Tyalgum Community Preschool embraces the National Early Years Learning Framework - Version 2 as the inspiration for our curriculum decisions.
Children - Early childhood is a unique time when children should value and enjoy play in an unhurried environment without undue pressure or judgement. Children are resourceful learners who actively contribute to their own learning by exploring and sharing their experiences, ideas, interests and cultures, especially when given time to explore, investigate, create and imagine through play.
Program - Our program focusses on the strengths, interests and needs of the child that is responsive to different learning styles, cultures and backgrounds. We embrace the Early Years Learning Framework to support and reflect on children’s learning and development. Play is essential for children’s development and lifelong learning, and when engaged in authentic and meaningful play in a safe and stimulating environment, children develop dignity and positive self- esteem.
Play - Learning through play promotes a sense of wonder, creativity, exploration, discovery and challenge. As children play together, they learn co-operation, assertiveness, empathy and how to handle frustration. Children become immersed in literacy and numeracy concepts, science, movement, music, art, and relationships. We support and encourage healthy eating and physical activity to create strong healthy minds and bodies, which enable children to actively immerse themselves in the preschool environment.
Families - Parents are the child’s first and most influential educators and we acknowledge their right to make decisions about their child. Respectful, collaborative relationships between parents and educators and parents’ meaningful participation in the children’s educational program will lead to a richer learning environment.
Our Team – We engage highly qualified and experienced Educators who support children’s learning, health, safety and well-being. We provide opportunities for staff to attend ongoing professional development, participate in decision making about the preschool and to learn from each other, utilising their individual interests and talents in the preschool program.
Diversity - Children should be given many and varied opportunities to embrace, identify with and celebrate diversity in all its forms. By encouraging children to view the world through different lenses, we are preparing them to be culturally responsible citizens and differences should be honoured through inclusion, tolerance, respect and acceptance. We have a duty to be proactive in supporting and developing an ongoing and reflective understanding of Indigenous Australians and their culture.
Community – We provide opportunities for social networking and we aim to foster relationships with local organisations, schools, community groups and embrace the community’s uniqueness and resources which may support children’s learning.
Environment - Located in the stunning surrounds of Mt Wollumbin (Warning), an area rich in environmental and cultural beauty, we enrich our children's understanding and appreciation of their surrounds by acknowledging the land’s traditional owners, the Bundjalung People - their beliefs and practices. We provide a variety of natural elements to foster an appreciation of the environment and to provide a platform for ongoing sustainability and environmental education and awareness. A rich, stimulating and nurturing preschool environment stimulates imagination, promotes creativity, enhances aesthetic appreciation and children’s understanding about their responsibility to care for the environment.