Waratah Preschool
At the heart of every child’s preschool journey at Waratah is our holistic approach to school readiness.
We value the “process” of open-ended learning through a variety of enriching experiences that will nurture children’s self-expression, self-esteem, independence, creativity, imagination, perseverance and sense of belonging as we collectively value, respect, and embed cultural diversity daily through our program and practice.
Our Preschool Programs
Waratah Preschool consists of a single classroom which offers both a 2-day extended 7.5-hour Program or 3-day school hours program on the following day/times:
Seahorse Group
Monday & Tuesday
2 day extended hours Program from 8.30am to 4.00pm
Dolphin Group
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
3-day school hours Program from 9.00am to 3.00pm
Join Our Waratah Preschool Community Today
Our preschool is full of enriching experiences to support your child on the way to school readiness
Our Philosophy
Children’s agency is valued and supported when contributing to planning for the program emerging from their own ideas to create innovative learning opportunities.
Empowering Our Children
By engaging in open-ended conversations, we encourage children to share their ideas and interests, and provide support for them to further develop their knowledge and understanding.
Connection to Country
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures is an important aspect to our Preschool where children can learn, respect and care for country.
Community Involvement
We recognize the vital role that families and cultural groups play in children's learning, and strive to foster respectful relationships within our preschool community.
Innovative Learning
We empower children to discuss their ideas for further learning and interests through open ended conversations to scaffold their knowledge. We recognise each child’s strengths and abilities will further develop over time through the educational program that includes child’s individual goals as well as the ambitions of our group as a whole.
Embracing Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Culture
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people as the traditional owners of the land in which we explore, play, and learn. Embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures is an important element as we provide children with learning opportunities to become socially and environmentally responsible citizens; growing awareness of the importance of First Nations land management and sustainability by caring for country.
Celebrating Our Diverse Community
We emphasise on the central role that families and cultural groups play in children’s learning and the importance of respectful relationships with our preschool community as we celebrate different events and celebrations throughout the year. Our strong community and family involvement helps strengthen the learning experiences for our children and is seen as an important and valued factor in our approach to promote a sense of being, belonging and becoming including an intergenerational program with Warrigal Queanbeyan, local schools, Queanbeyan Palarang Council, Health Professionals, Community Health and SaCC.