Location
We are situated in a quite street. Our centre is walking distance to both the train station and local Primary Schools.
Jack and Jill Kindergarten Berowra
Address: 6 Boundary Street,
Berowra NSW 2081
Mail:
Tel:02) 94565523
Our class rooms
We are a 90 place long day centre with five classrooms that cater for ages 6 weeks to 5 years, our centre has two playgrounds 0 - 2 years playground and 2 years to 5 years.
We believe in creating learning environments that allow children to become active leaders in their learning, by providing hands on experiences for children to freely explore concepts, ideas and make meaning of ideas/skills they already posses. We also wish to challenge their skills and encourage them to participate in experiences that are designed to further specific skills.
Owlets
0 - 1 years
In this space we aim to create a warm friendly home environment for your child. We ask all families in this room to provide their home routine, this enables our centre to keep home life and centre life as the same . We acknowledge the importance in continuity aiming to build partnerships with parents so that we are following the same routine as home and work with you as their feeding/sleep/play needs change.
The experiences that are provided to the babies challenge and extend their development, they are developed to foster security, develop/build relationships and self-confidence.
All the children get the opportunity to become involved in craft, singing and stories.
At the end of the day you are able to see pictures and read a short story of your child’s day. Throughout the year observations of your child’s development and group projects occurring in the room will be put together in a portfolio for you keep.
Flying Foxes
1 years - 2 years
In this space we support their curiosity of exploration providing them with a range of hands on experiences that they can explorer. We recognise the importance for repetitive play and to have a familiar environment. Allowing children to continuously explore something of interest to them and be able to connect with the environment. Play is a great way of introducing many concepts children are introduce to maths and science concepts through art and music which is in the room daily.
At the end of the day you are able to see pictures and read a short learning story of your child’s day. Throughout the year observations of your child’s development and group projects occurring in the room will be put together in a portfolio for you keep.
Robins
2 years - 3 years
In this space we aim to create an environment that supports children needs, with plenty of hands on experiences that they can further explore ideas and feelings. At this age children are becoming increasing aware of what and who is around them we will support their developing social needs in meaningful experiences, music is a great place for children to share joyful experiences together.
At the end of the day you are able to see pictures and read a short learning story of your child’s day. Throughout the year observations of your child’s development and group projects occurring in the room will be put together in a portfolio for you keep.
Sugar Gliders
3 years - 4 years
In this space we aim to provide children with a range of experiences that challenge and further their skills to begin developing their concentration skills. We recognise the importance of supporting children to give them the confidence to attempt tasks that are difficult.
Children are also developing their underlying understanding of Literacy and Maths. Pre literacy and pre math skills will occur on a daily basis in planned and spontaneous experiences. Children can learn in many ways which is why will provide a range of visual and hands on experiences that will help extend their learning, though visual displays, songs and games.
At the end of the day you are able to see pictures and read a short learning story of your child’s day. Throughout the year observations of your child’s development and group projects occurring in the room will be put together in a portfolio for you keep.
Lorikeets
3 years - 5 years
When planning and developing the pre-school program we aim to develop children thinking skills on a daily bases. By providing children with experiences that encourage them to use their problem solve skills, introduce them to experiences which will challenge them with their math skills, encourage all children to get involved in projects which them allow to explore investigate all areas of life , join in with hands on science experiments, become involved in cooking and learn basic skills of the kitchen and the safety aspects of the kitchen.
The room’s program is designed to ensure that children are interested in learning and have an inquisitive mind about the world around them. We want to foster their natural curiosity at the stage in their lives. All of our day to day programs and projects are based on the children’s interests and therefore they are much more likely to invest the time to explore, investigate and learn. These experiences give ownership to children and encourage problem solving and decision making. We use realistic materials and equipment so that their experiences are more genuine.
At the end of the day you are able to see pictures and read a short story of your child’s day. Throughout the year observations of your child’s development and group projects occurring in the room will be put together in a portfolio for you keep.
Our outdoor play areas
Outdoor learning lends itself to practical engagement and appropriate risk taking. Children need these opportunities in order to build their confidence, spatial awareness, physical strength and the ability to keep themselves safe in an ever-changing and unpredictable world. Here at Jack and Jill Kindergarten Berowra we have two large play areas that cater for all ages and development.
By providing children with an environment that is based around their interest it shows them that what they like is important and gives them a sense of “Belonging”.
We understand the importance to give children the opportunity of “Being” a child providing environments that are age appropriate, meaningful and enjoyable.
By supporting children during the early years of their life within a social environment through their learning we create a nurturing environment that give them the opportunity develop the sense of “Becoming” part of a community group where they can express themselves and gain different perspectives.
Our Centres Philosophy
Play can be defined in many ways but at it’s heart it is a powerful place that allows children to make sense of their world in a safe and secure environment. We place a high value on play based learning
“play is a process of taking and making, it allows children to perceive the world from different angles. They get a working knowledge of their environments, recognise physical objects and features, know how things might connect in novel and non-stereotypical ways, recognise how others use space and the value of connecting and disconnecting with them, and discover threats and opportunities” (Bateson 2005).
We believe in creating learning environments that encourage children to be active leaders in their own learning, by providing experiences that follow their interests and are hands on for children to freely explore concepts, ideas and make meaning of ideas/skills they already possess. We also strive to challenge their skills and encourage them to participate in experiences that are designed to further specific skills. By following the “Early Years Framework” and National Quality Framework in our daily practices we not only draw from experiences that happen here but also events/thoughts/views that happens in children’s family life, culture, the world, at community events and the views/beliefs of our Educators.
“From before birth children are connected to family, community, culture and place.”
Extract from Belonging, Being and Becoming: an early Years learning Framework
for Australia, February 2009
By drawing on influences from all around us we are able to provide an environment that acknowledges and respects individual views, skills, abilities and/or experiences. Creating an inclusive, meaningful space of acceptance, trust and respect where a person’s whole-self can be expressed, explored and represented in our learning environments.
It is important to provide children a safe and secure environment with areas that they are able to relate to, foster their individual development, connect to and are age appropriate. We want to create play spaces that are inviting, welcoming and allow children to be active participants in their learning. It is important that the in and out door environment reflects their home life, the community and the natural world. We want to support children’s natural curiosity, wonder, reflection, creativity, imagination and experimentation. We want our spaces to encourage children to take risks, challenge themselves, ask questions, appreciate beauty, spark curiosity, problem solve and wonder why, invoke happiness and joy through intentional teaching.
It is very important to establish a professional culture with our Educators so that they are supported in furthering their own skills, reflect on their practices and work collaboratively within the team in their room and the centre. It is the educator’s role to facilitate learning, reflecting on each child’s development in their room, catering for all capabilities, following interests, and furthering skills. We aim to promote and support children’s physical, social, emotional, spiritual and intellectual development. It is also vital for our Educators to develop strong ties with the families and local community so that we can work in partnership when developing children’s programs and learning environments.
We recognise and celebrate our influential role in children’s life during the early years of development and excitedly embark on this unexpected journey with you……………
“BELONGING, BEING, BECOMING”
Dedicated and motivated staff
Our staff are recruited and retained based on their dedication to their job and their love of working with children. Our management team are then devoted to ensuring that they are constantly motivated and inspired to provide excellent child care services.
Jack and Jill Kindergarten is committed to ongoing staff development and training. We actively encourage staff to continue learning and developing. Our aim is to reduce staff turnover by providing a satisfying and rewarding workplace that allows staff to grow and develop in all aspects of their lives.
Parent/Guardian involvement
We value and wish to encourage your involvement with the program we offer. You may have a special celebration you wish to involve us in, share a special story or perhaps information about your job or a personal interest. We would love the opportunity to include your experiences into the routine at a time that suites you. Your contribution to the programming and planning is also very welcome.