On the Coast – Families Issue 95 I August/September 2018 | Page 31

We have limited vacancies available Please contact us now for a tour or more information Phone [phone] or email [email protected] Visit our website at www.catholiccaredbb.org.au We welcome children of all cultures, beliefs and backgrounds screwdrivers, crockery in home corner etc. for them to use. Many of our resources are natural, open ended materials with loose parts that allow children to be use them creatively in a variety of ways. We value and offer children long sessions of uninterrupted play so they can immerse themselves and invest time and energy into their play and work. We see the benefits of this in their work samples and the complexity of their games and the roles they develop in dramatic play. Our educators are thoughtful and purposeful in their actions and have a strong philosophy that guides our decision- making process. We reflect constantly as a team on the why. Why is this important? What value and benefits does it bring to children and their families? Our educators are committed to staying abreast of current research and practice. We are blessed to be part of the community at our Lady Star of the Sea Terrigal. Being on site provides us with opportunities to explore and visit the school and Parish, including the oval, play areas, classrooms, library, canteen and bush surrounds. We have developed a genuine relationship with the teaching staff at the primary school and this allows for collaboration between educators and students. Regardless of which primary school our preschool children attend, they go to school with much greater confidence having already had the experience of a school community. We believe childhood is not a race to see how quickly a child can read, write and count. It is a small period of their lives, where they are free to play, learn and develop at the pace that is right for them. Article by Bronwyn Maley Co-ordinator, Early Learning Centre, Our Lady Star the Sea Terrigal OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA EARLY LEARNING CENTRE 165 Serpentine Road, Terrigal P: [phone] E: [email protected] • • • • Open during school terms 8.15am - 3.45pm 3 years $46 4+ years $32 www.catholiccaredbb.org.au AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 95 31