About Our Program

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Small group (Wombats)

The Wombats group runs for ages 2-4 and runs alongside the school readiness program. The duration of this group is determined by the interest of the children and will extend as the children’s capacity for concentration increases throughout the year.

The program has a strong focus on age-appropriate activities, share thoughts and ideas, listen and converse with each other, participate in new learning experiences, introduce new concepts, read together, sing together and collaborate with one another. The program develops children’s sense of belonging, sitting in a group, and sharing ideas. It is informed by the developmental milestones as stated by Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACEQUA), and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).

Play-Based Learning

“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can strengthen learning and how to learn.” - Reggio Emilia

Guided by the Early Years Learning Framework and the National Quality Standards, Educators at Mount St Thomas Preschool in Wollongong use their unique knowledge of each child to observe, create and implement purposeful play experiences that is child led. Our learning environments aim to reflect the rich and diverse lives and identities of the children and families that attend our preschool. The open-ended and flexible spaces cater for a range of different learning capabilities and styles. We welcome and encourage our children and families to contribute their ideas, interests and share their experiences, to strengthen their sense of belonging.

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School Readiness (Lorikeets)

The Mount Saint Thomas Preschool school readiness program runs for approximately 50 minutes each day. This program is informed by National Literacy and Numeracy Progressions, developmental outcomes as stated by Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Authority (ACEQUA), and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). The program has a strong focus on early literacy and numeracy, combined with self-help skills, and emotional regulation strategies. Educators are responsive to children’s needs and learning styles and adjust the weekly program accordingly. We encourage children to share their ideas and incorporate their interests, and follow our service’s philosophy of play based learning.

Call Us 02 4229 5114

In the spirit of reconciliation, Mount St Thomas Preschool acknowledges the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which our preschool stands. We recognise their enduring connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.