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Early Childhood
Steiner Early Childhood education embraces the power of play, imagination and sensory experiences to provide a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for young children.
Desert Rose Playgroup
0 – 4 Years
IMITATION AND IMAGINATION
Our Desert Rose Playgroup program is a supportive group that allows for meaningful adult activities to be imitated by the child. The program consists of a gentle morning of singing songs that celebrate the season, craft, bread making and imaginative play. Children and parents get to know each other and share insights about the upcoming shift from home to school.
Children learn what they live, so how we do things is important as they absorb and imitate what they experience. Our enjoyment and focus on our work ‘carries’ the child in a safe mantle, helping them to engage more deeply in their play and learning.
These sessions allow plenty of time for free play with the opportunity to join activities such as craft, gardening, painting, or baking. Stories, songs, and verses are chosen to harmonise with the season and the rhythm of the day.
The playgroup program is a family’s first step into our school’s vibrant community. Parents are invited to participate in school events, such as the Autumn Fair, craft group, gardening, and more. Weekly craft sessions and workshops are also a wonderful way of finding support and friendship.
Desert Rose Playgroup is available for parents to attend with their children who are 4 and under. We operate daily Playgroup sessions per week, Bush Playgroup (on a Monday) and only operates in Term 2 and 3.
'Billy Button' Young Preschool
Turning 4 After June 30
AN UNHURRIED APPROACH TO LEARNING
Our 'Billy Button' program is centred on meeting the needs of the old developing child Turning 4 after June 30. A caring environment provides many possibilities for sensory and will activities so children can express themselves and make sense of the world through activity and play.
Our ‘Billy Button’ program operates for 2 x ½ days per week in Semester 1 and 1.5 days in Semester 2, on Thursdays, and Fridays. This age-appropriate program lays the foundation for children to develop at their own pace in social, emotional, and physical wellbeing. The growth of many skills is supported, for example- self-care, motor-skills, language, and social awareness. A love of nature underlies the program.
Our Early Childhood teacher works consistently to encourage children to observe the rhythms and structures of the day, week, season, and year throughout the curriculum. The teacher works with the children to enable them to develop and strengthen relationships through the process of play. The teacher ensures the children will have a secure space that encourages their own personal discoveries.
Curriculum:
ACECQA
Belonging, being & Becoming - The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia whilst observing Rudolf Steiner's indications of Early Childhood.
'Ruby Saltbush' Preschool
Turning 4 Before June 30
Ruby Saltbush Preschool operates 2 ½ days per week, Monday – Wednesday and is for children Turning 4 years old before June 30. This program meets the child, supporting the development of their growing sense of identity and community. The daily rhythm in Ruby Saltbush flows through outdoor and indoor free play and into story and circle (movement and song) experiences. Increased hours support the growing independence of the children at this age.
Curriculum:
ACECQA
Belonging, being & Becoming - The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia observing Rudolf Steiner's indications of Early Childhood.
'Cassia' Transition
Turning 5 Before June 30 and 6-Year-Olds
CREATIVE PLAY IS THE STEINER WAY
Our Transition classes are known as ‘Cassia’ and are for children turning 5 before June 30th & turning 6 years of age during the transition year. We have two transition classes, Cassia 1, and Cassia 2. Both classes are a mix of 5- and 6-year-olds. Young Cassia attend 3.5 days a week, Monday - Thursday. Older Cassia attend 4.5 days a week, Monday to Friday.
During the first seven years of life, children live very much in their imagination. We aim to provide an environment that promotes free play, within the parameters of daily rhythms and routines, including intentional learning opportunities in a supportive program.
Curriculum:
The Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework