Our Preschool
Preschool is the first step into a broader educational environment and for some it is often the first time away from home and family. To help your child settle happily into his or her new surroundings, we ask that you maintain a close link with the Preschool. We welcome any information which will help us have a better understanding of your child.
Our Vision:
That all young people in the ACT learn, thrive and are equipped with the skills to lead fulfilling, productive and responsible lives.
Our Values:
At Latham we are Respectful, Resilient, Motivated, Positive, Collaborative
Our Philosophy
Latham Preschool believes:
- children are capable, confident and competent learners
- learning happens in a social context
- children have a sense of agency in their learning environment
- in setting high expectations
- sustainability is an important part of our community
- respectful relationships with children and families are vital to a child’s education
- play is an important for students to engage with each other and the curriculum in a rich, developmentally appropriate and meaningful way.
- that the educational program needs to be child centred, reflecting the culture, interests and needs of the children.
- the Early Years Learning Framework is at the centre of the planning cycle with a balance between intentional teaching and play experiences
- quality educators make an enormous impact on the education of young children.
- quality educators maintain professional and respectful relationships between staff and with families. We reflect on personal practice within Latham’s professional Learning Communities and the Preschool team.
Latham Preschool is part of Latham Primary School. Latham Preschool provides an integrated educational program for all children, including those with any special needs, within a mainstream setting.
To contact the Preschool please phone: 614 20088 or the Front Office: 614 20077.
Session times
Latham Preschool Unit currently offers two classes:
- One class on Monday, Tuesday and every second Wednesday
- One class every second Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Our preschool hours are 9:00am to 3:00pm. We are not able to offer care for children outside of these hours. Families are welcome to enter the learning space to share quiet activities together before preschool, however, parents are required to remain with their child until 9:00am.
Enrolment
Children who turn four years of age, on or before 30th April are eligible to attend preschool.
Enrolments are accepted through the online enrolment form on the Directorate's website from the first day of Term 2 of the year prior to your child starting preschool. Please go to: Education Directorate: Enrolling/Transferring - ACT Public Schools
Our Program
The Early Years Learning Framework at Latham Preschool
The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is a guide for educators who work with children from birth to five years. The EYLF describes childhood as a time of belonging, being and becoming.
The EYLF conveys high expectations for young children’s learning through five learning outcomes:
- · Children have a strong sense of identity
- · Children are connected with and contribute to their world
- · Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- · Children are confident and involved learners
- · Children are effective communicators.
At Latham Preschool, the EYLF is central to planning and programming. The preschool team use the Framework in partnership with families to develop learning programs responsive to children’s ideas, interests, strengths and abilities.
Latham Preschool believes that play-based learning in an environment where children can develop secure relationships is vital for them to learn and develop. Guided by the EYLF, the preschool team will create stimulating outdoor and indoor learning environments that encourage children to explore, solve problems, create and construct.
“Play provides opportunities for children to learn as they discover, create, improvise and imagine. When children play with other children they create social groups, test out ideas, challenge each other’s thinking and build new understandings. Play provides a supportive environment where children can ask questions, solve problems and engage in critical thinking. Play can expand children’s thinking and enhance their desire to know and to learn. In these ways play can promote positive dispositions towards learning”. (EYLF, p. 15)
Using the EYLF, the preschool team will observe your child’s learning so they can build on it and plan the next step. Your child’s progress will be communicated with you through regular posts on the Seesaw app and student portfolios as well as a formal Statement of Learning and student-led conferences each semester.
Useful Resources and Websites for Parents and Carers
Belonging, Being and Becoming - The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia The Early Years Learning Framework - used to inform our play-based program, daily observations and the reporting process
The National Quality Standard (NQS) sets a high national benchmark for early childhood education and care services in Australia
National Quality Framework (NQF) provides a national approach to regulation, assessment and quality improvement for early childhood education and care. Includes a link to the National Law and Regulations.
Parenting and Wellbeing
The following websites provide useful information about a variety of topics related to raising young children and support services available in the ACT.
Parentlink: https://www.parentlink.act.gov.au/
Raising Children Network: http://raisingchildren.net.au/
Child Development Service: http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/childdevelopmentservice
Starting Blocks: https://www.startingblocks.gov.au/