Deepdene Pre-school
Centre Inc.

Our programme at Deepdene Pre-school revolves around the individual child's need. We help your child gain confidence and independence and strive to realise each child's full potential.

Whilst at pre-school, your child will learn to be part of a group of children, with opportunities to learn and understand routines and to listen and follow instructions from other adults. Social skills will gradually develop with opportunities for sharing and taking turns. Concentration will be enhanced through musical experiences, stories and specially designed manipulative equipment, such as puzzles, clay, books, cutting and pasting.

The 4 year old programme is relaxed and flexible, so allowing young children to develop at their own pace. Children have the opportunity to explore and learn about the world and themselves through a wide range of activities, both indoors and out. The children are encouraged to borrow books from the library. Incursions and excursions are arranged throughout the year providing many wonderful "hands on" experiences relating to current interests in the programme.

Parents are seen as a vital resource and are encourage to participate in all aspects of the pre-school.

We encourage families who have special interests or occupations relating to our themes to “show ‘n’ share” their knowledge with the children.  We have had mothers with babies, fireman, doctors, nurses, dentists, piano teachers etc.

Our program also includes parent assisted cooking sessions every week.  Each child takes in turn to prepare an individual item of cooking (revolving around the current interests) which is taken home to be eaten.

Current areas of learning/interests are also reflected by the art displays on "the wall" which is a backdrop to the common area. The photos above and to the left highlight the interest in "firefighters".

There are 41 places in the 4 year old programme. Children attend 3 sessions per week. Each 4 year old is placed in a group which are named as follows: Red, Blue, Green, Orange and Purple. At any session there are 3 groups in attendance. No more than 25 children attend each 4 year old session at any one time. The groups attending sessions differ from day to day, giving the children an opportunity to meet all 4 year old children. You can nominate your group preference.

You can also place your child in a maximum of 2 extended hour afternoons. Your child is eligible to attend an extended session in the afternoon if they have been at Pre-school on the same morning. These are available on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are a maximum of 15 children in each session.