ABOUT PLAYSCHOOLS

PHILOSOPHY OF TUGGERANONG LINK PLAYSCHOOLS

Playschool is a fun and educational program for children 3-5 years old, with the emphasis on PLAY. Children attend without parents/carers, with full supervision by Playschool staff. Most enrolments are from children who attend in the year prior to preschool. It is a great step towards preschool and school; children socialise and enjoy structured activities in a creative and supportive environment.

The aim is to create and maintain a warm, co-operative atmosphere where staff, children and parents are engaged in developing the abilities and skills of the children, through a play based program. The planned program supports the development and learning of all the children by means of participation, exploration and experimentation to build on their:

• Self-confidence, a feeling of achievement and self worth.

• Positive interpersonal relationships.

• Independence.

• An acceptance of group rules.

• Development of fine and gross motor skills.

• Self-expression through speech, movement, music and art.

• An eagerness for new experiences.

See “What Happens at Playschool” for information on what we do at a typical Playschool session.

HISTORY OF TUGGERANONG LINK PLAYSCHOOLS

Tuggeranong Link is a not-for-profit community organisation that runs five community houses/centres in the ACT in the suburbs of Chisholm, Conder, Gilmore, Isabella Plains and Richardson. We have operated very successful and highly regarded Playschools at our community houses for over 15 years. We currently run Playschools at three of our community houses/centres – Conder, Gilmore and Isabella Plains. For more information about Tuggeranong Link and our activities click here.

WHERE PLAYSCHOOL FITS INTO THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

The differences between the education systems in various states sometimes make it difficult for parents to understand where Playschool fits within the education system, particularly if you are new to Canberra.

Playschool is a non-compulsory educational program for children aged 3-5 years. Most of our enrolments are from children who attend at the age of 3 in the year prior to attending Preschool. In the ACT, Preschool is a non-compulsory* educational program for children aged 4-5 years. As Preschool in the ACT is only 12-15 hours per week, some of our enrolments are from children who attend both Playschool and Preschool.

Playschools in the ACT are operated by either for-profit private organisations, or by not-for-profit community organisations like Tuggeranong Link. Our Playschools are not childcare centres or preschools. ACT Playschools are licensed by Children, Youth and family Support – Children’s Policy and Regulation Unit. This department sets strict guidelines to which all Playschools must adhere. These include conditions regarding staffing levels and qualifications, administrative procedures, health and safety measures, the physical environment and programmed activities for the children.

* ACT Government preschools were amalgamated with ACT Government primary schools in 2008, however, Preschool remains a non‑compulsory year.