Program

At Gosford Pre-School we proudly provide an interest-based program following the Early Years Learning Framework of Australia.

Our program provides a balance between free play learning and intentional teaching opportunities to help prepare children for primary school education. School readiness - in terms of developing social skills, writing skills, pre-reading skills, numeracy skills, independency skills, gross motor skills and emotional intelligence - these are incorporated into all areas of the children’s day. They are developed through games, books/ stories, social interactions, songs, art and creative skills, technology (we have interactive smart boards in each room), play and planned activities, all based on early childhood research and theory. We have a specific phonics and numeracy program which is embedded into the program daily.

All activities presented at Gosford Pre-School are provided for an educational purpose, whether that be in a free choice/play situation or a more structured group time activity. Each child is observed, their progress documented, and individual goals established in consultation with families. These goals are evaluated and adjusted accordingly throughout your child's time with us to ensure that your child's individual needs, strengths and interests catered for.

Key word signing (using Auslan signs for the main words spoken) is embedded in our daily routine, transitions, and intentional teaching times to provide a visual representation of what is being said. It is a good work out for our brains, supports language develop and communication skills of all children.

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Bush Classroom

At Gosford Pre-School we are privileged to not only have a large outdoor play area but also have access to an area of bush land which borders our preschool. We utilise this bush area as a valuable and sacred educational opportunity for the children. We take regular walks through the area and use the space to enhance children’s development in all areas. The bush classroom allows for hands on learning opportunities and provides an alternative avenue of learning for children who may have challenges learning in the traditional classroom environment.

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Embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture

Gosford Pre-School respects and acknowledges the traditional custodians of Australia and the land on which our preschool resides. The preschool has established its own RAP (Reconciliation Action Plan) which is reviewed and worked on regularly. At Gosford Pre-School Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture is valued and seen as a necessary part of our children’s education and is embedded into our program in many ways including: a daily Acknowledgement to Country (children and educators participate); interaction and learning in the bush classroom; using songs, artwork and stories that are ethically sourced and produced by Aboriginal people; using sustainable practices and teaching a love and respect for the land and animals; providing children with opportunities to learn about the animals and plants not only of Australia but their local area from an Aboriginal perspective (in consultation with the relevant people in the Aboriginal community); providing educators with ongoing opportunities for cultural learning; and by providing an Aboriginal perspective where possible in all areas of learning.

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Sustainability

At Gosford Pre-School we promote the growth of knowledge, skills and values about the environment. We do this with a holistic approach and a focus on nature. We aim to empower our young learners to be environmentally responsible and be empowered to make a difference within the world we live. We incorporate this approach into our daily routines by reducing our waste and encouraging recycling systems, compost systems, herbs and bush tucker garden, water tank use and our worm farm; all of which the children are actively involved with daily. Our preschool is a drop off point for ‘Lids for Kids’ (recycling plastic bottle tops) https://www.lids4kids.org.au/ and battery recycling. We are proud to be educating children about caring for our environment.

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Storypark

At Gosford Pre-School we use an interactive online program called Storypark to communicate with families about their individual child and the program. This platform allows us to share individual observations privately to families about their child on a regular basis, as well as providing daily stories about the whole group program. Storypark is also a way for us to send newsletters, notes and updates so as to reduce paper usage, this is in keeping with our sustainability practices. This platform is also interactive therefore allows families to send educators private messages, send family photos and events, and comment on the program. We value our families ideas and input and understand that pick up and drop off times can be busy for you, so while we are always open to having face to face chats this is another way for us to open those lines of communication and for you to have an input into the program and your child’s learning.

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