Early childhood is a period of rapid and significant change, a vital period in children’s learning and development. In very profound ways – physiological, emotional, social and spiritual – the experiences lived in early childhood form the foundation for future vision, learning and participation in family and community life. The developing brain is most malleable and most sensitive to experience early in life. Children’s Centres for early childhood development and parenting are a collaborative early childhood initiative that brings together care, education, health, community development activities and services for families with young children.
Our Occasional Care program caters for children up to 4 years of age. The Occasional Care program is integrated within the preschool program, providing a wide range of experiences designed to promote development through play.
Our preschool program provides a sessional Department for Education-funded play curriculum. Government preschools have two major enrolment intakes each year, where children are eligible to access 4 terms of their full preschool entitlement (15 hours per week).
Children who turn 4 before 1 May of that year are eligible to start from Term 1 (intake 1) of the same year.
Children who turn 4 between 1 May and 31 October of that year are eligible to start from Term 3 (intake 2) of the same year.
Children who turn 4 after the 31 October of that year are eligible to start from Term 1 (intake 1) the following year.
The Community Development Coordinator works to increase community capacity to support families to provide the best opportunities for every child.
The Community Development Coordinator also promotes partnerships across a broad range of local services and organisations and establishes interagency programs to meet the needs of the community.
Each term there is a Children’s Centre Community program that is wide-ranging. The program is published in Newsletters, on Facebook and via the Children’s Centre.
Our Occupational Therapist offers workshops and programs on topics pertinent to child and family well-being.
Our Speech pathologist can support children and families in relation to a child’s communication skills (e.g. talking and understanding) play, feeding, and behaviour. This support can be provided through individual parent consultations, parenting groups, community programs, workshops and training. The types of programs and supports are flexible and families are encouraged to discuss their needs and interests with the community team so that the programs offered to suit the children and families of our community.
I am passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families during the most important years of development. I strive to create joyful, inclusive learning experiences and to be a trusted, supportive presence for families. I am driven by the belief that a strong foundation in early education shapes a child’s lifelong love of learning.
Head of Early Years (Children's Centre)