What Is Your Educator-To-Child Ratio?
The regulations state that we must have 1 educator to 11 children.
At Highvale we have:
• 4-5 Year old group has a ratio of 9 children per educator per session.
• 3-4 Year old group have 8 children per educator per session.
My Child Does Not Turn 3 Until After The Start Of The Preschool Year
All children must be 3 years old before than can attend the preschool. If your child has a birthdate in January - April, we strongly advise that you speak to the teaching staff about readiness for preschool. We
recommend that your child turns 4 in their 3 year old kinder year and 5 during their 4 year old kinder year.
Two full years of funded preschool school has been introduced as a best practice for children and starting throughout the year will not give your child the best start to their education.
Can I Enrol In More Than One Preschool?
No. You are only funded at one service. You will be asked to acknowledge that Highvale will be your funded service when you enrol.
Does The Preschool Offer Extended Hours?
We are a sessional preschool and our program hours do not allow for extended hours. Some of our 4 year old groups do have more than the 15 hours of free preschool. These are set hours and fees are
payable for all hours in excess of 15 hours per week. We do not offer long day care hours.
Does The Preschool Provide Lunch, Snacks And Drinks?
Parents are asked to provide healthy lunches and snacks for their child. Highvale Preschool have a "Water Only" policy and as such, children must have only water in their parent supplied water bottles. Families
are required to sign a Healthy Eating Acknowledgement when attending the preschool.
Does My Child Need To Be Toilet Trained?
Most children will have begun their toilet training by the time they attend 3-4 year old preschool and we encourage you to work on your child's training in the months prior to your child's attendance at Highvale.
We know that accidents do still happen. Teachers and educators will work with you and your child to achieve a positive outcome. Please send a change of clothes with your child in case of accidents.
My Child Cannot Speak Any English. What Should I Do?
Teachers and Educators are experienced in dealing with children who have English as a second language. We strongly encourage you to begin to teach your child some basic language skills prior to attending
preschool. It can be very upsetting for a child to be left with people they do not know and cannot communicate with.
Simple phrases can help relieve stress for your child and help us to comfort them:
• Help me
• I'm hurt
• I feel sick
• I need to go to the toilet
• I need a drink
• I am hungry Where's my bag?
• I don't understand
We ask that you encourage your child to understand instructions such as
• Cross your legs
• Listen
• Wash your hands
• Wait
• Mummy will be back soon
• Put your hat on please
• Inside
• Outside
• Yes/No
• Stop