1. Welcome to Kurri Kurri Preschool Kindergarten
Orientation information sessions 2018
Monday 29th January – Friday 2nd February

2. Acknowledgement
Kurri Kurri Pre-school staff and management acknowledge the traditional owners of this land and neighbouring tribes, the Awabakal, Darkinjung and Wonnarua people, their language and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community.

3. Definition of play.
“Play is defined as pleasurable, self selected activity that is intrinsically motivated because the free flowing process matters to the child more than the outcome, it involves creativity and imagination; it actively engages children and it is meaningful.” (Porter. 2016)

4. Why is early childhood education important ?
Ninety per cent of a child's brain development occurs in the first five years of their life, making it a critical window for early education as they develop new skills and explore new learning opportunities.
Research shows that children who participate in quality preschool programs are more likely to arrive at school equipped with the social, cognitive and emotional skills they need to engage in learning.
These benefits continue well beyond primary school. Higher levels of educational success, employment and social skills have all been linked to moderate levels of participation in quality early childhood education.
Children from disadvantaged backgrounds see the greatest benefits from quality early childhood education. There is general agreement that access to at least 15 hours per week, or 600 hours per year, of quality preschool in the year before full-time school leads to improved outcomes for children.
Parents and carers can access a range of information about the importance of early education.

5. Early childhood education helps children by:
creating a life-long passion for learning across all learning areas.
supporting the development of social skills
encouraging the development of fine motor and sensory skills
fostering language development and vocabulary
supporting them to be creative and express this in a variety of ways
equipping them to cope with problem solving
building resilience
reflective & critical thinking
Respecting others ideas, thoughts and ways of being as well

6. Pilot programs Early Learning and Language – ELLA Early learning Stem Australia-ELSA
We have been invited to participate in a pilot program - STEM
Science ,Technology, Engineering & Mathematics in 2018.
We will continue our involvement with the Ella program – Japanese

7. Who will educate my child?
Best outcomes for children are achieved when highly trained and skilled, professionals work with children in Early Childhood Education settings .
All teachers working directly with children hold a Teaching Degree or higher qualification.
All primary contact educators working directly with children have a Diploma of Early Childhood Education & Care.
All support staff are working toward early childhood qualifications

8. Staff in 2018

10. Connections to University-Students
3rd year Social Work Student
University of Newcastle
Placement: 26thFebruary–
12th June 2017
Adele

11. Speech Pathology
Speech Pathologists are university qualified allied health professionals trained to assess, diagnose and treat communication difficulties.
Kate has five years experience in private practice and is bringing her knowledge and passion to Kurri Kurri through her new business – Speech Sprouts
Kate Church
Speech Pathologist
(B.Sp.Path, MSPAA, CPSP)

12. Articulation/phonology – speech sound production
Assessment and Therapy Services:
Articulation/phonology – speech sound production
Stuttering – repetitions/prolongations/blocks in speech
Clarity of speech – fast rate/mumbled/unnatural rhythm
Receptive language – understanding words, instructions, concepts and structures/giving instructions/recalling information/asking questions
Expressive language – using words, concepts and structures/giving instructions/relaying information/asking questions
Pragmatic (social) language – verbal and nonverbal social skills
Early literacy skills – foundation skills for reading and spelling
For more information visit

13. Universal Access in N.S.W.
Universal access to early childhood education aims for all Australian children to have access to high quality early childhood education programme for 600 hours in the year before full-time schooling
NSW Government funds preschool education with Start Strong Funding.
2018 enrolments for children born after 31st July 2013.
3 year olds from a disadvantaged background

14. National Quality Standards
Kurri Preschool has been assessed:
Our programs & practices Exceed National Quality Standards overall and in all 7 Quality Areas
Service promotes exceptional education and care, demonstrates sector leadership, and is committed to continuous improvement.

15. Who owns the preschool?
Kurri Kurri Preschool is on Crown Land with buildings owned by the community.
Not for profit (NFP) incorporated association
Run and managed by parent volunteers collaboratively with staff and interested members from the
community.

16. Annual General Meeting
Save the date-
Wednesday 21st March 2018
We encourage every parent to attend this meeting.
Without you we can’t operate this preschool.
It’s a great way to meet new families and make life long friends.
And its fun!-

17. Medication policy must be given to every parent on enrolment .
Asthma
Preschool needs an asthma action plan from your child's doctor
Anaphylaxis
Please bring inhalers in a bag with medication form each day
Please inform your child's teacher of any allergies include this on your enrolment form

18. We have egg and nut allergies this year

19. Arrival and departure Children must be signed in and out each day
Please ensure you hold your child’s hand when leaving the preschool
Only authorised people may collect your child from preschool.
We will ask for identification.
Please supervise your toddlers when collecting enrolled children.
It is important that children are collected promptly each day to enable staff to complete their reflections and planning for the following days –Penalty
Please do not allow unaccompanied children to leave the preschool
Check you have several contacts on your enrolment form

20. Car park PLEASE do not leave children alone in your car for any reason
parking correctly- and obey
signage

21. Fees Fees have been set at $29.00 per day
Fees can be paid by direct debit deposit via internet banking. Banking details:
Beyond Bank Kurri Kurri
BSB
Account No
Account Name Kurri Kurri & District Preschool Kindergarten
Please include your child’s name as reference
Centre pay: a free direct bill paying service available to customers who receive a Centrelink payment – form available from office

22. Documents informing what happens

23. Messy Play
Bring spare clothing
Wear old clothes

24. What will I need for my child?
Spare clothing
Please ensure your child has all equipment listed .
Please label everything.
Permanent markers a

25. Healthy eating ( lunch box suggestions).

26. Children are being encouraged to reduce recycle and reuse.
Sustainability
We are trying to reduce our waste. These boxes don’t require plastic wrap for food.
Children are being encouraged to reduce recycle and reuse.

27. Guiding children's behaviour
Each child’s behaviour, interactions and relationships are guided using strategies which preserve the dignity and rights of every child.
These may include;- 
Supporting children to make informed decisions about their behaviours
Promote children’s sense of belonging connectedness and wellbeing
Mediate and assist children to negotiate their rights in relation to the rights of others
Motivate and encourage children to succeed when they are faced with challenges

28. Connections to our community
Excursion’s – local area
Many links to the community-Barkuma, Local schools, men's shed, Newcastle University
Community projects
This is our mural

29. Documentation of children's learning, discoveries and discoveries
Children's learning is visible in our preschool.
Daily programs are available in each room for families to view.
Children’s portfolios are readily accessible by children and families
Use of digital recording
Parent/ teacher exchange meetings at end of term 1 &term 3
Transition to school statements will be provided to families at end of term 3 in readiness for school orientations.
Staff are always available to discuss any concerns with families either informally or by appointment.

30. Relaxation time
Children have different sleep, rest and relaxation needs.
Children of the same age can have different sleep patterns
Staff will consult with families to ensure each child’s comfort is provided for and appropriate opportunities are available to meet each child’s sleep, rest and relaxation needs
This is an important part of the day.
This time gives children time to think about their day and slow down.
Children do not have to sleep!
Quiet time activities can be arranged for children not wanting to relax.
Please speak to your child's teacher.
Children will need sheets and pillows in
case they require/request a rest

31. Other Sun smart centre Label all children's clothes/ equipment
Pets- Fish,crawchie and hens
for-preschool-in-the-morning

32. Donations- we love interesting things!