapists).

Educators have close working relationships with other Early Childhood professionals. Educators liaise with local school communities, preschool field officers and local medical professionals to support children’s individual needs.

Comprehensive orientation to 4 year old kindergarten Parents kept well informed. This occurs through informal chats at the end of

each session, e-mailing of weekly reflections and parent-teacher interviews. Home visits available on request Supportive and active parent community

Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten & ELC

How are parents/families informed and involved in our 3 Year Old Programs?

We believe close collaboration, open communication and active involvement with both educators and parents is imperative to achieving optimal learning outcomes for children.

We pride ourselves on keeping parents informed of their child’s progress through: Informal chats and feedback at the end of the kindergarten session Weekly reflections emailed to parents Individual children’s portfolios Parent-teacher interviews

Parents can be involved in the 3 year old program and the Little St Margaret’s community through:

Involvement within the program – fruit preparation and/or sharing special skills and interests e.g. cooking, music, gardening etc.

Social occasions – parent get-togethers held at least once per term Dads’ Group – social gathering for fathers held once per term Family picnics Fundraising events Participation in the management and running of the centre via involvement in

the Little St Margaret’s Council

Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten & ELC

We look forward to working closely with you and your child and welcome the opportunity to discuss any questions you may have about the 3 year old programs at Little St Margaret’s.

29 Mayfield AveMalvern 3144

Little St Margaret’s Kindergarten & ELC

9822 7106www.littlestmargarets.com.au