Our Programs
Summerhill Park Kindergarten provides kindergarten programs for preschool aged children, which reflect the values of the families and local community.
The programs and service are provided in a safe and stimulating environment that welcomes and relies upon input from the children and their families.
Learning Programs
Active learning is at the heart of our developmentally-based program – guided by our belief (and the National Quality Framework principle) that children learn through play. Our program is based on the individual needs of each child and reflecting the interests of the group, encouraging a range of opportunities to engage and extend each child.
Teachers plan activities or experiences to encourage children to learn and explore new concepts, and challenge each child to think about things in new and different ways. It is a flexible approach which can be tuned to the daily needs – and keen interests — of the children. We believe that indoor and outdoor environments are considered equally important as settings for learning therefore we strongly promote outdoor play and exploration.
The kindergarten environment is adapted to give children the opportunity and freedom to make choices, develop new skills and abilities, become more independent, learn a basic routine, and develop an awareness and acceptance of others.
To help stimulate the children’s interest in a particular area, special events are planned throughout the year. In the past these have included an animal and reptile visit, a chicken hatching program, puppeteers and workers in the community visiting the children’s program. Some small local excursions when relevant to children’s interests may also be included in the program.
Early Years Learning & Development Framework
Our kindergarten uses the Victorian Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) to guide our learning programs. 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 outcomes. The Framework provides broad direction for early childhood educators in early childhood settings to facilitate children’s learning.
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
National Quality Standards
Did you know that Summerhill Park Kindergarten meets or exceeds all seven of the National Quality Standards (NQS) required for early childhood education and care? Of course we do!
The NQS provides a rating system for Australian children’s education and care services, and covers seven quality areas:
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Educational program and practice
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Children’s health and safety
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Physical environment
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Staffing arrangements
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Relationships with children
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Collaborative partnerships with families and communities
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Leadership and service management.
These standards promote the safety, health and wellbeing of children, ensure we maintain our focus on achieving outcomes for children through high-quality educational programs, and aim to help families understand what a quality service should provide.
Keep coming back to this page to discover more information about the various quality areas and how Summerhill Park Kindergarten is meeting, maintaining and improving them for your children.