Our Programs
Quality educational programs guide children’s learning and development.
Educators collaborate in designing programs that enable children and families to achieve optimal learning and developmental outcomes for children. The educational program is based on knowledge of each child so that interactions, experiences, routines, and events that each child engages in are relevant to them, respectful of their background and recognise and build on their current strengths, abilities and interests.
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Healthy Beginnings
The Preschool aims to provide all children with the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate a healthy lifestyle, to give them the best chance to function well and actively engage in early learning activities. Children are encouraged to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, complemented by our fruit first message at morning tea. Later in the morning, fruit is offered to all children at Preschool, and combines well-loved fruits and vegetables with new things to try. Cooking activities encourage children to develop a wider palate.
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Munch and Move
Munch and Move is a NSW Health initiative that supports the healthy development of children birth to 5 years by promoting physical activity, healthy eating and reduced small screen time. Educators at Preschool are trained to implement a fun, play-based approach to supporting healthy eating and physical activity habits in young children.
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Music and Movement
Singing and dancing is fun way to improve concentration, co-ordination, balance, spatial awareness, and communication. It is included in our daily routine through spontaneous games outdoors and also through group times. Using movement at group times allows children to regulate their bodies and be active participants in their learning.
Using music at group times ignites children’s learning across many areas, and teaches rhythm, beat, turn taking, popular culture and songs from around the world. Visiting shows and excursions complement our in-house music and movement learning.
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Speech and Language
A speech therapist works closely with the preschool children and Educators. A program has been developed to introduce children to phonological awareness in a play based setting.
Small groups of children work with the speech therapist in a quiet setting. It is a time to develop language and speech skills that will assist in later reading and writing.
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SPOT
A Speech Pathology and Occupational Therapy (SPOT) program runs three days a week so that all children the year before school are able to participate. It is a small group program co-run by speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators. Families receive updates, including take-home information sheets about the specific skills the program has been focusing on developing in children.
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‘Ninganah No More’ Aboriginal Language Program
Forbes Preschool aims to develop, nurture and embrace the learning of Aboriginal language, culture and identity. All children at Preschool experience and have an increased understanding of Aboriginal culture and language, and children are supported to develop into bilingual speakers.
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The Early Years Learning Framework
The aim of the Early Years Learning Framework is to extend and enrich children’s learning from birth to five years. It has an emphasis on play-based learning, and a vision for all children to experience learning that is engaging and builds success for life. Experiencing belonging, having time to be and growing towards everything they may become are goals for children which support this vision. The framework is built of practices and principles for educators, which work together with the five learning outcomes:
Outcome 1: Children have a strong sense of identity
Outcome 2: Children are connected with and contribute to their world
Outcome 3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
Outcome 4: Children are confident and involved learners
Outcome 5: Children are effective communicators
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Hearing
Children at Preschool have access to hearing tests by an Audiology Nurse, as part of meeting the health, learning and transition to school needs of the children enrolled here. Children’s hearing can be tested early in the year, with education and then a review later in the year, or referral to other services if required. The Audiology Nurse also educates children, families and educators about nose blowing, eating healthy foods, and other ways to keep our ears healthy.
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Transition to School
We support children’s transition to school journey in many ways through our programs here at Preschool. We visit our local schools, invite students to come back and visit us here at Preschool, and support families through the enrolment process however we can. We see transition as a Preschool to Year 12 process, and our relationship with Forbes High School and Red Bend mirror this belief.