KINDER PROGRAM

Alison has been involved in establishing the a Maroondah Early Years Curriculum Framework which recognizes that it is vitally important for children to receive positive messages about themselves and experience environments that are consistent, positive, trusthworthy and reliable. These factors form a child's solid self image and self esteem. The program at Croydon Central Kindergarten has this belief at its core.

At Croydon Central:
  • Young children learn through play.
  • The child's family is the first and most important teacher and is welcomed into the program.
  • Children are actively encouraged to develop meaningful interactions with other children and adults
  • Children are supported in their own efforts and are encouraged to appreciate each other's efforts.
  • Learning opportunities both indoors and out are concrete, real and relevant to young children.
  • Activities are planned to provide for independent play and play with others. Children are free to experiment with a wide variety of materials and equipment.
The Foundations of Learning are the focus for both Planning and Evaluation of the program. These include:
  • Social skills and interpersonal relationships
  • Motor skills, Independence and Sensory Awareness
  • Intellectual, Thinking and Play skills
  • Emotions and Self Regulation
  • Language and Communication Skills.
Examples of some special activities which support the program include:
  • Regular visits to the Croydon Library for storytime sessions and borrowing
  • Excursions as appropriate … currently including a visit to Box Hill Hospital and Chesterfield Farm.
  • Visitors to the preschool include The Melbourne Museum, The Responsible Pet Education Program and Rosalie, a music specialist who visits in blocks throughout the year
  • An egg hatching program