Program
The first years of a child's life are ones of enormous growth - in fact, they represent the greatest period of growth in a human's entire lifespan! The preschool experience supports and enhances this natural development in children, building on your child's existing skills while furthering their needs for the future.
Balcombe preschool offers an extremely high-quality program which prepares children exceptionally well for formal education.
Our preschool program is based on the early childhood curriculum as well as our teacher's knowledge and understanding of childhood development and learning styles. The program is also influenced by the interests and desires of the individual children.
At Balcombe Pre-School, we plan a diverse range of activities and experiences to support each child’s participation in our program. We have areas designed for: co-operative or solitary play, quiet or noisy play, imaginative play, opportunities for creativity, construction activities, problem solving experiences, outdoor equipment and spaces for physical play, opportunities for appreciation of nature and exploration - just to name a few! We also ensure that our program reflects the current interests, abilities and needs of the children we are teaching (working in consultation with the children and their families).
Strategies have been implemented to help children not only just cope, but to get the most out of their sessions including the incorporation of yoga and meditation for all groups to have some relaxation time.
Outdoor
Balcombe Preschool is renowned for its amazing playground which caters for all types of play. As well as providing a huge space to run, the bushy environment provides the opportunity for children to observe and explore nature. Children can also learn about sustainability and caring for animals with our worm farm and vegetable patch. Past families have worked on playground projects including a “Dinosaur play space”, a “Mud Kitchen”, an “Indigenous inspired garden” and fire pit as well as a "Relaxation station" for quiet and restful time!
We are also fortunate to be located adjacent to the Hopetoun Creek reserve which we utilise for our Bush Kinder program for the 4 year olds during Terms 2 and 3 (see further information under the Bush Kinder heading).
Indoor
Literacy and numeracy are integral parts of our weekly indoor curriculum. Our permanent numeracy table provides children with the opportunities for enquiry into concepts such as: shape recognition, understanding numbers, measurement, pattern and time.
At our literacy table, children explore prewriting concepts such as: playing with letters and words, scribbling and drawing, making up stories and fine motor development. The learning which takes place at these tables remains constant – just the content changes.
All children love to pretend and role play. Our imaginative table and dramatic play areas stimulate this type of play and regularly change according to the children's interests.
The extension of an undercover area off our main building has increased the space for children's activities, including, sensory play and painting.
Lenny
Observing, interacting with and caring for an animal can be a valuable part of a child’s educational experience by enriching their learning. Encouraging direct contact and developing bonds with animals, can also help children build empathy. We are so lucky to have Lenny join us at preschool, attending every day with our 4 year olds. Lenny helps the children learn how to be safe around dogs as well as teaching responsibility, compassion, love and respect for other living things. Dogs in the classroom can also calm fears and relieve anxiety. 😊
Connections with our local community
Visits are organised each year to help the children feel connected to their local community.
Living beside the sea, we feel it is imperative that children not only learn about being safe around water, but also to gain an understanding about the marine environment and how to preserve its natural beauty. Term One’s visitors therefore usually include: Kings Swim Centre “Water Safety Presentation”, and “Seaweed Sally” from Southern Ocean Education.
Every year, Mt Martha CFA invites us to take part in their "Fire Safe Kids" Program. The children also learn about other workers in the community who help us such as the police, the local postie, and the local librarian who visits during “Book Week”.
Although we are not affiliated with them, the close proximity of Balcombe Grammar provides an excellent opportunity to plan experiences with the preschool children and students working together for wonderful mutual benefits.
We also mentor students from a range of higher education institutions (including; - Universities and TAFE’s) as well as schools in our local community.
Connections with our Families
By seeking regular and ongoing involvement from our children and families, we are able to make sure that their ideas and interests are reflected and built upon in our program (for example, through the experiences we provide, the use of portfolios/questionnaires/mind maps and the way in which our environment is set up (i.e. creating a Balcombe Preschool “Family Tree”).
Families also have the opportunity to become involved in our wonderful preschool community through:
Volunteering to become a committee member
Weekly communications from the teacher’s reflecting on the week and sharing “What’s next”? via the digital platform “Storypark”.
Families are invited to contribute to the program, sharing their culture, profession or skills.
Working bees
Schools
Starting school is big step for you and your child. It can be both challenging and exciting! The Balcombe Preschool teacher’s belong to the Early Years Network and meet regularly with the local foundation teachers to share and learn through critical reflection. By working together, teachers and families can ensure a smooth transition and the best start to Primary School for your child.
