Services
Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme
The Preschool believes that the foundation for a healthy lifestyle is developed in early childhood. We therefore follow the guidelines provided by the ‘Get up and Grow’ and ‘Munch and Move’ Programs which encourage healthy eating and physical activity right from a child’s earliest years.
Breakfast Program
The preschool provides breakfast for children who may not have eaten before they left home. Breakfast includes:
- Whole grain bread/toast with spreads
- Seasonal fruits
- Weet bix
- Water or milk
- Bacon and Egg Wraps
- Pancakes
- (Note our menu changes each week)
The preschool provides healthy fruit that is made available to the children at all times.
Comprehensive Additional Needs Program
Staff are trained in various areas aimed at assisting children to reach their full potential. Interaction with other support agencies such as Gunnedah Early Childhood Intervention and Gunnedah Community Health therapists is paramount. The preschool accesses funding from various departments to support the programs.
Transition to School Program.
Gunnedah Preschool provides a play-based program that teaches children a variety of skills required to enter formal schooling.
These skills include:
- Being able to participate in group activities
- Emotional Regulation
- Taking care of themselves and their belongings
- Cooperation with their peers
- Acknowledgement of their emotions
- Recognising shapes and colours
- Recognising their name
- Fine motor skills, such as writing their names and using scissors
- Learning to recognise numbers in print and in concept
- Learning days of the week, months of the year, various weather patterns and the four seasons
- Problem solving
- Developing and maintaining friendships
- Building confidence and a sense of belonging and becoming
- Visual literacy
- Phonological awareness through the Heggerty Program and intentional teaching activities
- Self help skills
The preschool participates in a Transition to School Program which assists children with additional needs to make the step to big school a smoother one. Jess from the Department of Education, visits regularly to assist with this program. It is run with assistance from the Department of Education and Communities.
Preschool Bus
The Preschool bus transports children who are unable to make it to preschool by other means, space permitting. Please come and see the Engagement Officer, Miss Tarryn, to complete a bus application form if your child needs the bus service.