Balgowlah Preschool

At Balgowlah Preschool, the goal of the educators is to promote lifelong learning, with programs that are adapted to each child’s abilities.

The centre’s school readiness program is a child-first curriculum, where educators create a stimulating environment and experiences. The program has been developed to ensure the children feel confident, independent and ready to have the best possible start at school. It includes development skills, fine motor skills, pre-literacy skills, pre-numeracy skills and play-based learning.

The children take part in activities such as park excursions, chicken hatching programs, school visits, cooking and much more.

At Balgowlah Preschool, educators see each child as a capable and confident learner. They promote the development of self-confidence by ensuring every child is heard, respected, allowed freedom of choice, given individual care and protection and gently guided through their learning journey.

I have been working in childcare for 15 years, I have my Diploma in Children’s Services, and I am currently studying my Bachelor of Teaching 0-5 years through Charles Sturt University.I have a passion for Early Childhood Education, and supporting our amazing team of educators as we strive for excellence in Early Childhood Education.We are passionate about nurturing the well-being of every child and encouraging them on their learning journey. 

I consider it a huge privilege to be allowed to have been part of so many children’s lives. They are all special and unique, bringing joy to those of us who work with them.I have passion and genuine interest in school readiness and for providing environments and experiences that encourage a successful transition to school through fun play based learning, intentional teaching and following children's interests.I look forward to showing you through our centre and building a great relationship with yourself and your child.

Katie Hatherley, Early Learning Centre Director / Educational Leader

We view each and every child as an individual which is a capable and confident learner. Our curriculum contributes to each child’s learning and development outcomes in relation to their identity, connection with community, wellbeing, confidence as learners and effectiveness as communicators. We provide a secure, friendly, nurturing environment in which every child is encouraged to reach their full potential. Our child centred approach learning through is supported by staff provocations, stimulating planned and spontaneous experiences and from acting on our community’s voices as a whole.

We promote the development of self-confidence by ensuring every child is heard, respected, allowed freedom of choice, given individual care and protection and gently guided through their journey at WAO Early Learning. We embrace diversity in all forms and promote cultural awareness. We offer spontaneous experiences, which are child centred, interest-driven and educational, so the children learn as they have fun! These educational opportunities encourage discovery and aim to cultivate a lasting love of learning. We endeavour to support the children’s understanding and knowledge about their world and to care about green and renewable energy.

We recognise our role in supporting children to be efficient communicators, active learners and to feel they have a connection with their world. This in turn supports our centres and each individual educator's professional philosophies, that given the child a sense of belonging, they will feel free enough to be happy with who they are and also become something wonderful!

Our priority is the fulfilment of the needs of the children, their families and our staff, to the highest standard!

The Balgowlah Preschool Team