Forrest Early Childhood Center is situated in the parliamentary triangle, with a lovely outlook to parliament house, surrounded by a natural leafy setting. Our team prides itself on creating a happy, friendly environment, providing excellent care and education, with an inclusive play based curriculum.
We cater for children from 6 weeks to 6 years of age and the centre is open from 7.45am to 6.00pm. The rooms are split into four distinct age groups:
Joeys: 6 weeks to 18 months
Bilbies: 18 months to 2.5 years
Wallabies: 2.5 years to 3.5 years
Kangaroos: 3.5 years to school age
All meals are provided catering for any dietary or age requirements. We are a peanut free centre and all staff are trained in the management of anaphylaxis (severe allergies). The menu provides a wide variety of meals including many delicious multi-cultural dishes.
We have many additional programs within the centre including an integrated Preschool program, Two gross motor programs called “Bouncing Beans” and “Growing Strong” as well as our music program called “Rocking Horse Music”. The children also attend excursions throughout the year to community events as well as visitors to the centre.
The centre uses a disposable nappy service in which included in our daily and weekly childcare fee.
The children have individual portfolios ‘Learning Journey's’ which enable families to ‘see the journey of learning that occurs during each child’s time at the centre. Each Journey includes photos, observations, drawings, favorite experiences, articles of interest and more that will give an insight into each child’s progression throughout each year.
We invite families to visit at anytime and become involved in the centre as much as they desire. We hold family information sessions throughout the year, which often incorporate a guest speaker.
Our large outdoor play area is surrounded by the natural leafy environment, with the Forrest Primary School next door allowing the children to engage in local excursions.
Infants– Joeys
The staff in our Joeys room care for children aged between 6 weeks and 18 months. They provide a trusting, warm and nurturing environment,
The daily routine is flexible according to individual children’s needs each day.
Communication with families is ongoing and considered very valuable to meet the needs of the individual child and keep the link with home as close as possible.
We provide a communication book for each child and a daily information board where the staff record bottle times, meals, sleep times and nappy changes.
The room leader develops a weekly program based on individual and group observations, needs and interests to ensure the children are in a stimulating and encouraging environment, this is displayed on the laptop each day.
We welcome mothers who would like to continue breastfeeding once their child has start care and work with you to ensure this occurs smoothly as possible. We also encourage families to visit at anytime during the day so you can feel involved in your child’s day.
Toddlers
The Toddler room is a warm and friendly environment- the staff in this room care for children between the age of 1.5—2.5 years.
The room is divided into various learning centers for the children including: dramatic play; art and craft; book corner; puzzle tables and construction area. Children have free choice of what they choose to do and the staff are there to encourage and enhance learning and development.
The room leader develops a weekly program based on individual and group observations, needs and interests to ensure the children are in a stimulating and encouraging environment, this is displayed on the laptop each day. Families are welcome to share cultural experiences and contribute to programming ideas.
Many children begin toileting in this room and staff work closely with families in achieving this goal.
Preschool
The staff in our Preschool room care for children aged between 2.5 years and school age in a stimulating learning environment.
Our daily routine includes indoor and outdoor play experiences, group times, meals and a sleep/rest time.
The programming is planned for children in two groups according to age. Our program is designed by our Pre School teacher to encourage all children to learn according to their individual needs and interests. For the older children there is a focus on School Readiness, the children are introduced to basic literacy, language and mathematical problem solving skills.
The environments in the Preschool room are designed to extend children’s play. They are based on ideas, interests and needs given to the staff by the children. The children are free to explore the environments throughout the day.
