Integricare Preschool Auburn

Integricare's Preschool at Auburn teaches a preschool curriculum of play-based learning based on the Early Years Learning Framework. This focuses on holistic development, and on building vital cognitive, social, physical and emotional skills.

Our philosophy of learning through play underpins our curriculum. The children’s individual and collective interests shape our planning as well as the implementation of intentional teaching practices. It remains responsive to children’s emerging needs, interests and development, always being adapted in a way that will enhance children’s understanding of the world around them.

We believe learning occurs in the context of strong relationships between children, families, educators, and the wider community. We embrace each child’s unique interests and natural curiosity to discover the world. We believe children are active and creative learners, as this is used to drive our educational experiences.

Educators draw upon their deep knowledge of child development and current theory to extend and challenge every child’s learning through a balance of experiences initiated by the children together with intentional teaching.

Connection with families underpins our preschool program. We aim to create supportive partnerships with parents and carers that ensure continuity between home and learning. We are committed to embedding respectful and inclusive practices as we embrace differences and value the uniqueness that each child brings to our preschool.

Our literacy program is designed to build on children’s home and community literacy experiences. It includes literacy practices that are relevant to children’s everyday lives as well as familiar texts from their homes and communities.

At Auburn, we champion Integricare’s purpose of enabling children, families and communities to experience the love of Jesus, as well as Integricare’s core mission objectives. We believe that every child is created, valued and loved unconditionally by God. We aim to help our children grow and develop within this belief while reflecting the rich diversity of many nations, cultures, religions, traditions and socio-economic backgrounds that are represented throughout our community.

Integricare's Preschool at Auburn offers a range of holistic programs to help prepare children for school academically, socially and emotionally. It honours diversity and incorporates the use of first languages, cultural traditions and practices into centre programs.

Preschool

In line with the Early Years Learning Framework, the centre focuses on play-based learning, allowing children to develop at their own pace and in their own way.  The centre’s qualified teachers help children build and extend their language, literacy and numeracy skills for a smooth academic transition to primary school, whilst also fostering creativity, confidence and independence.

Munch and Move

Educators follow the NSW Health Munch & Move program to support healthy eating and physical activity programs in the classroom.

 Online learning

The centre provides extensive online resources for parents and families. These include information on play and learning activities, health and wellbeing, child development and Christian learning.

Integricare's Preschool at Auburn has a strong family focus and educators work in partnership with families for the best interests of every child. We deeply value and understand the importance of family involvement in each child's early learning journey. We actively encourage families to participate in our monthly "Stay and Play" sessions, which offer a meaningful opportunity for parents and caregivers to engage in their child's preschool environment and connect with educators. Additionally, we promote family networking and community building by hosting a quarterly "Meet and Greet" at our local park after preschool hours, fostering connections between families in a relaxed and friendly setting. These initiatives support strong home-school partnerships that benefit every child's development and sense of belonging.

The centre provides a developmental portfolio for each child that documents their learning, interests and friendship groups. It provides extensive online resources and has an online parent portal where families can stay up to date with activities and events.

To further support families, the centre organises supported playgroups. This provides a structured and positive learning environment in which children can socialise. It’s also a great way for parents to meet and share their experiences.

Every supported playgroup is facilitated by trained early childhood and family support workers. The team can refer and link families to health and community services and the centre partners with specialist services where needed to give appropriate support.

The centre has Family Workers, who support families with children between the ages of 0 and 8 years. By conducting comprehensive assessments, Family Workers are able to help families identify their immediate needs and then support them through a case management process and home or outreach visiting services.