Lithgow

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do we encourage your child's learning at Lithgow Early Education and Preschool?

  All our programs at Lithgow Early Education and Care are based on children’s strengths, knowledge, interests, concepts, and cultural backgrounds. The National Quality Framework stipulates that learning occurs best through play-based experiences.

  Your child will enjoy;

  • Interesting and engaging experiences providing opportunity for inquiry, exploration, discovery and problem-solving
  • Active engagement with people, objects and representations
  • Experiences and provocations based on children’s emerging concepts and thinking
  • Rich play experiences by sourcing materials and creating environments which engage children’s sense of curiosity, wonder and investigation
  • Opportunities for the development of a wide range of skill areas: social, emotional, cognitive, creative and physical

  Extensive early childhood research shows that for children under the age of five years, play provides the best vehicle for learning. Children are more likely to persist at something in which they are interested in and play-based learning provides a great context for acknowledging children’s interests.

• How do we prepare your child for school?

  Our school readiness program begins from the moment children enter our centre. Building children’s confidence, strong sense of self, conflict resolution skills, creativity and collaboration are part of our program from the start.

  Your child will have many opportunities to engage with literacy and numeracy. This will also be scaffolded and extended upon. In the final preschool years, we run a dedicated Transition to School Program for children and their families. This program is delivered by Early Childhood Teachers in consultation with local primary schools and will extend children’s social and emotional skills to build sound foundations for primary school.

  Children will build their confidence and resilience levels, become accustomed with school routines and lunchboxes, learn how to work in teams, develop independence and much more.

  For more information about our Transition to School Program, please enquire with the Centre Director and Early Childhood Teachers based in the preschool rooms.

• How do we communicate with you throughout the day?

  We use a secure digial platform called Storypark to document your child’s discoveries and learnings. This ensures open and clear communication. We document in real time, as it happens, and share photo’s, video, audio and observations with you in a secure online environment.

  Families are encouraged to participate in this process to ensure children achieve the best learning outcomes.

  It’s just like you’re there with them, every day.

• Learning Environments

  Lithgow Early Education and Care caters for children aged from birth to 6 years. The age groups in each room vary each year according to our waitlist and service capacity. 

  Each learning environment has been designed to support the individual learning, development and needs of the child.

  Our outdoor environments are inclusive of all ages. Mixed-age groupings enable older children to be nurturing of our youngest, and to develop pro-social skills such as empathy, patience, and leadership. Our younger children also gain as their play and learning is scaffolded by their older peers.

  We have three main indoor learning environments, all specifically designed for the age groupings in each room. All of our indoor play spaces use natural materials and soft colourings that support our commitment to a calm and well-resourced learning environment for children.

  We have a large outdoor play area to ensure children have plenty of access to gross motor and physical play, even in the colder Lithgow weather.

  Lunch is served in a separate dining room, where children and educators enjoy meals in small groups. This allows the learning environment to remain undisturbed ready for children to engage in educational experiences.

• Fees

  Daily Fees (before Childcare Subsidy is applied)

  Ages	Price
  0 - 2 yrs	$146.16
  2 - 3 yrs	$140.94
  3 yrs+	$138.85

  Out of Pocket?  The Child Care Subsidy assists families with the cost of approved or registered childcare. Learn more about the ChildCare Subsidy here, and what you may be entitled to.

  Inclusions

  Nappies, wet wipes, all meals prepared by centre cook, cot sheets and bed linen, sunscreen, Gowrie NSW sun safety hat.

  Refer to the Gowrie NSW Fee Policy here for more details.

• What should I pack in my child's bag?

  Families are asked to pack the following items, clearly labelled:

  • a lunch for their child
  • change of clothes (including jumper, shirt, underpants and socks)
  • sun-safe hat
  • water bottle
  • comfort item if needed
• How can I book a tour of Lithgow Early Education and Preschool?

  Fill out the Book a Tour form  here and choose an appointment time in the calendar. You can choose a morning or afternoon tours.

  If you require an alternative appointment time outside of the calendar options, please email our Enrolment Team at enrolments@gowriensw.com.au.