Our Programs

We Program with Purpose!

At Dashing Ducks Preschool Croydon our programs are thoughtfully designed to provide a comprehensive learning experience that encompasses multiple important areas of development. We understand that early childhood is a crucial time for shaping a child’s future, and educational leaders create programs that cater to the diverse needs of our young learners.

We prioritize the holistic growth of children, focusing on their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Our carefully crafted schedules and activities are designed to stimulate young minds, encourage positive social interactions, foster creativity, and promote physical well-being. Below are the different things that we incorporate to our fortnightly programs!

Munch & Move

Promoting healthy lifestyles from young, our educators practice Munch & Move every day with the children.

Healthy Bodies

Helping introuce healthy ways of living from young that helps children for the rest of their lives.

Art & Craft

Art & Craft is displayed throughout our centre, showcasing the creativity of not only your children, but our educators also!

Indigenous Learnings

Our ducklings learn about the oldest culture in the world, enabling respect for our land and its people.

Sustainability

We have a garden to plate philosphy, where we enjoy the fruit & veg that we grow with the children at the centre!

Role Play

To develop communication skills and nurture our Ducklings creativity we emphasise learning through play.

On-Site Chef

Our meals are cooked on-site daily. Each meal is designed with the Australian food pyramid at top-of-mind.

School Readiness

The Dashing Ducks School Readiness program excels in preparing children for “big” school. 

Munch & Move

Munch & Move is a fun, play-based program that aims to support young children’s healthy eating and physical activity habits. The Munch & Move program aligns strongly with the National Quality Framework (NQF) with links to all 7 Quality Areas of the National Quality Standard (NQS). The 5 Outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the GetUp & Grow healthy eating guidelines and physical activity recommendations.

As educators, we continually provide children with intentional opportunities to explore and practice these skills to encourage development and confidence in the FMS. The earlier that FMS are introduced through play and exploration, the more likely children will engage in physical activity throughout their lives, developing competence and confidence. We teach the children about healthy eating through stories, songs, cooking experiences, growing our own fruits and vegetables, role modelling and providing a healthy menu.

Healthy Bodies

Our centre aims to promote healthy lifestyles, good nutrition, and the wellbeing of all of children, educators and families using procedures and policies. We also aim to support and provide adequately for children with food allergies, dietary requirements and restrictions and specific cultural and religious practices. This dietary information will also be provided to families so they can plan healthy home meals for their child. The centre has two cooks that provide the children with diverse, variety, and nutrition in all that they consume. 

From breakfast up until afternoon tea, the children are provided with fresh fruits and vegetables, some of which come from our very own garden, along with tasty meals that help children get into the habit of healthy lifestyles, alongside bettering their own physical wellbeing.

As educators, we continually provide children with intentional opportunities to explore and practice these skills to encourage development and confidence in the FMS. The earlier that FMS are introduced through play and exploration, the more likely children will engage in physical activity throughout their lives, developing competence and confidence. We teach the children about healthy eating through stories, songs, cooking experiences, growing our own fruits and vegetables, role modelling and providing a healthy menu. For further information click here.

Art & Craft

At Dashing Ducks Preschool Croydon, we believe in the power of art and craft to inspire and nurture young minds. Our engaging Art & Craft program is designed to unleash children’s creativity, foster self-expression, and develop a range of essential skills that go beyond the realm of traditional education. We steer clear of stencils to let our Ducklings express themselves without being confined to lines!

Art & Craft is included in all our weekly programs, to help creative exploration, fine motor skills, self-confidence and emotional well-being. Our Art & Craft program celebrates individuality, encourages exploration, and nurtures the creative spirit within each child. Our dedicated educators provide guidance, inspiration, and a wide range of materials to fuel their artistic journeys. Join us as we ignite creativity and foster self-expression through the wonderful world of art and craft. Watch as your child’s imagination takes flight and they develop lifelong skills that extend far beyond the art studio.

 

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Indigenous Learnings

As a whole Dashing Ducks works towards ensuring that Indigenous Perspectives are incorporated through day-to-day practice in the centre. We acknowledge the importance of Aboriginal perspectives, alongside including such perspectives through our curriculums, environments, and interactions with children, educators, families, and community-based engagements. Our centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land, to which we pay our respects to those past, present, and emerging. Each morning our educators and children recite their personalised ‘Acknowledgement of Country’, which is also said in meetings, along with community engagement presence we have here at the centre. 

We have an Indigenous Education Officer at the centre, who liases with the Educational Leader to incorporate events, activities, and learning experiences for our Ducklings and their parents. The Educational leader also provides educators and families with information, support strategies, and activities that aim to support and benefit children’s learning, sense of being, belonging, and becoming while in our care.

Sustainability

At Dashing Ducks Early Preschool Croydon, we believe that play is not only the best vehicle for children’s learning but also an opportunity to instill a deep sense of sustainability. Our curriculum, aligned with the National Quality Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework, fosters eco-consciousness through engaging play-based activities.

We go beyond traditional methods to integrate sustainability into every aspect of our educational approach. From exploring nature to hands-on projects like gardening, composting, and recycling, our little learners develop a profound understanding of the importance of environmental preservation. With the guidance of our dedicated educators, families, and communities, children discover the power they hold in creating a positive impact on our planet.

We exercise this belief through our practice of our “garden to plate” initiative, where our Ducklings help grow the food that is eventually cooked by our on-site chef!

 

Role Play

Role play is more than just a fun activity – it’s a powerful tool for nurturing young minds and promoting sustainable education. Research shows that role play has numerous benefits for children’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.

Engaging in imaginative play allows children to develop problem-solving skills, enhance creativity, and improve communication abilities. By incorporating sustainability themes into role play scenarios, children also gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues and learn to make eco-conscious choices. As educators, we understand that benefits including Cognitive Development, Social and Emotional Growth, and Sustainable Education are all backed by real-life data, which is why we place a great importance on the incorporation of role play.

By harnessing the power of role play and sustainability, Dashing Ducks Preschool Croydon creates an enriching environment where children’s imaginations soar, and their understanding of the world deepens. Join us in nurturing young minds through sustainable play and empower them to become conscious global citizens.

On-Site Chef

Over the last 30+ years, our providers have learned the crucial role that nutrition plays in the growth and development of young children. That’s why we are proud to offer the unique advantage of an on-site chef, dedicated to providing nutritious meals and snacks that support the well-being of our little ones.

Having an on-site chef has many benefits; healthy and balanced meals, customized menus, food Education and Engagement, and most importantly, the ability to mitigate allergic reactions. Having an on-site chef at Dashing Ducks Preschool Croydon means that parents can have peace of mind, knowing that their children are enjoying delicious, well-balanced meals prepared with care and expertise.

 

School Readiness

The significance of a strong foundation in early childhood education to ensure a smooth transition into primary school is something that we specialise in. Our comprehensive School Readiness Program is designed to equip our Ducklings minds with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

There are a number of reasons to enrol in a centre that focuses on school preparation for children, here are our top 3 reasons why we invest a lot into this area: 

1)  Academic Preparedness: Our program focuses on developing essential pre-literacy and numeracy skills that form the building blocks of future academic success. Through engaging activities, interactive learning experiences, and individualized attention, we foster early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving abilities. We also introduce early concepts of science, technology, and creative expression, nurturing a love for learning in a supportive environment.

2)  Social and Emotional Development: Transitioning to a formal school environment can be both exciting and challenging for young children. Our School Readiness Program emphasizes social and emotional development, promoting self-confidence, resilience, and positive relationships. We encourage children to express themselves, collaborate with peers, and develop effective communication skills. By nurturing their emotional well-being, we empower children to navigate social interactions and adapt to new environments with ease.

3)  Independence and Self-Help Skills: Our program cultivates independence and self-help skills, empowering children to become confident learners. We foster self-care routines, such as dressing themselves, managing belongings, and practicing good hygiene. Through daily routines, children develop organizational skills, time management, and problem-solving abilities, which are crucial for a successful transition to primary school.

At Dashing Ducks Early Preschool Croydon, our School Readiness Program provides a comprehensive and holistic approach to ensure your child’s readiness for the next educational milestone. Our passionate educators and tailored curriculum lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, setting your child on a path towards a successful future.

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Dashing Ducks Preschool acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land, the Wangal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to the Elders past, present, and emerging.
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