When parents hear the term school readiness, literacy and numeracy are often the first things that come to mind.
Those skills are certainly part of early learning, but preparing children for the transition to school involves many other areas too.
Independence, communication, emotional wellbeing, physical development, social interaction and confidence in learning all form part of the bigger picture.
For families researching kindy or pre-kindy childcare in Leeming and nearby Bull Creek, Willetton, Murdoch, Bateman or Winthrop, understanding what a program actually covers can make childcare comparisons much more meaningful.
Social and emotional development
Starting school means becoming part of a larger social environment.
Children need opportunities to interact with other children, communicate, share and develop confidence in group situations.
The Big Ted’s Room program at Leeming Child Care Centre includes social and emotional wellbeing and sharing concepts as part of children’s learning.
The room is supported by qualified educators and an early childhood teacher who work to build meaningful relationships with the children.
Independence and self-help skills
Becoming more independent is another important part of the preschool years.
Big Ted’s Room incorporates self-help skills into its program, alongside opportunities for children to play, explore and participate in different learning experiences.
These everyday capabilities sit alongside more traditionally recognised learning areas.
Communication and language
Children use communication throughout the school day: asking questions, listening, expressing ideas and interacting with others.
Language skills and cognitive concepts form part of the Big Ted’s Room program.
One of the Early Years Learning Framework outcomes guiding the room’s program also focuses on children becoming effective communicators.
Literacy, numeracy and science
Big Ted’s Room also integrates literacy, numeracy, science and project learning into its program.
These areas are incorporated alongside play rather than replacing it.
The centre explains that children have many opportunities for play and that educators use fun and innovative ideas to keep children interested, involved and connected in their learning.
Physical development matters too
School days involve plenty of movement, coordination and practical activities.
The Big Ted’s program includes both fine and gross motor development.
The centre also lists soccer/gymnastics among its weekly additional programs for this age group.
Before and after school care for West Leeming Primary School kindy children
For families whose children attend West Leeming Primary School, the centre also provides before and after school care and transport to and from the school for kindy-aged children.
The centre’s published operating hours are 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, except public holidays.
This particular service should only be promoted in relation to West Leeming Primary School, rather than suggesting transport is available to other schools.
Learn more about school readiness in Leeming
If you’re considering a pre-kindy or kindy childcare program while living in Leeming, Bull Creek, Willetton, Murdoch, Bateman or Winthrop, you can read more about the centre’s program below.
For questions about the program:
Contact Leeming Child Care Centre
To enquire about availability, preferred days or arranging a centre tour:
