Early Childhood

Desert Rose Playgroup

6 Months – 4 Years

IMITATION AND IMAGINATION

Our 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 3 sessions per week on Tuesdays, Thursday & Fridays.

Billy Button Kindergarten

Turning 4 After June 30

AN UNHURRIED APPROACH TO LEARNING

Our program is centred on meeting the needs of the 3–4-year-old developing child. 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 1 ½ days per week, 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.

The 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

Steiner Early Childhood Education and the Early Years Learning Framework

Ruby Saltbush’ Preschool

Turning 5 After June 30

‘Ruby Saltbush’ Preschool operates 2 ½ days per week, Monday – Wednesday and is for children turning 4 years old before the 30th of June. 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

Steiner Early Childhood Education and the Early Years Learning Framework

'Cassia’ Transition

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.

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:

ACECQA

Steiner Early Childhood Education and the Early Years Learning Framework