Wentworth Point Preschool

Posted on 1 October, 2022 by Micheal Alexander

Handprints Wentworth Point was our third centre to open. With water views and located opposite the Ferry, we immediately felt that this site encompassed our philosophy and vision in regards to what is important in early childhood. With a natural yard and large open spaces, we feel that this service fits perfectly into our humble Handprints community. Wentworth Point Preschool

At Handprints Wentworth Point, children are given the upmost respect from the Nursery room and up. Children are given the chance to explore and succeed in their learning through respectful interactions and environmental provocations. Our Preschool children are encouraged to find the balance between independence and the value of collaboration in learning. Located across the road from Wentworth Point Public School, this service has a strong connection to the local primary school and this aids in children’s successful transition to school.

The children at Wentworth Point love to go on community excursions and take advantage of all the shops and transport available right at their door step. The educators at this service have a passion for family involvement. They want the service to be reflective of the local community and the experiences of each family group. They value the diversities of cultures within the service community and are consistently seeking feedback to ensure their representations are genuine. This service is a great place for the community to make connections and for the children to develop life long friendships.

Handprints Preschool Program

Our Preschool spaces focus on what learning is most important in transitioning children for the start of school. Our children explore in-depth learning with their educators where they ask questions, build ideas, and work towards specific goals for transitioning to school (see preparation for school page). We work closely with local schools and engage the children by spending time interacting with the community. This is a particularly special place for long term learning.  The educators in our Preschool spaces act as co-learners with children, families and the community. They use reflective practice to gather information that supports, enriches and informs decision making about the children and their programs. A variety of theories, philosophies and practices shape our Preschool programs to ensure that a lively culture of professional inquiry is at the core of the learning in the space.  Wentworth Point Childcare

There is also a focus in these spaces on intentional teaching. Educators recognise that learning happens in a social context and that interactions and conversations are vitally important for learning. Educators role model strategies such as open-ended questioning, speculating, explaining, shared thinking and problem solving to extend children’s ideas of how to build meaning in a group. These themes become part of the children’s internal dialogue and give them the skills to continue to build meaning throughout life. Educators in this room plan effectively for children’s current and future learning and reflect on pedagogy that will suit their specific context and the children within it.