Dalton Road Preschool

We acknowledge and recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s history, belief, value, and culture.

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we live and learn. We embed our First Nation People’s perspective in our curriculum. This is to give our children and families a more accurate and richer understanding of Australian history and our national identity. Hence, we can move forward in a journey of reconciliation and enjoy a bright future together.

We believe:

• Children’s rights and best interests are paramount
• Children learn through play
• It is vital to promote emotional and social learning at kinder for developing our children’s social and emotional competence and abilities. They are the crucial life skills that directly influence children’s well-being and success in life.
• In equity, respect for diversity of families, and community collaboration
• High-quality education is for all children
• Kindergarten is a safe, fun, and happy place for our children and families
• Each child is unique in identity and needs.
• Education is key to environmental change and children are the agents of change for our sustainable future.
• It is very important for our children to have a voice to express their views which need to be genuinely listened to by caring and responsive adults.
• A responsive and inclusive environment in which all our children can feel safe to be themselves. This allows them to draw strength in their identity, culture, and community which will enrich and maximise their learning and development
• Dedication, commitment, and collaboration in partnership with all our stakeholders can provide a rich and supportive environment where our children can thrive.

Our curriculum is underpinned by our philosophy and guided by EYLF and VEYLDF. We engage in a planning cycle that includes: observing children, listening to their ideas for learning, engaging with families and other stakeholders and reflecting.

We aim to provide learning environments that are:

• Safe, just, warm, and welcoming
• Assisting our children to make sense of and learn about their world
• Supporting children to take risks
• Encouraging exploration and experimentation
• Fostering and appreciating the natural world
• Supporting our children to develop independence
• Practising and developing skills in all areas

The needs of families, children, staff and the community are continually changing therefore we need ongoing evaluation to ensure our service is responsive to those needs. We strive to provide an excellent service for early childhood education within our communities. It is important to share our knowledge and work collaboratively with community organisations, councils, professional support services and local schools. We realise the importance of successful transitions between preschool and school and take an active role in preparing for these transitions. We strive to provide an excellent service for early childhood education within our community.

Children build on their understanding of the world through their interactions with other children, adults and their environment.

The educational program is guided by:

The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. (VEYLDF). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework For Australia.

The educational program contributes to the following outcomes for each child:

• Identity – Children will have a strong sense of identity.
• Community – Children will be connected with and contribute to their world.
• Wellbeing – Children will have a strong sense of wellbeing.
• Learning – Children will be confident and involved learners.
• Communication – Children will be effective communicators.

The Victorian Government provides funding to support children to access a high quality kindergarten program in the two years before they start school. This helps to ensure all Victorian children get the best start in life.

From 2023, the Victorian Government is making kindergarten programs free for three and four-year-old children – saving you and your family up to $2,500 per year for their program. Free Kinder is a critical component of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reform.