INFORMATION
BOOKLET
EEYS Head Office PO Box 1326 HORSHAM Horsham Vic 3402
Phone: 5382 7997
Website: www.eeys.com.au DISTRICT
EMERGE is committed to child safety, wellbeing, participation, empowerment, cultural safety and awareness, including people with a disability, Aboriginal children and “Excellence in Early communities and from culturally or linguistically diverse backgrounds Childhood Education” EMERGE has a zero tolerance of child abuse and a duty of care to prevent and manage child abuse risks, including physical and online environments
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Early Years Management 3
EEYS Philosophy 4
EEYS Contact Details 5
Starting Kindergarten 6 - 9
Priority Access 10
Registering for Kindergarten 11
Enrolment Dates/Timelines 12
Kindergarten Fees 13
Sites Location Maps 14 - 15
About our kindergartens
Bennett Road 16
Green Park Casuarina 4yo 17
Green Park Acacia 4yo 18
Green Park Acacia 3yo 19
Kalkee Road Wombat Room (4yo)) 20
Kalkee Road Possum Room (3yo) 21
Natimuk Road 22
Natimuk Pre School 23
Dates to Remember 24
My Notes 25 - 27
2 Emerge Early Years Services (EEYS) is the Early Years Manager, Approved Provider and Licensee of the following kindergartens and Early Learning Centres in the Horsham, Stawell & Hindmarsh District. These include: Horsham Rural City Northern Grampians Shire (Stawell) Hindmarsh Shire
Bennett Road Kindergarten Cooinda Kindergarten Dimboola Early Learning Centre
Green Park Kindergarten Marrang Kindergarten & ELC Jeparit Kindergarten
Kalkee Road Kindergarten Nhill Early Learning Centre
Natimuk Preschool Rainbow Kindergarten
Natimuk Road Kindergarten
EEYS acts as an umbrella organisation for the early years education and care services with a Board of Management which is a skill based board made up of a minimum of 5 community representatives. Each year prior to the Annual General Meeting community members are invited to put forward expressions of interest in a seat on the Board of Management. Expressions of interest can be accessed on the EEYS website www.eeys.com.au Board members are selected and approved by the current Board.
The Early Years Management Policy Framework emphasises the importance of Early Years Management as a key strategy to building a stronger and more responsive and effective early years system across the state. Partnerships with families, the community and all levels of government coupled with effective management form the foundation of Early Years Management in Victoria.
Each member site has its own parent advisory group which takes care of the day to day issues such as minor maintenance, and fundraising to enhance the Early Years programs
EEYS currently plays a coordination role reducing the administrative burden for its member early years education and care services and developing policy that applies to all sites.
EEYS conducts employment and management of staff and manages funding and regulatory obligations for all services. EEYS also offers educational guidance and mentoring for staff in day to day operational roles.
On behalf of the services EEYS works closely with funding bodies and stakeholders including the Department of Education and Training (DET), Department of Education and Workplace Relations (DEWR), Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) , Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) Hindmarsh Shire and the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
Early years education and care services are required to meet the standards of the Education and Care Services National Regulations under the Education and Care Services National Law Act 2010.
Early years management strengthens the delivery of universal Early years services across Victoria. The early years management initiative provides parents with more flexible options for participating in kindergarten and LDC programs and creates a more consistent and professional employment model for early years staff whilst facilitating strong local partnerships.
EEYS Centralised Enrolment System EEYS provides a centralised enrolment system for all kindergarten sites including Horsham, Hindmarsh and Stawell based kindergartens.
3 It is the vision of Emerge Early Years Services (EEYS) to create early childhood education and care settings where children, families and educators feel safe, valued and respected in inclusive learning communities providing every opportunity for children to reach their full potential. EEYS is responsive to local needs and understands the importance of quality improvement and effective team building.
EEYS is governed by a skills-based Board of Management which places emphasis on clear and transparent governance, excellent financial management and sustainable and innovative strategic planning to deliver accessible, high-class services.
EEYS work hard to provide a safe, nurturing and engaging environment for children to learn, grow, thrive and explore. We believe it is essential to respect and treat each child as an individual. Reflecting the National Quality Standards commitment to the United Nations Convention on the rights of the child, we strive to protect children from harm, respect their privacy as well as safeguard and promote every child’s wellbeing.
We believe that children learn best through an integrated emergent child centred curriculum, which is child focused and interest based with an emphasis on open ended elements. The curriculum is created through children’s ideas, interests, family engagement and links to the Early Years Learning Framework.
We acknowledge that children are imaginative, resourceful, creative and enthusiastic learners with the strong ability to control their own learning, we embrace each child’s agency and that children can largely direct their own learning as they explore and discover through both collaborative and independent play.
We believe all children and families should be treated with equality and their culture, individual needs and linguistic diversity are embraced and acknowledged. Our Educators model inclusive practices and create an atmosphere of acceptance between all.
We encourage families to share their culture and home experiences with the service which will enhance the sense of community and involvement which enables families to be part of their child’s experience within the service environment.
EEYS recognise that the family is the primary influence in their child’s life and strive to develop trusting collaborative relationships that will enhance the early childhood learning experience.
We strongly believe that every child and their family have the right to excellence in early childhood education and our educators work hard to provide stimulating indoor and outdoor environments, play based learning experiences and create trusting, honest and secure relationships with all.
EEYS believe that early childhood education is a celebration of learning and growth and when that is valued and nurtured appropriately fosters individuals that can positively contribute to their community and the greater society.
4 Horsham Office: Address: Shop 2/33 O’Callaghan’s Parade Horsham, Vic 3400 (PO Box 1326, Horsham 3402) Office hours: 9.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday. (4-5 by appointment) Phone: 03 5382 7997 Mobile: 0418 526 975
Stawell Office: Address: 87 – 89 D’Arcy Street Stawell, Vic 3380 Office hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday Phone: 03 5358 1249 Mobile: 0427 409 357 EEYS Website Nhill Office: Information regarding EEYS services, fees and Address: 2/20 Whitehead Avenue Nhill, Vic 3418 staffing can be found on the EEYS website Office hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday www.eeys.com.au Phone: 03 9024 9100 Mobile: 0428 485 933 Facebook
Like us on our Facebook page to keep up to date with what’s happening with our Early Please Note: the offices may be unattended at Years Services times due to meetings, site visits or events and it is always advisable to ring first.
Emerge Early Years Services
EMERGE Management Team Pauline Butler Executive Officer Monday - Friday 9am – 5pm
Aida Anderson Pedagogical Leader Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Kimberley Philip Early Years Coordinator (Hindmarsh) Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Carole Clarke Early Years Coordinator (Stawell) Monday - Friday 8.30am - 4.30pm
Rebecca Werbeloff Transition Support Worker Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Kelly Klowss Enrolment Officer Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 9am – 3pm
Jenny Maroske Finance Officer Tuesday - Friday 9am – 3.30pm
Karen Bell HR/Administration Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Debra Gebert Administration Tuesday - Friday 9am - 3pm
Juvena Miatke SRF Coordinator Tuesday 8.30am - 3.30pm
5 The right time to start kindergarten
Under the National Quality Framework and Universal Access funding is provided to support children to attend kindergarten for 600 hours (15 hours per week) in the year prior to school.
It is important that children start school when they are ready to learn in a more formal environment. Therefore it is important for parents to consider when is the best time for their child to start school, as this will determine the best time to attend kindergarten.
In previous years parents have been able to start their child in kindergarten and have the option to withdraw if, after consultation with educators, it was considered that the child would benefit more from kindergarten in the following year. THIS OPTION IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE TO US and there is an expectation that once the child has commenced in kindergarten that this will be considered to be their year of funded kindergarten. Consequently it is important to consider carefully the year in which a child will benefit most from kindergarten. Educators at kindergartens and at the EEYS office are available to speak to you about making the best decision for your child.
Waiting another year for kindergarten Each child develops at his/her own rate, and although your child’s age may make him/her eligible to start kindergarten, other factors may impact on his/her readiness for such an experience.
Once you make a decision and your child starts kindergarten it will be expected that they will complete the year. Should you and the educator see signs that the child is not ready to benefit from the kindergarten experience in the current year, there is a small window of opportunity in which the child can be withdrawn and access their funded year of kindergarten in the following year. This is prior to the data for enrolments being passed on to the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and MUST BE as early as possible and definitely prior to the end of term 1.
Please be aware that there is no opportunity to have a second year of funded three year old kindergarten, all children will proceed to four year old kindergarten. A second year of four year old kindergarten needs to be approved by the Department and to be eligible the Educator needs to identify that the child has two areas of developmental delay.
From the beginning there needs to be open, honest communication between you and the educators, keeping the child’s needs, best interest and your family’s needs at the forefront. Speaking to your child’s teacher early in the year is essential to making an informed decision about the best time for your child to benefit from their kindergarten year.
More information can be found at http://ww2.rch.org.au/emplibrary/ccch/CPR_Vol14No3_PS_SchlRead.pdf
How to gauge your child’s readiness Generally speaking readiness for either 3 year old or 4 year old kindergarten is more about maturity and social and emotional readiness than what the child knows or can do.
Consideration should be given to • the child’s ability to separate happily from their primary care givers • the child’s desire and ability to interact with adults other than their primary care givers • the child’s desire and ability to interact with other children • independence skills such as looking after their own belongings and making their needs understood • emotional readiness indicated by such things as not becoming unnecessarily upset should routines change or things not being as expected
Of course many of these skills are developing during these years and should be discussed with the educators in order to make an informed decision. 6
Remember Think carefully about when your child is likely to gain the most benefit from starting school, and therefore when is the best time for the child to have a kindergarten experience. If you are unsure, talk to others who know your child and whose judgment you trust. This could be the kindergarten educators, other parents who have made this decision in the past, the prep teacher or school principal or your Maternal and Child Health Nurse. Attend kindergarten information sessions and ask about the kindergarten program and the expectations that the educators will have.
Before your child starts kindergarten and early in the year share your concerns, thoughts and ideas about your child’s development openly with the kindergarten teacher and be prepared to be guided by these skilled professionals with regard to your child’s readiness to benefit from their kindergarten experience.
NO JAB, NO PLAY POLICY The Victorian Government has passed new immunisation legislation named 'No Jab, No Play', which took effect on 1 January 2016. 'No Jab, No Play' aims to reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases through increased immunisation rates in the community. The legislation requires all children enrolling in early childhood education and care services to be up to date with their vaccinations or to have an approved exemption. This includes long day care, kindergarten, occasional care and family day care.
Acceptable Immunisation Documentation: documentation as defined in the immunisation enrolment toolkit for early childhood education and care services as acceptable evidence that a child is fully vaccinated for their age, or is on a recognized catch up schedule if their child has fallen behind their vaccinations; or has a medical reason not to vaccinated; or has been assessed as being eligible for a 16 week grace period.
Families will be required to supply a copy of their child’s immunisation history statement or medical exemption form with their enrolment information prior to accepting the child enrolment at Kindergarten in 2022. Copies of child’s immunisation history statement can be accessed from Medicare by either:
• phone 1800 653 809 or email [email protected] • web: www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/online • My Gov • Visit your local Medicare office
If your child has a medical reason they cannot be vaccinated, an immunization Exemption Medical Contradiction form will need to be obtained from Medicare (available for download from www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/online), signed by GP, and provided to the service.
If your child is not up to date with their vaccinations see your doctor or local council to discuss a catch-up schedule of vaccinations.
7 When is my child eligible for kindergarten? Four year old programs Your child must turn four before the 30th April in the year your child is to attend kindergarten. If your child is born in the months of January through to end of April, you have the choice of which year to en- roll your child. If you are unsure when to send your child to kindergarten, talk to the kindergarten teach- er at your preferred kindergarten. Also see page 6 & 7 ‘The right time to start kindergarten’.
Please be aware that a second year of four year old kindergarten needs to be approved by the De- partment and to be eligible the Educator needs to identify that the child has two areas of developmen- tal delay.
Three year old programs Your child is eligible for three year old kindergarten if they turn three before the 30th April. Children must turn three before they can attend kindergarten. (It is recommended that children be three by the start of Term 1 in the year they are to attend Kindergarten).
It is important to note that there is no opportunity to have a second year of funded three year old kin- dergarten & children who cannot start funded 3 year old kindergarten until Term 2 will have no oppor- tunity to defer their kindergarten place if they are not ready for kindergarten as children need to have deferred by the end of Term 1. Families with children who cannot start until Term 2 will need to pay Term 1 fees to hold their kindergarten place.
How do I decide which kindergarten my child should attend? There is a difference in the programs offered at each kindergarten. Each kindergarten is unique. Each teacher offers his or her own program (within the Education Care Services National Regulations). Visiting the kindergarten provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to see each kindergarten, hear how each program is run, speak with educators and ask any questions that you may have in order to make an informed decision about kindergarten.
Can I visit kindergartens while a session is on? You are encouraged to visit the kindergartens that you are interested in having your child attend. Educators have a duty of care to the children attending each session so please phone the kindergarten in advance to make an allocated time to ensure the educators are available to speak with you.
What is Universal Access and what does it mean for my Child? Universal Access is an Australian Government commitment to provide access to a quality early years program for all children for 15 hours a week in the year before starting school. (see site specific information for further details of hours of program delivery at each location).
When should I register my child? If you want your child to attend your kindergarten of choice, you must register them as soon as possible, as kindergarten offers are based primarily on application date. The earlier you register your child, the greater chance you have of obtaining a place in the kindergarten of your choice.
How do I register my child? An online registration form is available from the EEYS website www.eeys.com.au or can be obtained from the EEYS office or by emailing [email protected]. This form needs to be submitted to EEYS to reg- ister your child. Once the registration form is received your child’s details will be placed on the Enrol- ment database. You will receive a letter or email confirming your kindergarten preferences. Please check that all details are correct on the confirmation letter. Change of preference/details forms can be accessed on the EEYS website.
For 2022 places, you need to return your Enrolment registration form to EEYS by Friday 30th July 2020.
Please Note: Registrations close to the above cut off date are unlikely to receive a place in the kindergarten of their choice (in the first round of offers) and will be offered a place where there are vacancies (if any) or placed on a waiting list.
8 Can I change my kindergarten preferences? Changes can be made to your preferences at any time prior to the first round of offers being made with- out affecting your initial date of registration. For 2022 enrolment changes can be made up until Friday 30th July 2021. A Change of Details/Preference Form is available from the EEYS website or by emailing or phoning the EEYS office.
When will I know if my child has been accepted to my preferred kindergarten? All kindergarten offers are emailed out in August of the year prior to the kindergarten year. The letter of offer will be accompanied by an Enrolment Application Form. Completed application forms and im- munisation history statements are to be returned and deposit payment made to EEYS by the specified date to secure your child’s kindergarten place.
If you do not receive your first choice of kindergarten you can accept the offer of a lower preference and be placed on a waiting list at your preferred kindergarten. Any vacancies that arise will be offered to children based on the date of application until the end of August. After this date, waiting lists for indi- vidual Early Years Services will not be held and any children remaining on a waiting list will be placed on a general waiting list. See Enrolment Timeline on page 12 for further details.
What happens to my child’s registration if I defer their kindergarten year? If you decide not to send your child to kindergarten in the year in which you nominated, you need to contact EEYS to defer your child’s attendance to the following year. You will remain on the Enrolment database to be offered a kindergarten place the following year based on your original registration date and in line with EEYS’ priority of access.
Are there expected to be Kindergarten closures throughout the year? Several closure dates are allocated for staff to undertake professional development and administration duties. You will be given adequate notice of these closure days.
In the case of staff illness, a kindergarten may be unavoidably closed should no suitably qualified relief staff be available at short notice. In this case you will be sent an SMS message as soon as possible how- ever sometimes this might be at very short notice e.g between 7.30am and 8.30am the morning of. Please have a backup plan in place should this occur.
9 EEYS has put in place Priority of Access guidelines as part of the Enrolment Policy which outline how kindergarten places are allocated based on priority. Below outlines the priorities for the funded kindergarten program (4 year old) in the policy:
First priority:
Children at risk of abuse or neglect, including children in out of home care. The child is: • Attending a three year old kindergarten program through Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early learning, or is referred by: • Child Protection • Child and Family services, Child FIRST/integrated family services/services connect case worker • Maternal and Child Health Nurse or • Out of Home Care provider
Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander children
Asylum seeker and refugee children • An appropriate visa identifies the child and/or parents as a refugee or asylum seeker.
Children eligible for the Kindergarten fees subsidy. • A child or parent holds a Commonwealth Health Care card, Pensioner Concession Card, Veteran’s Affairs Card, or multiple birth children (triplets, quadruplets)
Children with additional needs, defined as children who: Require additional assistance in order to participate in the kindergarten program, require a combination of services which are individually planned, have an identified specific disability or development delay • The child is assessed as having delays in two or more areas and is declared eligible for a second funded year of kindergarten • Holds a child disability health care card • Has previously been approved for Kindergarten Inclusion support package, or referred by: • The National Disability Insurance Scheme • Early Childhood Intervention service • Preschool Field Officer, or • Maternal Child Health Nurse.
Children who were eligible to attend kindergarten in the previous year but deferred prior to the April data collection (end of Term 1) after consultation with the kindergarten teacher. • These children will have priority at the kindergarten at which they were initially offered a place. • Should parents wish their child to attend a different kindergarten the priority of place criteria will come into effect.
Second priority: • Children who have a sibling that has previously attended the same kindergarten (in the 4 year old program only) as their first preference.
• Year before school children.
Third priority: • Date of application
10
Registering for Kindergarten
For 2022 enrolments you need to act by Friday 30th July 2021
To register your child for kindergarten Scan QR Code for direct link to online complete the online registration form at the registration form EEYS website
You can also obtain a registration form by emailing [email protected] or contacting the EEYS office (see contact details on page 5)
You can register your child at any time throughout the year and for future years.
You can change your preferences and/or contact details at any time with EEYS by completing a Change of Details/Preference form without affecting your original date of registration. This form is available from the EEYS website or by contacting EEYS.
Refer to the Enrolment timeline (Page 12 in this booklet) for a list of important dates. If you do not re- ceive information in the week following the specified date or you are unsure, please contact us.
Please be aware of our Enrolment Priority of Access guidelines (page 10). If you register your child late you are more than likely not to receive a kindergarten place at your preferred kindergarten.
11
Important Dates for 2022 Enrolments
Date Due Activity What I need to DO?
Monday 12 July - Friday Open Days & Information sessions for Prospective Parents welcome to attend 23rd July Parents to hear about various kindergarten programs Friday 30 July All Enrolment Registration forms for 2022 Please fill in the Enrolment enrolments need to be returned to EEYS by this registration form or Change date. of Preference/Details form to make sure your child is Parents need to ensure contact details are up to registered correctly. date and any change of preferences completed by this date. Monday 9 August First round offers of kindergarten places will be emailed out by EEYS with Enrolment Application Forms. Friday 20 August Completed Enrolment Application Forms and Fill out Forms and return Deposits paid by this date to secure kindergarten with deposit payment to place for 2022. EEYS Office by this date
along with immunisation Return to EEYS, Shop 2/ 33 O'Callaghan's Parade, Horsham (refer contact details page 5) history statement & birth certificate
If you require a specific session prompt return of application form and deposit
Friday 27 August EEYS to send out second round offers Friday 17 September EEYS to send families a letter confirming their kin- dergarten place and session times. Enrolment pack- ages sent to families. October Completed Enrolment Forms to be returned to Return Enrolment forms to EEYS EEYS November AGM & Kindergarten Information sessions Parents to attend to receive Information booklet & other details about 2022 enrol- ments Tuesday 7th December Statewide Orientation Day Parent & children to attend Orientation Day
12 Why do I have to pay a deposit? A deposit is required to assist us with the planning of kindergarten programs as it shows you are committed to the place offered. The deposit to secure your child’s place is $50 per child for three and four year old full paying fee places. If you hold an eligible concession card or visa a deposit is not required. However, EEYS needs to sight the card in order to secure your child’s place. Please bring it in to the EEYS with you when you return your Enrolment Application Form.
When is my deposit returned? Deposits paid are returned as a credit on your Term four fees. If your child is withdrawn from the Early Years service prior to Term 4 your deposit will be forfeited.
What is the Kindergarten Fee Subsidy? The Kindergarten Fee Subsidy exists to make funded kindergarten (3 & 4 year old program) affordable for families who hold an eligible concession or visa. As a concession or visa holder you are entitled to subsidised fees in the Three and Four year old program. In 2022, it is anticipated that there will be no fee payment required. You can access the kindergarten fee subsidy by presenting your concession card or visa to EEYS or with your application form and upon card expiry.
Can I use my concession card for Three year old kindergarten? Yes . In 2022, the Horsham Rural City municipality will be eligible for the State Government subsidised three year old kindergarten program allowing children access to 5 hours of funded kindergarten.
What are the fees in 2022? 4 year olds (15 hours) $410 per term 3 year olds (5 hours) $260 per term
When am I required to pay fees? • Fees for all Early Years Services are to be paid to EEYS. Fees are paid by direct debit through Ezidebit
• Families need to complete a Direct Debit Request (DDR) Form and return it to EEYS prior to commencing
• Direct Debit Request Forms will be sent out with your Enrolment packs at the end of Term Three 2021.
• Term fees are to be paid prior to the start of Term.
What happens if I do not pay my fees? Your child will be unable to attend kindergarten this is unpleasant for all and we encourage you to keep your payments up to date to ensure your child’s eligibility.
Please note: If a family has outstanding fee payments, siblings will not be offered a Kindergarten place for future enrolments until all debts are paid.
Please note: In cases of severe hardship being demonstrated, please call and discuss your situation personally, with our Enrolment Officer or Executive Officer
Is a Child Care Subsidy available? No not if your child is attending kindergarten. Unfortunately, the Australian Government ceased the Registered Child Care Benefit that was available to families of children attending kindergarten programs on the 2nd July 2018.
13 EMERGE EARLY YEARS SERVICES
EEYS Office
Shop 2/33 O'Callaghan's Parade Horsham, Vic 3400
Phone: 5382 7997
14 HORSHAM & DISTRICT BASED KINDERGARTENS
Kalkee Rd Kindergarten 24-28 Kalkee Rd
Horsham, Vic 3400
Phone: 5382 9526
Bennett Rd Kindergarten
1H Bennett Road Natimuk Rd Kindergarten Horsham, Vic 3400 48 Natimuk Rd Phone: 5382 1481 Horsham, Vic 3400
Phone: 5382 2139 Green Park Kindergarten 20 Williams Road Horsham ,Vic 3400
Phone: 5382 2799 Natimuk Preschool 2 Regent St Natimuk, Vic 3409
Phone: 5387 1246
You can arrange a kindergarten visit with your child after session times at your preferred site. (Please note: these visits must be pre-arranged with the teacher and to make an appointment or to talk to the teachers please call the kindergarten, the best time to call is between 2 - 4pm.
15 BENNETT ROAD KINDERGARTEN 3 & 4 Year Old Program
Our program which is based on play is fundamental in early childhood learning and is the medium by which our children make sense of the world in which they live. It is designed to improve your child’s devel- opment in several different areas. As our children are valued and respected as individuals with their own unique patterns of growth and development, we develop their ability to make friends, and be exposed to new ideas and concepts.
Our intention is to be playful and for play to be open ended, child led, child initiated, teacher initiated, engaging and fun! We believe that foundations for literacy and numeracy are strongly established through this play based curriculum. We also believe in providing an environment that supports all children to be successful. We value our outdoor space as an essential feature of our learning environment. This space invites open-ended interactions, spontaneity, risk taking, exploration, discovery and connections with nature. We aim to intentionally teach children about sustainable practises.
Our intention is to provide a welcoming atmosphere that is supportive and positive. An environment that promotes belonging and community and that encourages the involvement of families in the program.
Our emergent curriculum involves providing a range of learning experiences that stem from children’s in- terests. As educators we take an active role in their learning using a balance approach that combines children’s interest and needs while focusing on the significant learning highlighted in the learning out- comes of the Early Years Framework.
The daily program is documented in our journal which you will be able to view the following day. As well as the general write up of learning experiences we explain what learning was achieved by undertaking those activities. This is also accompanied by photographs, reflections from your child both verbally and thru drawings. We support families to realize their aspirations for their children which in turn sets them on a path of lifelong learning.
We are a multi-cultural centre who appreciate families from all walks of life. Come and have a look and meet the educators.
2021 4 Year Old Program Details
Session: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Times: 8.50am - 1.50pm
Educators: Madelaine Deckert Carolyn Milbourne Janelle Hopper Michelle Sonego 2021 3 Year Old Program Details
Session: Friday
Times: 9.00am - 2.00pm
Educators: Madelaine Deckert Carolyn Milbourne Janelle Hopper 16 Casuarina Room - 4 Year Old
In the Casuarina room there are five groups of nine children who attend three days of the week for five hours per session. The children and families are greeted at 8:30am. The learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, has been designed based on the children’s interests, cultural and developmental needs.
Throughout the session the children are encouraged to explore, investigate, work with others, problem solve, make decisions, increase their independence, become active participants in their learning and enjoy life as a child. Staff observe the children at play, creating intentional teaching opportunities to extend their ideas and imaginations, which may involve both small and large group experiences.
Healthy eating habits are encouraged for lunch and morning snack where children share fruit, water and milk (including special dietary needs).
Routines are important for young children to feel safe and secure and these are established from the beginning of the year. After lunch, the children engage in quiet activities on the mat and finish off the day with a story until their parents arrive at 1:30pm.
2021 4 Year Old Program Details
Session: Monday – Friday
Times: 8.30am - 1.30pm
Educators: Gabrielle Mills Danielle Smith Mel Cockroft
17 Acacia Room - 4 Year Old
The Acacia Room Educators see children as unique, Insightful and knowledgeable. We value them as competent and capable, actively contributing to their own knowledge, development and learning; both in themselves and the world around them.
We recognise that each child has their own individual interests, ideas and perspectives and that they should be empowered to grow, and to express themselves in many ways. We aim to do this by providing a program that has been planned based on our observations , conversations and discussions with the children.
We believe a key component to engaging and stimulating teaching is balance. A balance of time to explore and resource learning through self exploration and the opportunity to participate in small and larger group learning moments and more structured collaborative work.
We aspire to provide a rich learning environment that encompasses experiences and opportunities for learning around language, literature, mathematics, science, visual arts, music and movement, social skills, independence and wellbeing.
In supporting this learning we acknowledge the importance of play in the early years of childhood, and that children learn best when experiences are engaging, interactive and respectful of individual levels of ability and skill.
We recognise and value the importance of children actively exploring, engaging and experiencing natu- ral environments and wild spaces. We understand the importance of providing opportunities to play, explore and learn in the outdoors. Giving children time to “be” and connect with natural materials is critical for their personal growth.
We invite any interested families to contact us at the kindergarten for further information.
2021 4 Year Old Program Details
Session: Tuesday – Friday
Times: 9.00am - 2.00pm
Educators: Christine Rokebrand Kelly Naughten Maddy King
18 Acacia Room - 3 Year Old
Session, or contact time with the children is relatively structured with a balance of routines, free play and teacher initiated opportunities to extend on children’s learning.
The session generally commences indoors until the majority of children arrive, then we come together as a group to discuss the outlay of the day and to share any relevant or exciting information.
An educational play-based program is provided both indoors and outdoors, allowing children to explore their environment and engage in learning that is meaningful to them individually.
We encourage children to practise social skills such as turn-taking, express needs in acceptable ways, listen to others and autonomously follow routines, with an understanding this is sometimes challenging for three year olds.
For the short time we are at Kindergarten, we prefer to sit socially as a group for fruit and lunch, giving children the opportunity to learn more about each other and to promote healthy eating options.
Our educational program invites children to enthusiastically participate in a safe, relaxed and purposeful way and is based on learning that is significant to children’s interests, suggestions and input from families and guidance from the EYLF (Early years learning Framework)
2021 3 Year Old Program Details
Session: Monday
Times: 9.00am - 2.00pm
Educators: Mary-Ellen Lamont Simone Bell
19
4 Year Old Program - Wombat Room
At Kalkee Road Kindergarten we offer a program that is inclusive and incorporates an indigenous and culturally diverse learning experience. All learning opportunities are developed around the children and family’s interest and aim to provide the children a space where they can learn through a play based environment with intentional planning and support from all educators. The program has a flexibly routine which can be adapted based on the needs of each individual child.
Children are encouraged to investigate and explore their ideas in both the indoor and outdoor environment and a range of loose parts are available for children to access during their play to build on their imagination and social skills such as turn taking, communicating and respecting others and their ideas.
The kindergarten provides milk catering for all needs e.g. Dairy intolerances. Children bring their own fruit for morning snack. The lunch time routine involves everyone sitting down together to eat, we believe this will help children also develop their conversation skills.
2021 4 Year Old Program Details
Session: Monday – Friday
Times: 9.00am - 2.00pm
Educators: Julie Adams Linda Wundke Dianne Shanaughan Molly Mackley
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3 Year Old Programs - Possum Room One Three year old Kindergarten program operates out of the Kalkee Road HUB. These programs are conducted by a qualified Early Childhood Educator on a Friday morning.
The Kalkee Road 3yo Kindergarten program is designed to build skills and extend each child’s range of experiences, in a safe, happy and respectful environment, where positive relationships are highly valued.
The programs recognise and respect the varying interests and strengths of each child and acknowledges and accommodates various stages of growth and development within each child and works to support continued learning.
Play is the work of children. The 3yo Kindergarten program provides opportunities for the children to learn through discovery, exploration and experimentation. Through their play young children learn and develop their language and communication, cognitive thinking, reasoning and social interactions and emotional resilience.
Learning experiences are intentionally planned to meet the needs of the children and careful planning is carried out to ensure each child’s learning needs and independence is fostered. These skills are foundational for further learning.
The exciting new facility has been intentionally designed to be welcoming to children and families, to promote indoor/ outdoor learning, and to encourage contact between different groups. The playground is designed with the natural environment in mind to encourage investigation and exploration, including quiet play areas, flexible climbing space, large sandpits and vegetable gar- dens where sustainability projects can be explored.
2021 3 Year Old Program Details
Session: Friday
Times: 9.00am - 2.00pm
Educators: Linda Wundke Michelle Sonego
21 Natimuk Road Kindergarten aims to offer children a fun year that develops and extends play skills, independence, confidence, maturity, coping with social challenges, conversation skills, cultural awareness and balanced readiness skills in general.
We aim for children to appropriately participate in group situations with their peers, follow directions when appropriate, be motivated learners and respect/care for property and other people.
We offer a safe, positive learning environment that has boundaries, rules, routines and high expectations of what this age group is capable of. We are proud to be a play-based Centre that values the wonder of being 4 or 5 years old and respects the powerful role of play and individual interests in real learning.
At Natimuk Road, children and staff eat their own food together at a specific snack-time and lunch-time. During the session, there are periods where we are all together inside/outside and a period after lunch of choice of in/outdoor play.
We value inside and outside play learning opportunities equally. We have small and larger group activities daily, which are extended as children develop confidence as a group. Families are most welcome to speak to Kylie, Lucy or Wendy to ask specific questions about our Program.
2021 4 Year Old Program Details
Session: Monday – Friday
Times: 8.50am - 1.50pm
Educators: Kylie Donnell Lucy McKinnon Wendy Zordan
22 The Natimuk Preschool program reflects the individual needs and interests of the children and their families. Parents and members of the community are valued and invited to be involved in the program.
We encourage the children to be independent, responsible, care for others and their environment. We spend time indoors and out as and when weather permits, where children are free to explore their environment and engage in their learning.
We sit down together for morning tea and lunch. Incidental group times occur during the day as the children gather naturally to explore and discover concepts together.
The session concludes with a mat time which may include stories, songs, drama, dancing, sharing of experiences and fun.
BUSH KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM
As part of the children’s total kindergarten learning experience once a fortnight the kinder session will be held at Mount Arapiles. Children will have the opportunity to explore the natural environment and learn about the flora and fauna unique to this area in a respectful manner.
2021 4 Year Old Program Details
Session: Monday, Tuesday & Thursday Times: 9.00am - 2.00pm
Educators: Jane Wilkinson Emily Hateley Carmel Quick 2021 3 Year Old Program Details
Session: Thursday
Times: 3 hour 9.00am - 12.00pm Times: 5 hour 9.00am - 2.00pm Educators: Jane Wilkinson Emily Hateley
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School Terms 2022 Term 1: 3 February to 8 April 2022
Term 2: 26 April to 24 June 2022
Term 3: 11 July to 16 September 2022
Term 4: 3 October to 20 December 2022
Please note: The first two weeks of Term one will be a staggered start at each Kindergarten. This assists staff to ensure that your child feels safe and secure at kindergarten and gives staff the opportunity to get to know your child in a smaller group. Staggered start times and dates will be provided to you by the kindergarten prior to your child’s commencement.
Public Holidays 2022 Labour Day Monday 14 March 2022
Queens Birthday Monday 13 June 2022
Grand Final Eve TBA
Melbourne Cup Day Tuesday 1 November 2022
Early Years Services in Horsham Rural City Council, Northern Grampians Shire & Hindmarsh Municipalities
EMERGE Early Years Services Enrolment enquiries to: EEYS office 5382 7997
HORSHAM BASED KINDERGARTENS STAWELL BASED KINDERGARTENS
Bennett Road Kindergarten 03 5382 1481 Cooinda Preschool 03 5358 2357 Green Park Kindergarten 03 5382 2799 Marrang Kindergarten & 03 5358 1249 Kalkee Road Kindergarten 03 5382 9526 Early Learning Centre Natimuk Pre School 03 5387 1246 Natimuk Road Kindergarten 03 5382 2139 HINDMARSH BASED KINDERGARTENS Dimboola Early Learning Centre 03 5389 1130 Jeparit Kindergarten 03 5397 2139 Nhill Early Learning Centre 03 9024 9106 Rainbow Kindergarten 03 5395 1172 24 ______
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27 EMERGE EARLY YEARS SERVICES
PO Box 1326
Horsham Vic 3402
Phone: 5382 7997
Website: www.eeys.com.au
“Excellence in Early Childhood Education”
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