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AFFORDABLE PRESCHOOL
 

From January 2023 the state and federal governments have combined to provide families with ADDITIONAL subsidies for children at approved Preschools for the year before school. Infact, for some families it will mean they will incur NIL gap for the entire Preschool year..!!

 

Child Eligibility Criteria

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To be eligible for funding under Start Strong, a child will need to be:

  • at least 4 years old on, or before, 31 July 2023;

  • attending an eligible early childhood education program;

  • listed on CCSS; and

  • not yet in compulsory schooling.

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What is The Ridge's School Readiness Program?

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‘School readiness’ in children may look different for each child and it is more complex than just being able to read or write. Here are some of the skills we focus on to help prepare children to have a confident start to big school.

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Physical health and coordination

Basic health, fine motor skills (such as being able to grip a pencil and turn pages in a book) and physical coordination (being able to run, jump, climb, and play ball).

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Language & early literacy skills

Being able to talk and listen to adults and other children, speak clearly, communicate needs, understand stories, and begin to identify some letters and sounds.

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Approach to learning

Being curious about the world and have the initiative to problem solve with focused attention and persistence.

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Cognitive Skills

Basic number sense, basic thinking skills, being able to wait and take turns.

 

Emotional maturity

Being able to manage their emotions, cope with minimal adult contact in large groups, focus on tasks, follow directions and instructions from teachers, cope with the stress of the new school environment, and understand the rules.

 

Social skills

Being able to get along with other children, demonstrate basic manners, assert themselves, and being able to play independently as well as with other children.

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What is a Child-Centred Curriculum?

A child-centred curriculum:

  • Is planned and implemented with a focus on children learning through play

  • Is based on children’s needs, interests, strengths, understandings and capacity.

  • Reflects a range and variety of experiences to cater for children’s needs, interests, abilities

  • Takes account of the need for children to pursue their own interests and play experiences

  • Recognises the child’s voice, it captures the child’s ideas and intentions and recognises their learning strategies or learning goals.

  • Is communicated appropriately to children, families and educators through written and verbal information

  • Is sufficiently flexible to permit changes initiated by children and educators working together

  • Reflects the interests and diversity of the children and the expertise of the educators

  • Reflects the connections between children, families and communities and the importance of reciprocal relationships and partnerships for learning.

  • Values the cultural and social contexts of children and their families

(Community Child Care, 2011, P4.)

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Belonging, Being & Becoming
(Early Year Learning Framework)

Belonging

“You belong in your house with your family”
– Dong

Being

“If you want to be a mermaid you can imagine”
– Jazmine

Becoming

When you keep planting plants you become a gardener”

– Olivia

The Framework conveys the highest expectations for all children’s learning from birth to five years and through the transitions to school. It communicates these expectations through the following five Learning Outcomes:

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1. Children have a strong sense of identity

2. Children are connected with and contribute to their world

3. Children have a strong sense of wellbeing

4. Children are confident and involved learners

5. Children are effective communicators

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