Kindergarten children from Goodstart Morayfield will start school feeling confident and independent thanks to a special partnership the centre has forged with Morayfield East State School.
Activities including regular excursions to the school, professional development for staff and a buddy-reading program are part of the special bond shared between the neighbouring school and early learning centre. The partnership has been developed to ensure it benefits the children, families, staff and community.
Goodstart Morayfield centre director Monique Bullock said building a strong link with the local school was very important to ensure children started school on the best possible footing.
“It can be a daunting experience for children to move from a childcare environment where they are doing a lot of play-based learning activities, to a more formal school setting which is more routine-orientated,” Mrs Bullock said.
“Through visiting the local school and letting children get experience what school looks and feels like, will help them to feel comfortable, valued, relaxed and hopefully excited and motivated to learn and make new friends.
“We are very excited to be planning our next excursion where our class of 22 kindergarten children will take part in the school’s annual Easter bonnet parade.
"Afterwards we are also engaging in an early years workshop run by the school which will involve allowing the children to explore the school grounds and experiences that promote a sense of belonging in the school as well as other school readiness skills,” she said.
“Goodstart is incredibly grateful to Morayfield East State School who has made connections to our early childhood service to develop this strong partnership, and make us feel welcome and share our goal to help children get prepared for school life.”
Activities including regular excursions to the school, professional development for staff and a buddy-reading program are part of the special bond shared between the neighbouring school and early learning centre. The partnership has been developed to ensure it benefits the children, families, staff and community.
Goodstart Morayfield centre director Monique Bullock said building a strong link with the local school was very important to ensure children started school on the best possible footing.
“It can be a daunting experience for children to move from a childcare environment where they are doing a lot of play-based learning activities, to a more formal school setting which is more routine-orientated,” Mrs Bullock said.
“Through visiting the local school and letting children get experience what school looks and feels like, will help them to feel comfortable, valued, relaxed and hopefully excited and motivated to learn and make new friends.
“We are very excited to be planning our next excursion where our class of 22 kindergarten children will take part in the school’s annual Easter bonnet parade.
"Afterwards we are also engaging in an early years workshop run by the school which will involve allowing the children to explore the school grounds and experiences that promote a sense of belonging in the school as well as other school readiness skills,” she said.
“Goodstart is incredibly grateful to Morayfield East State School who has made connections to our early childhood service to develop this strong partnership, and make us feel welcome and share our goal to help children get prepared for school life.”