Learn, Grow, Thrive: Where Children Learn as They Play
At Thurgoona Preschool, we provide children and families with a nurturing and supportive preschool education and care, that enables them to experience: 'Belonging, being and becoming'. We understand that early childhood is a vital period in children's learning and development and provide opportunities to maximise children's potential and develop a future success in learning.
Our qualified, dedicated and experienced educators develop and implement a quality preschool program based on the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Our programs have an emphasis on play-based learning and recognise the importance of communication and language (including early literacy and numeracy) and social and emotional development.
Our Services
We pride ourselves on our beautiful natural environments, both indoors and outdoors. We are fortunate to have a vast array of natural and educational resources. Our educators are always on the lookout for innovative ideas and resources to add to our programs and environments, e.g. upcycling resources. We also appreciate the donations of bits and pieces from our families and community, e.g. paper off cuts, clean bottle caps and foam trays, wool, and buttons.
We work in partnership with our families and the wider community, including schools, support agencies, community health and community members. Families are very welcome and encouraged to participate in our preschool programs in a variety of ways. We respect and honour each child and family's culture, history, languages, traditions, childrearing practices and values.
Our Team
Our preschool team consists of qualified, experienced educators who demonstrate a dedication to working with the children at our preschool. Our educators are involved with the children, supporting their play and investigations as facilitators and co-learners. Our educators demonstrate a passion for working in early childhood education and care and furthering their knowledge through attending in-servicing, relevant meetings and readings, to ensure that advances in research-based evidence and new understandings gained in early childhood practices continue to inform and improve their performance as educators.
Our Management Committee
The preschool is managed by a Management Committee, generally made up of interested parents. The Committee, Director and preschool educators work together to provide a quality early childhood education and environment for children and families. Our fundraising committee each year works hard to raise funds to purchase those extra resources and equipment for the children.
Cost and Quality Concerns
Reviews highlight that this preschool is more expensive than others in the area, yet provides an inferior early education compared to other preschools. The quality of education is a significant concern, with one reviewer mentioning that their child made more progress in a daycare than at this preschool.
Lack of Communication and Transparency
Another issue raised is the preschool's unwillingness to listen to and address concerns from parents who are not part of the "committee". This lack of communication and transparency is a significant worry for parents who want to be involved in their child's education.
Recommendation
The reviewer strongly advises against choosing this preschool and recommends exploring other options before making a decision.
