Our Program

The Staff are educators and aim to build a trusting and secure environment for both the children and parents. The children are free to choose the areas of interest in which they will participate throughout the day, as an individual and as part of a group. Our professionally trained staff carefully plan and supervise the program.

Sharing and co-operating with other children is encouraged by the staff. Activities each day will generally include a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities based on individual interests and needs of the children for both the indoor and the outdoor environments.

Our pre-school program focuses on encouraging children to gain skills in pre-reading, pre-writing and pre-maths, concentration, language, socialisation and independence. At St Jude’s we provide a comprehensive pre –school program implemented by qualified Early Childhood Teachers.

The Pre School program at St Judes begins in the Caterpillar room (2-3 years) and continues through to the Butterfly Room (3-4 years) and then to the Bees (4-5years). The environment that is set up for all the children both indoors and out is stimulating, exciting, safe and educational. It is based on Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and individual needs and development of the children as well as the group as a whole. It is designed to enable children to “Learn Through Play”, to practice, extend and develop a multitude of skills, creativity and confidence in an environment where achievements are valued. The staff use intentional teaching plans within the classroom and the classroom is set up as the third teacher, curriculum decision making and reflective practice form the basis of the program. The staff are also aiming to build a trusting and secure environment for both the children and the parents that involves interactive decision making. 

Written records of children’s development are also maintained.

Parent /Teacher interviews are held to discuss your child’s development.

Excursions

Excursions are a major part of the curriculum at the centre. Planned excursions include: library visits, walk to the park, visiting the wider community for example police station, Centennial Park fire brigade. Major excursions are planned in consultation with educators and may include a bus or train trip. Other visitors to the centre include (but are not limited to): The Reptile Man, Egg Hatching Program, Kindy Farm.