Monash Preschool Statement of Philosophy

Framed by the Early Years Learning Framework, Inquiry Approach and Monash Primary School Values we believe:

Children are capable, curious explorers, every day at Monash Preschool you will see:

• children engaged in conversation and discussion
• children making decisions
• children inquiring together
• children playing indoors and outdoors
• children wondering, questioning and taking risks
• children interacting with each other and their educators
• children exploring and learning in responsive, vibrant, challenging learning environments thoughtfully designed and resourced with invitations to promote dispositions for learning such as curiosity, persistence, cooperation, imagination and confidence
• educators honouring children’s voice.

Learning is play based, intentional and collaborative, every day at Monash Preschool you will see:

• children actively constructing their own understandings
• long uninterrupted periods of learning
• educators interacting with children, researching, inquiring and co constructing learning
• learning environments resourced with open ended, high quality materials that invite and provoke curiosity, awe and possibility
• learning environments that foster risk, challenge, wonder, awe, creativity and imagination
• learning created together.

Educators are reflective, intentional curriculum decision makers, every day at Monash Preschool you will see:

• educators collaborating, supporting and challenging each other
• educators reflecting on practice
• educators listening, questioning and responding to children
• educators observing, recording and documenting children’s learning
• the vision, principles and practices of the Early Years Learning Framework in action.

Families are partners in learning, every day at Monash Preschool you will see:

• a welcoming and inclusive non judgemental environment
• valuing of expertise and knowledge and many ways of belonging, being and becoming
• educators spending time with families
• good, clear, respectful and reciprocal communication.

Monash is a connected, respectful community school, every day at Monash Preschool you will see:

• mutual respect between home and preschool
• local children walking and riding to preschool with siblings, parents and carers
• families helping each other
• proactive community engagement and a dynamic Community Hub
• preschool and school working together
• appreciation of the beautiful landscape and Indigenous heritage of Monash.

Curriculum

A new, national early learning framework for children from birth to five years has been developed.

The Early Years Learning Framework has been developed to ensure your child receives quality education programs in their early childhood setting. This is a vital time for them to learn and develop.

The Framework's vision is for all children to experience play-based learning that is engaging and builds success for life. For more information, please visit: http://docs.education.gov.au/documents/belonging-being-becoming-early-years-learning-framework-australia

It is a guide for early childhood educators who work with children from birth to five years. They will use the Framework in partnership with families, children's first and most influential educators, to develop learning programs responsive to children's ideas, interests, strengths and abilities, and recognise that children learn through their play.

The Early Years Learning Framework describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming.

• Belonging is the basis for living a fulfilling life. Children feel they belong because of the relationships they have with their family, community, culture and place.
• Being is about living here and now. Childhood is a special time in life and children need time to just 'be'—time to play, try new things and have fun.
• Becoming is about the learning and development that young children experience. Children start to form their sense of identity from an early age, which shapes the type of adult they will become.

To view the Education Directorate policies visit http://education.act.gov.au

Communication avenues with staff

Our school recognises the importance of a positive family/staff relationship.  We encourage:

• Sharing knowledge to enhance the growth and development of your child.
• Developing positive relationships with families that are based on mutual trust and open communication.
• Developing a sense of belonging to the preschool for the children, parents and staff.

Important notices are placed on the notice board outside your child's preschool room.  Additional information is communicated through the school Facebook site and the Monash School App.

School newsletters are produced weekly with information about what is happening in the school and are emailed to you. If you require a hard copy please inform the front office.

Teachers appreciate the opportunity to talk with parents and carers both informally and in formal situations. This ensures valuable insights, and understandings can be reached about a child's individual developmental journey. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask for an appointment to meet with the teacher.

Hours of Operation

At Monash Preschool there are four classes which operate as follows:

Joeys / Possums:

Monday                         9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Tuesday                        9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Wednesday (alternate)    9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Echidnas:

Wednesday (alternate)    9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Thursday                       9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Friday                           9.00 am to 3.00 pm

Enrolment Procedures

Children seeking to enter school at the preschool entry point should be four years of age on or before 30 April in that year.

Preschool enrolments open in Term 2 prior to the commencement of the preschool year. Online enrolment forms are available at www.education.act.gov.au/school_education.  For further information please see the website parent guides or phone the school.  The school will confirm enrolment in mid June and, if successful, you will need to provide your child's birth certificate, immunisation details and proof of residence, ie. utilities bill, mortgage document, lease or tenancy agreement.

Early Entry and Early Intervention: Early Entry is offered to eligible families to meet the needs of their children in the early years of their education. Early Entry will only be considered for children in the following categories

• Early Entry for Children with English as an Additional Language or Dialect
• Early Entry for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children
• Early Entry for Mobility (such as for Australian Defence Force personnel)
• Early Entry for Gifted and Talented children.

For further information, please contact Early Years on 6207 1106 or email DET.consultation@act.gov.au.

Further information is available on the Department's website at http://education.act.gov.au.

NDIS - www.education.act.gov.au/the-national-disability-insurance-scheme.

Voluntary Contributions

There is no specific fee for public education.  A school may offer or facilitate some specific optional items, activities and services for which parents may be asked to pay if they want their child to access them.  Such activities may include excursions, visitors and class photos.

Schools do ask families to contribute a voluntary contribution to enable the school to continue to provide a quality learning environment for our children.

Purchases of new equipment, games, puzzles and books rely upon the commitment and generosity of our parent community.

Delivery and Collection of Children

Regular attendance is important as this allows the children to settle into routines and establish themselves as part of the group.  In accordance with the National Quality Standard, collection of children must be by a parent or authorised nominee. The details for those people are on the enrolment forms for your child.

If there are times when you require an alternative person to pick your child up from preschool you can:

• Fill out the book for that purpose which is kept by the preschool teacher.
• Send in a written note giving your consent for that person to pick up your child.

Transition into Primary School

Your child is a member of the Monash School community.  By enrolling your child into Monash Preschool your child will automatically move on to Kindergarten in our school.  As with all transitions the staff will ensure that the move from preschool to Kindergarten is successful.  To do this we have implemented a transition program for our preschool children.  This involves:

• Kitchen Garden Program - from Term 1
• Preschool buddy program with Year 4 children from Monash. Commences Term 2.
• School visits for families – Term 4
• School tour for pre-schoolers – Term 4
• Kindergarten visits for pre-schoolers – Term 4
• Primary school staff release preschool staff on a regular basis throughout the year. This gives the pre-schoolers the opportunity to form relationships with other staff from the school.