Avondale Early Childhood Education Centre in Dapto, New South Wales | Nursery

Avondale Early Childhood Education Centre

Locality: Dapto, New South Wales

Phone: +61 2 4261 1771

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• Childcare service
• Nursery

25.01.2022 During NAIDOC week we shared lots of conversations around the Indigenous Australians. Our possums wanted to add their hand prints to our flag which then started a discussion around our hand prints. Our Koala room friends make damper using our salt bush plant from our Bush tucker garden. The Kangaroo room looked at different styles of indigenous art and they chose to make their representation of the art works.

25.01.2022 This week we have had lots of fun, making play dough across all of the rooms. Educators followed the children’s lead by adding this to our program when requested. The children expressed their ideas and thoughts though discussions of what ingredients were needed and what colour they would like to make. There are many benefits of children playing with playdough including developing fine motor skills, creativity, vocabulary, literacy and numeracy and much more.

24.01.2022 It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Dakota, she is hanging up her red hat this week. We have enjoyed having her as a part of our team as have the children and their families. Dakota is concentrating on furthering her studies at Wollongong University. We wish Dakota every success in her future endeavours.

24.01.2022 Thanks Ellie for reading, Can I cuddle the moon?

24.01.2022 Our STEPS (Statewide Eyesight Preschooler Screening) started today. Some of our friends were a little nervous about the screening, so they sat and watched their peers go first. One Kangaroo friend thought they were getting a needle, the look of relief on her face was priceless! Another friend wanted to tell Joy, our screener, what words started with the letters on the screen, we have so many clever children here. Well done Avondale friends.

24.01.2022 Our Avondale friends have had such a busy week. Our possums are working on sorting, constructing and colour recognition, while our Koala room friends have enjoyed role play with puppets, puzzles and some fun sensory play. The Kangaroo room peers busy as always building their fine motor skills and building a beautiful fairy garden together.

23.01.2022 Our Koala room friends have been discussing feelings and labelling different emotions to support them in their emotional regulation. Henry wanted to show Mel that he knew Happy and cranky. Our possums have shown a strong interest in puzzles, we are working on complex puzzles which the children have mastered very quickly. Puzzles promote cognitive development and pre mathematical skills such as problem solving. Our Kangaroos have shown a great interest in Mazes, this has emerged from the ELLA (Early Learning Languages Australia) app that is introducing the children to the Spanish language. They are going to paint and create a maze in our outdoor learning environment.

23.01.2022 To celebrate Reconciliation week, each room shared the same indigenous story all week. We transferred our understanding of the story to our art work. Each day the children added to the art. Our possums loved the story Big Rain Coming it has lead to discussions around drought and how rain helps things grow. We cant believe how neat and tidy the Koala rooms art work is, they are certainly developing their fine motor skills and creative flair. They enjoyed the story Welcome to Country The Kangaroo rooms have made a dramatic representation of their story book Mad Magpie.

22.01.2022 Learning through play is our philosophy here at Avondale. Play is one of the most important ways in which young children gain essential knowledge and skills. Our learning environment promotes play and exploration using a hands on approach. Our educators use varying observation methods to create experiences that appeal to your children but your input as their family, provides educators with critical information that assists us in developing an individual curriculum that is authentic to your child’s interest and their style of learning. We are always interested in learning more from our families to support your child in reaching their highest level of success.

22.01.2022 Thank you Mel for reading our last live story. We have enjoyed sharing this time with your families. That was Anh Dos story, What do they do with all the poo from all the animals at the Zoo? Have a great weekend everyone

22.01.2022 Book Week Day 5! The children have had so much fun dressing up this week and listening to lots of stories!

22.01.2022 You will see 3 more happy faces around Avondale ECEC this week. Bonnie, Paige & Aleiya are currently enjoying participating in a work experience program, from our local high school. Avondale proudly embraces supporting our community and its future Early Childhood professionals.

21.01.2022 Science week is coming up and we have been talking to the children about what they would like to investigate. Our Possums had great fun labelling the different coloured vinegar (and having the occasional taste) before squirting it onto the Bi Carb soda. They were so excited watching the mixture bubble. The Koalas made ice cream today after a week long investigation of the different scientific experiments. Our Kangaroos have been experimenting with water colour mixtures and ...droppers, this also promoted their pincer grip to assist in the development of their pencil grip. The Kangaroo friends have had a great time showing their teachers their letter recognition skills. The Kangaroos also completed their maze project this week, they worked collaboratively to construct it with minimal teacher assistance and then explored their maze together. If you have any ideas for Science week next week, please feel free to share them with us. Have a great weekend! See more

20.01.2022 Please contact us at Avondale if we can assist you in accessing support services like Headspace. It certainly has been a year we will reflect upon for the rest of our lives. You are always welcome to have a chat to our educators about any challenges you are facing during the restart of 2020.... you know we all love a chat #chatterboxteachers

20.01.2022 Reminder: We will be closed for the public holiday on Monday the 4th of October. Have a wonderful and safe weekend!

20.01.2022 We have had such a great week learning and playing together. There has been so much collaborative play, investigation and problem solving happening in our play. The children have been talking with Norena about building a pirate ship. Norena used the childs voice to guide her large group project. It was lovely to hear so much peer encouragement and persistence in this learning experience. The pirate ship has now been decommissioned and retired to block corner for further investigation.

20.01.2022 Families, please check your emails for further information.

19.01.2022 We had so much fun being outdoors last week, with so many physical and creative challenges to enagage in. Our possum room friends have been enjoying going on a bear hunt with lots of dramatic faces as they recreate the story together. They also are developing their technology techniques as they photograph themselves and their peers. The Koalas are refining their turn taking skills with a memory game. Complex puzzles are also an ongoing interest in the Koala room. Our Kangaroo friends are working hard to refine and master their pencil grip through fine motor experiences and also using their last muscle group, digging in the sand to work together and problem solve.

19.01.2022 Today we are reading there once was a old lady who swallowed a thong by P crumble and Louis Shea We hope you enjoy the story

19.01.2022 This week the children have been exploring different types of waste, focusing on what could go into a compost bin and what could be recycled. Teaching children to care for the environment is a learning experience that is an important part of growing up. It gives them opportunities to further develop respect, empathy, patience, responsibility and teaches them about consequences. Here at Avondale ECEC we aim to educate children on sustainability and how we want to leave the world for further generations.

17.01.2022 We have the perfect environment for practising our fundamental movement skills (FMS). These skills are a specific set of skills that involve different body parts such as feet, legs, trunk, head, arms and hands. Fundamental movement skills are the building blocks for more complex skills children will need as they compete in different sports. We use the Munch and Move program to support our teachings. As the children engage in these Munch and Move experiences, they are building their confidence, co ordination, their healthy habits and developing friendships as they work with each other and take their turns. Soccer season is coming up and we think we have a few aspiring players here :)

17.01.2022 Today is National Sorry Day. It is a day of reflection and a renewal of our commitment as a Nation to be a part of a better future for all. Our painting experience provided opportunities for age appropriate discussions around our Aboriginal Australians and their part in our past present and future. Tomorrow is the beginning of Reconciliation week, we look forward to live streaming our morning yarn. The childrens engagement in morning yarn is testament to our inclusive practices here at Avondale and that our practices are embedded and embraced in our centres culture.

17.01.2022 Next week is photo week! If you haven’t handed in your order yet, that’s ok, please bring it on the day

16.01.2022 So many great things happening in the Illawarra these school holidays. There is something for everyone.

16.01.2022 We at Avondale ECEC value input from families and our community. It would be greatly appreciated if you could take the time to comment your answers to these two questions: What does reconciliation mean to you? What does a reconciled Australia look like?

16.01.2022 If you are looking for some exhausting fun these holidays, Illawarra Inflatable Play Centre will help you out.

16.01.2022 https://facebook.com/events/s/little-people-big-feelings-fre/315567756260560/?ti=icl Free webinar for families and educators. Follow the link to register.

15.01.2022 Our educators have recently attended information sessions around the benefits of the Early Start Denver Model, their play based learning methods align with our philosophical approach to teaching and learning. This is a great opportunity for families in our community.

15.01.2022 Our Lamingtons have arrived!! ***Please collect today**** *Please observe social distancing regulations and sanitizing when coming to collect your treats

14.01.2022 This week the children spent lots of time playing outside. Playing outside gives children the chance to explore the natural environment and have adventures. When children are outside, they have more space and freedom for big movements, running, jumping, kicking and throwing. Check out the link for further information on the benefits of physical play:... https://www.health.act.gov.au///benefits-physical-activity See more

14.01.2022 The Koala room children had so much fun investigating the life cycle of a butterfly. Mel and Simone brought in a chrysalis for the children to care for and wait for the eventual emergence of the butterfly The group agreed on naming the butterfly T-Rex! Once T-Rex emerged, the children were so excited to release him/her into the environment.

14.01.2022 There was so much excitement around our science experiments this week. The children showed lots of wonder and interest in the experiments. They were encouraged to make predictions, explore and manipulate the items, use trial and error and contribute their hypothesis by transferring what they already knew to what they could see occurring . When the Possums were engaging in a lemon experience, they all wanted to taste it, quiet a few possums said they like the taste of lemon, others didnt need to vocalise their opinion, their faces told the story. It was great to see so many were willing to try it though.

13.01.2022 Last week was such a busy week. So many of our Avondale friends are enjoying small and large construction. The large blocks, outdoors, provided so many opportunities for team work from all age groups. There was lots of problem solving, negotiation of roles, team work and inevitably, laughter as the construction fell around them. Our children all take turns in caring for our Bush tucker garden as we instilled a sense of belonging here at Avondale and also respect for our environment. We cant wait until we are able to cook with our plants we have been nurturing. The possum room friends are practising their self help skills to assist them in their transition to the Koala room next year. Our little possums are becoming very independent.

12.01.2022 Today Dana is reading Doug the bug that went boing by Sue Hendra Hope you have a great day

12.01.2022 The Koala room have been using parachute games to promote gross motor co ordination and following instructions. One of our possums got in on the fun. The Koalas and some Kangaroo friends were kind enough to let him join in their game.

11.01.2022 An exciting opportunity for a motivated EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER exists at an EXCEEDINGLY rated childcare service in the Dapto area. Experience is desirable, however, you will be working as a part of a quality team of highly educated teachers where professional practice, reflection and a culture of on-going learning is essential, so new graduates arealso encouraged to apply. The right educator must have strong knowledge of the NATIONAL QUALITY FRAMEWORK and STANDARDS and you...r educational programme must be purposeful and reflect quality practices, in regards to developing a curriculum that incorporates the rights of the child, their knowledge, strengths and culture. Your programme must maximise opportunities for each childs learning in your care in consultation with families and the local community. You MUST be able to work within a team environment, where each educator is respected and their contribution recognised. A current WORKING WITH CHILDRENS CHECK is required, a recognised FIRST AID CERTIFICATE along with CURRENT CHILD PROTECTION TRAINING and a DRIVERS LICENSE is desirable.

11.01.2022 Our Avondale friends have been having so much fun making new friends and re establishing familiar friendships.

11.01.2022 Today we read I cant bear it by Carrie Hennon. Thanks so much to Lucas Mum for donating this fantastic book to us!

11.01.2022 Practicing our emergency evacuation

10.01.2022 Outdoors our Kangaroo friends have been refining their communication skills by directing their peers through and around obstacles, while one person keeps their eyes closed. Our Koalas are still enjoying learning about all the planets and space. This week they were invited to make a salt picture, and do their own experiments with salt and paint and predicting the outcome. Our Possums are looking at shapes and colours with the light table being a great source of many investigations while we practice turn taking.

10.01.2022 Thursday’s Possum room children built upon their interest in under the sea creatures by exploring an ‘under the sea small world’. This area provided opportunities for the children to work alongside their peers whilst engaging in dramatic play. Educators extended the children’s knowledge, discussing what animals live under the water and what they might eat. This week the children also worked on further developing their fine motor skills as they explored sand, play dough and stones. These materials allow children to manipulate and strengthen their hand muscles. The children also took part in ‘baby circle time’, showing kindness and love to their babies. They sang special songs to their babies and gave them lots of cuddles. This experience teaches children empathy, turn taking and compassion.

10.01.2022 Book Week Day 4! Our book characters have been out enjoying the sunshine this morning

09.01.2022 To foster emotional resilience in children, they first need to feel a sense of control in their lives. At Avondale, we believe in role modelling, positive reinforcement and celebrating the child’s achievements, to support their acquisition of independence and problem solving skills. The children are encouraged to access their drinks, lunchboxes and hats throughout the day and return them to their bags. This is the first step in building a sense of ‘Belonging’ in their learning journey at Avondale.

08.01.2022 Our Kangaroos are experimenting with patterns and fine motor challenges to support their pencils grip and pre writing skills for Kindergarten, which is fast approaching! The Koalas are working on following directions, step by step and what better way to encourage this process with baking spooky cookies! Our Possums are developing and mastering balance and co ordination through construction indoors. Outdoors our possums have been practising throwing, catching and kicking balls to build these important developmental skills.

08.01.2022 Such a fun and healthy treat

07.01.2022 We wish all families a safe and sunny long weekend

06.01.2022 Have you heard the good news

05.01.2022 Our rooms are so busy practicing and refining our gross motor, pre literacy skills and early problem solving skills. As always the learning is so much fun with lots of laughter. Our social skills are supported by the educators during these experiences to promote confidence in their peer interactions. Please let the centre know if you will be absent during school holidays.

05.01.2022 While the mornings are still chilly, our days are warming up. Last week our Avondale friends spent time constructing, exploring and role playing in the outdoor environment. Recently, meal times have provoked lots of discussions around healthy choices and the benefits of drinking water. The children enjoy describing their food choice as a healthy choice or a sometimes food. Creative art is always popular too, today one of our Possums decided she would rather feel the paint squishing in her fingers rather than use it to paint with our Koalas have enjoyed resting on the grass and labelling the shapes of the clouds in the sky. The koalas also enjoyed discussing friendship day, they drew pictures of themselves with their friends and spoke about what makes a good friend.

04.01.2022 Children love to watch and learn how things grow, what a great (free) opportunity to share with your children.

04.01.2022 NAIDOC week celebrations are held across Australia this week to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Every year there is a different theme, this years theme ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’, refers to the indigenous Australians being the oldest culture in the planet and that they maintain a spiritual and cultural connection to the land and sea. Our Eduators at Avondale embed Indigenous perspectives into their every day teaching and learning. We practice continuous reflection to ensure our curriculum approach is culturally competent and inclusive of diversity, culture and abilities. We welcome families input to our program as we strive to support children to build their knowledge on Indigenous Australians.

04.01.2022 Thanks Koda We all love the Wonky Donkey Story and it has us all singing the song now Have a great Monday

03.01.2022 Many families comment about their childs eating habits. You are not alone, take a look at this short video.

03.01.2022 Today marks the start of National Reconciliation Week. This years theme is in this together. We are launching into National Reconciliation Week by taking part in a virtual Acknowledgement of Country. #inthistogether2020

03.01.2022 Our Lea Anne is having a very special birthday today . Happy 50th birthday Lea, apparently 50 is the new 30 and 9pm is now like Midnight!! Enjoy your special day Love from all the Team @ Avondale

03.01.2022 We have all enjoyed the sunshine this week, with lots of physical challenges in the outdoor environment. Some of our Kangaroos had a game of tug o war with a skipping rope. There was so much laughter as they fell over. The Koala room friends told Simone she could trust them with the black paint while they were exploring patterns and shapes. Our Possums have shown lots of interest in taking care of the babies outside so we have extended their interest by adding more opportunities to explore role play and positive peer interactions in our room.

01.01.2022 Just in time for School holidays

01.01.2022 R U OK DAY R U OK? Is a national charity that inspires and empowers everybody to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone who is struggling. Looking out for one another and lending support is a key life skill for any age group. Here at Avondale we continue to implement these skills within the children’s practices everyday. Today our children were fortunate to explore a range of resources provided by this organisation that highlight what we can do to be ...a great friend and how we can look after each other. We were able to discuss the 4 Steps to starting a conversation. These include: 1. Ask are you OK? 2. Listen 3. Encourage Action 4. Check in See more

01.01.2022 Continuing on with the learning from last week, we have been exploring different habitats and the impact our waste can have on them. The children were challenged with cleaning up each habitat to make them safe for the animals. Luca said it’s not good to put things in the ocean. The children participated in discussions on appropriate waste disposal to keep our animals and our land healthy. This is reinforced at morning yarn through our Acknowledgement Of Country, as we promise each day to look after the land, animals and all the people too.

01.01.2022 This week is National Child Protection Week. Our children are precious and we can all play a part in keeping them safe. Please consider spreading the word about National Child Protection Week and direct people to www.napcan.org.au/get-involved-2021/ for further information. The website has a lot of great resources, links and readings, take five minutes to have a look