All ACT residents with children turning 4 years of age on or before the preschool year are entitled to 15 hours of free preschool per week. Chapman Primary School operates 4 preschool sessions over a 5 day fortnight timetable.
Learning experiences in early childhood settings build on a range of understandings students have developed within their families and community. Our teaching and learning programs evolve from the combination of student observations and teacher led learning activities to create student-centred learning opportunities, maximise student engagement and build on their individual strengths.
Our play-based indoor and outdoor learning spaces provide for a balanced and child-led, child-initiated, and teacher-led learning experiences to offer children the opportunity to explore interests which promote empowerment, confidence and a love of learning.
Our preschool students have access to some facilities in the primary school, such as our library and outdoor equipment and often join in with appropriate whole-school activities such as sporting and social events, special performances and assemblies. This links with a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten.
Chapman Preschool Parent Handbook
Our preschool sessions
- Frogs and Spots: Monday, Tuesday and alternate odd week Wednesday - 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
- Turtles and Stripes: Thursday, Friday and alternate even week Wednesday - 9.00 am to 3.00 pm
Teaching teams
| Frogs | Turtles | Spots | Stripes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher: Michelle Abrahamffy | Teacher: Sarah D'Abrera | Teacher: Bron Leahy | Teacher: Bron Leahy |
| Educator: Tanya Waters | Educator: Maddie McWhirter | ||
| Deputy Principal - Early Childhood Educational Leader: | Belinda Bacon | ||
| Additional Preschool Teacher: | Tessa Van der Hoek (Tuesday and Wednesday) | ||
| Additional Preschool Educators: | Sue Patterson, Anna Town, Jessica Simms | ||
Chapman Preschool Philosophy Statement
The Chapman Preschool philosophy builds upon our school’s vision statement and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). We aim to develop students who demonstrate resilience, respect, integrity and independence. We recognise that a child’s early years build the foundation for developing lifelong learners who are confident, happy and active citizens.
We believe all children are capable and competent and will learn in different ways. Therefore, at Chapman Preschool you will see Educators employing a range of supports and opportunities so that every child experiences success in their learning and development.
We believe play is fundamental to children’s learning. At Chapman Preschool, children will be provided with opportunities for uninterrupted and prolonged time to play in a variety of spaces. Educators will provide a range of resources to enrich and extend play opportunities so that children can express their ideas and feelings.
We believe children learn best when they are supported to be successful. Educators will maintain high expectations for all children’s learning and development by interacting with children in respectful and responsive ways, identifying a child’s strengths and offering encouragement for effort.
We believe children need a strong sense of wellbeing to develop a sense of belonging, to trust others and to feel confident and to optimistically engage in experiences that contribute to becoming. Therefore, you will see educators developing warm, trusting relationships, predictable and safe environments, affirmation and respect for all aspects of a child’s physical, emotional, social, cognitive, linguistic, creative and spiritual being.
We recognise that children learn best when they are happy. Educators will support children to develop friends and a sense of belonging and comfort within the group and in play situations.
Developing positive and respectful relationships between children, Educators and families provides an effective means of promoting positive social interaction and emotional regulation. We recognise that parents are a child’s first teacher and encourage parents to be involved as partners in their child’s preschool experience.
Chapman Preschool values and respects the cultural diversity in our learning community. We are committed to inclusive practices and acknowledge the link between culture and identity.
Educators engage in ongoing learning and reflective practices to enhance learning opportunities for all children.
Revised: February 2020
Preschool Policy and Publications Documents
Acceptance and Refusal of Authorisation Procedure
Delivery and Collection of Children Procedure
Dealing with Infectious Diseases
Determining the Nominated Supervisor, Responsible Person, and Educational Leader Procedure
Emergency Planning and Fire Safety Procedure
Enrolment and Orientation Procedure
Interactions with Children Procedure
Meal times, Nutrition, Dietary Requirements, Food Handling, and Storage Procedure
Participation of Practicum Students Guidelines
Provision of a Child-Safe Environment Procedure
Medical Forms
- Medical Information and Consent Form
- Known Medical Condition Response Plan
- Medication Authorisation and Administration Record
- Medication Authorisation and Administration Record - Diabetes
- Risk Minimisation and Communication Plan
Chapman Preschool Compliance
To ensure that Chapman Preschool complies with The Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 a copy of the Law and Regulations is available to parents, volunteers or any person seeking to make use of the Preschool.
A hard copy of the Law and Regulations is available at the Preschool and can also be accessed using the following links:
ACECQA - Australian Children's Education & Care Quality Authority - National Law
Education and Care Services National Regulations (2011 SI 653) - National Regulations