Heritage Preschool is a not-for-profit kindergarten run by a volunteer parent committee. We provide high quality kindergarten education for children in the years before primary school.
History
Heritage Preschool was established in 1976 by local parents and the City of Greater Dandenong. In 2013, our facility was renovated to create a second classroom. The following year we began providing 15 hours of 4 year-old kindergarten per week, and began our 3 year-old kindergarten group. In 2015, we expanded to two 3 year-old groups.
Kinder sessions
Day-to-day experiences
There are 2 groups for 3 year-old kindergarten (20-22 chilren per group).
There are 4 groups for 4 year-old kindergarten (24 to 31 children per group).
Our educators develop a flexible routine for children which include both structured and self-directed activities, group activities, and snack time. Activities may include… We help children develop self-awareness, confidence and physical development with activities such as music and dancing, painting, building and exploring…
Our educators provide reflections for families to see the activities chidren have been doing, and their learning experiences. Educators undertake ongoing review of children’s progress and their interests, to plan tailored educational programs that cater for each child.
At the beginning of each session, parents and carers sign the attendance book, and doors open at session start time. Parents and carers help children settle in by helping them place their bag in their locker and their food and drink bottles on the trolley, for easy access later on. In Term 1 & 4, children also put sunscreen on.
At the end of the session, parents and carers sign the attendance book, and doors open 15 minutes before the end of session. Children are collected when their name is called out by the educator.
Educational frameworks
Early Years Learning Framework
Our educators use the following outcomes to guide their programs:
Identity: children have a strong sense of identity
Community: children are connected with and contribute to their world
Wellbeing: children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Learning: children are confident and involved learners
Each program is planned to meet the developmental and emotional needs of the children. Children develop at different rates, and the program caters for a range of differing abilities.
Children also have varied interests, personalities and backgrounds, and the program will reflect this, as the staff plan the program to facilitate the learning of individuals, as well as the group as a whole.
We believe that children learn through play. While children are engaged in their own play, they are involved and motivated learners. It is the educators’ task to ensure that play opportunities are appropriate to the children, providing scope for self direction, as well as stimulating thinking.
Play experiences are the building blocks which lay foundations for more formal learning as the child matures.
For more information, visit the Department of Education and Training website or please contact us about our programs.
The Kinder Year
Orientation week
Interviews: Before sessions begin, families meet their educators and discuss their child’s interests and finalise enrolment details.
Shortened sessions: In the first week, sessions are shortened to enable children to adjust to the new routines and become comfortable in the classroom.
During the year
Incursions: Educators organise visits from professionals on topics like music & dance, safety and animals, at no extra cost to families.
Parent duty: Families are encouraged to have a parent or friend attend kinder sessions once a month, to enjoy the child’s learning.
End of the year
Transition to school: Each primary school has its own transition program for children to visit their school towards the end of the year. Families will receive a transition report from their educator explaining their child’s progress, and their new teacher will receive a copy.
Acknowledgement of traditional owners
We acknowledge the Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation as the traditional ownders of the land. We are grateful to the elders who have maintained their language and culture to give to future generations.
