Offering the best in early education
JOEYS AND KANGAROOS
In our early learning environment, the children are encouraged to participate in a variety of experiences individually, in small groups or as part of a larger group.
The children are grouped into Joeys and Kangaroos.
Joeys are 3 to 4+ year old’s and Kangaroos are the children going to mainstream school the year after (4+ to 6.)
During the day we implement two ‘work cycles’. Children are encouraged to participate in fine motor, cognitive, literacy and creative experiences. Cognitive experiences include pre mathematical and science experiences.
SCHOOL READINESS FOR KANGAROOS
Commencing kindergarten at ‘big school’ is a significant milestone for every child and their family. This milestone is governed overall by the child’s social and emotional readiness and development. School readiness is often incorrectly perceived to be just counting & name recognition. Therefore the foundation of the school readiness program at our learning environment is interest based. By learning through various experiences and activities the children equip themselves with essential skills to transition to school with ease. A day at our early learning centre is full of new and exciting things, but it also follows a predictable structure so that your child can feel comfortable knowing what to expect next.
The day includes a combination of active and quiet times, opportunities for group and independent learning, adult supported and child initiated exploration, with time spent both in and outdoors.
Etiquette at meal times, hand washing, toileting and a rest period are also important parts of the daily routine.
COMPUTER GYM
The Computer gym is run weekly at the centre and provide lessons that are specially designed to engage your child’s imagination. Their curriculum has been designed by Australian teachers to build on the learning programs that your child is currently receiving. Computer Gym develops a number of skills including computer skills, numeracy skills, literacy skills, self-esteem, creativity and social skills.
FIT & FUNKY
Fit & Funky provides children with a fun approach to dance, fitness and health, and aims to mitigate childhood obesity and encourage lifelong healthy habits. Classes are run weekly and last for 30 minutes. This is an optional activity for all children at the centre.
We have our own Library.
Our library is well stocked with over two thousand books. The library is an amazing resource for anyone, but it is especially fantastic for preschoolers!
When children are exposed to age-appropriate books, it shows a greater number of emergent literacy behaviours and pre-reading skills the greater the exposure, the greater the involvement!
The library is a place where children are active. Libraries encourage fiction reading that helps children develop the habit of reading for pleasure and enhances childrens intellectual, cultural, artistic and emotional growth.
Munch & Move Program
Munch and move is a NSW Health initiated fundamental gross motor skills program where children are guided to cultivate necessary fundamental skills.
Munch & Move support healthy development of children by promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and reduced screen time. Munch & Move aligns with early childhood National Quality Framework (NQF).
Spanish Language
We teach Spanish with visuals and gestures with realistic expectation and short lessons to our preschoolers. We make it fun and incorporate movement whenever possible. Eg: animals as we say we dance. Questions that require one-word answers are asked and we keep it fun because children learn best when it feels like play. It is not compulsory to join.
Sustainability Program
The framework for sustainability initiatives at Hornsby Heights Preschool will be based on the four principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repair.
As new information on how we can live more sustainably comes to light, we examine and manage lifestyles in a sustainable manner how it will have a global effect.
It is particularly important for children to have these practices and ideals embedded at a young age, forming an awareness and consciousness of their actions on the planet, promoting the development of lifelong sustainable habits and attitudes.
Sustainability – throughout the day children participate in learning importance in how to recycle, reuse, reduce & repair.