Long Day Care
The Curriculum
It is well known that the first five years of a child’s life is important and the long day care service reflects this. The service provides an educational curriculum for all children in attendance. The curriculum reflects our Centre Philosophy and the current policies and practices for children’s services which are:
Learning Areas
Each room curriculum caters to the children’s age and stage of development which is broken into permanent indoor and outdoor learning areas that have been designed to enhance and foster the children’s learning. These areas are:
Literacy / Numeracy
Discovery
Visual Arts / Sensory
Manipulative
Construction
Dramatic Play
Relaxation / Music & Movement
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Manipulative
Learning Environment
Saltwater Child Care not only provides an educational curriculum but an environment where children are valued as individuals and most of all have FUN at Saltwater Child Care Centre has three rooms:
Star Room
Caters for children from 6 months to 2 years. There are two qualified educators to 8 children per day.
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Sunshine Room
Caters for children from 2 – 3 years. There are three qualified educators to 12 children per day.
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Rainbow Room
Caters for children from 3 – 5 years. There are two qualified educators to 26 children per day. Kindergarten teachers are also in this room during the operation of the 3- and 4-year-old funded kindergarten program.
During enrolment process each family will receive a room handbook detailing room information.
3 and 4 Year Old Kindergarten
About Our Programs
Integrated programs give families access to high quality kindergarten and long day care all under one roof. Children who turn three by 30th April are only eligible for one year of 3-year-old kindergarten. All children who turn four by the 30th April in the year preceding commencement of primary school are eligible to be included in the program.
In our Kindergarten Programs, the children are encouraged to develop independence, self-awareness and a feeling of self-worth. The children will have many opportunities to develop caring relationships with adults as well as friendships with other children.
Saltwater takes pride in facilitating Kindergarten Programs that truly celebrate the magic of childhood.
The Benefits of Our Kindergarten Programs
Each room curriculum caters to the children’s age and stage of development which is broken into permanent indoor and outdoor learning areas that have been designed to enhance and foster the children’s learning. These areas are:
Qualified Teachers
The program is operated by qualified kindergarten teachers who have knowledge of the theory and practice of early childhood education and care.
Familiar Environment
Our Kindergarten teachers deliver the sessional program in a familiar environment without taking the children out of the long day care setting.
25 Hours / Week
25 hours of kindergarten is offered throughout the week.
School Readiness’
A summer program that includes visiting Williamstown Beach.
Regulation Compliance
Our educational program meets the requirements of the Children’s Services Act 1996 and Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011.
Community Engagement
Genuine engagement with the local community, as children visit the Footscray Library, local cafes, and other places relevant to children’s interests within the area.
Innovative Program
An innovative program that includes regular Breakdancing sessions with a National Breakdancing champion.
Nature Play & Bus Trips
A program that values nature play, with the children enjoying monthly visits to Footscray Park. Bus excursions and incursions occur throughout the year.
Gender Equity
A program that consciously promotes gender equity, and celebrates the uniqueness of each child.
Events
A variety of events such as a Parent Information Evenings and Parent / Teacher interviews as well as school preparation events, such as uniform week and lunch box week.
Indigenous Perspectives
A commitment to embedding Indigenous Perspectives within our programs, connecting with First Nations Australians when possible.
Continuity of Practice
Our kindergarten teachers work very closely with the child care team to make sure that continuity of planning and practice is established to support children’s learning.
Victorian Government Approved
Saltwater Child Care Centre is proud to provide high quality integrated 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten programs, that are government approved and partly funded by the Department of Education and Training.
