Old Guildford Public School preschool offers outstanding care for preschool aged children.
The early years of a child’s life have been proven to be the most critical period for children’s learning and development. As a result the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) was created and is used as the basis for curriculum across Australia.
At Old Guildford public school preschool, the five learning outcomes of the EYLF form the basis of our daily curriculum.
- Children have a strong sense of identity
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- Children have a strong sense of well being
- Children are confident and involved learners
- Children are effective communicators
As educators we engage in intentional teaching practices that involve being purposeful, deliberate and thoughtful in our curriculum decisions and actions. We believe children are capable and active learners. We observe the children's interests and learning so they can build on them and plan the next steps. In our Preschool, we endeavour to contribute to all children realising their promise and potential.
Information for families
At OGPS we have two preschool classes, the Ladybugs and the Butterflies. These classes alternate between a 3 day and 2 day attendance pattern, with both groups attending five days each fortnight. Our preschool is staffed with fully qualified Early Childhood Educators.
Ladybugs attend: Monday, Tuesday, and alternate Wednesdays.
Butterflies attend: alternate Wednesdays, Thursday and Friday.
Attendance of five days per week is not permissible.
Arrivals and departures
Preschool hours are 9am to 3pm.
Each child must be brought to and collected from preschool by a parent or a responsible adult over 18 years of age. Each child must be signed in and out of the preschool daily by the parent/carer picking up and collecting the child.
If there is any change to the usual arrangement and somebody else will be collecting your child, it is essential that you let us know. Please wait with your child until the door is opened at 9am. Children are not to be dropped off at the gate.
Children may be collected from 2:50pm. If for some reason you are going to be unavoidably detained, please let us know. Children often become distressed if they are last to be collected.
Preschool fees
You will be contacted regarding fees pending your acceptance of a preschool placement. Preschool fees are paid to the school office. Currently the full fee is $15 per day. If you feel you will experience difficulties paying the fees, please organise a meeting with the principal to discuss the situation.
Immunisation and birth certificate
Each child must be fully immunised or on an authorised catch up schedule to be enrolled at preschool. Immunisation details and birth certificate must be seen by the office staff at enrolment. Additional documents such as a Medicare card and proof of address, for example an electricity bill must also be sighted on enrolment.
Labels
Everything brought to preschool must be clearly labelled with your child's name. In this way we will be able to identify your child's belongings readily and be able to return lost items.
Meals
Each day your child will need to bring healthy snacks and lunch to eat as well as a drink bottle with water.
Please don't include chips, lollies, fairy bread, chocolates, sweet biscuits or cake as these items are definitely not a recommended part of a healthy diet.
Clothing
Please send your child to preschool in practical clothing that will allow them to participate in all activities freely. For your own convenience these should be clothes that can be easily washed. Spare clothing should be included in your child's bag in case of accidents.
Closed shoes (toes covered) should be worn. No thongs are permitted as they do not provide adequate protection for your child's feet. A shirt with sleeves covering the shoulders is required to be worn at preschool. Singlet shirts do not provide adequate protection from the sun.
A hat must be worn at preschool every day, even in winter.
Sun cream is to be applied each day before outside play and is available at preschool for families to assist their children if not already applied at home.
Statement of Philosophy
At Old Guildford Preschool, we strive for the children, families, educators and local community to feel a sense of belonging within our preschool setting. We respect children's right to unhurried time to enjoy everyday experiences and to enjoy just being. The children's time at preschool offers them unique opportunities and challenges to explore, learn and develop relationships. We aim to develop students’ disposition for successful learning including such traits as enthusiasm, curiosity, persistence, confidence, optimism, cooperation and the ability to reflect. While the children are actively engaging in meaningful learning experiences at our preschool, they are becoming more capable and confident learners.
We believe children learn best in a nurturing, supportive and caring environment. Building mutually respectful relationships with children, their families and the community is paramount to our philosophy. We believe that all children are unique and value their cultural, social and linguistic backgrounds and pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and respectful learning environment. We recognise the importance of families as the immediate and continuing source of security, identity, stability and learning for young children.
We believe children learn best through play. Our educators are committed to providing meaningful indoor and outdoor play-based learning experiences. These experiences are designed to encourage children to explore, discover and understand the world around them. We engage in intentional teaching practices that involve being purposeful, deliberate and reflective in our curriculum decisions. Daily observations of the children’s interests are made and reflected on when planning play and group experiences to enrich and extend the children's learning. We are committed to providing opportunities for our students to participate in sustainable practices in order to become socially and environmentally responsible citizens.
At Old Guildford Public School Preschool, we strive to develop in children a lifelong love of learning.