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Mansfield Preschool Centre

Description

Mission Statement

Mansfield Pre-School is a dynamic and progressive kindergarten whose mission is to provide a high quality educational program for children and families in accordance with its commitment to the rights of children and the principles of social justice.

Philosophy of the Mansfield Preschool centre

The committee of management and the staff of Mansfield preschool believe that all children have the right to a safe, happy, stimulating and caring environment.  The provision of quality education for children is a right that all families should have equitable access to.

The program

Preschool education is concerned with promoting optimal development of young children through a rich variety of first hand experiences.  It is a wonderful age.  The children are full of interest and intrigue and are ready for the challenge and enticement into further learning.  Our program relies on family involvement in order to make this a secure and happy time for your child.

We communicate the program through a regular newsletter and wall displays.  It is centered around children, their interests and level of development.

Open Day

The preschool centre has an annual open day in mid November.  This date is generally advertised at the centre and in the local papers.  On this day children and their families are welcome to attend the centre as all areas are open and teachers are present.  Group lists for the 4 year old sessions for the following year will be on display and it is at this time that families can make select their time for an interview session.

Enrolments and Fees

Preschool enrolment is based on the government policy that every child in Victoria shall have one year at preschool in the year preceding school entry.  Parents of younger children need to give careful consideration as to when their child will be ready to enter the education system.  Enrolments are taken at any time once your child has turned two.  If you have any questions about your child's readiness for preschool and school please contact the centre to make an appointment with one of the teachers.

Please note: The ministerial review of school entry age has recommended that from the 1995 school year: "children must have turned five years of age by 30^th April in their first year of school."

Mansfield Preschool receives a subsidy from the government per child per annum.  This money is granted quarterly based on enrolments.  They are payable at the beginning of each term.  In 2008 fees for 4 year old kinder will be $160 per term.  Health Care card holders are not required to pay fees.

4 year old Kinder

Dependant on enrolment numbers the preschool will offer 3 groups for 4 year old kinder.  In 2008 these groups are:

Red: Tuesday and Thursday 8.45am - 1.45pm

Yellow: Tuesday and Thursday 9am - 2pm

Green: Wednesday and Friday 9am - 2pm

Enrolments and preferences for sessions need to be returned to the preschool by May of the year preceding enrolment. 

Little Kinder (3 year olds)

The preschool offers a Little Kinder group.  This is not subsidised by the Office of Preschool and Childcare and thus is fully funded by parents.  The session runs for two hours once per week and starts in second term.

Children can be enrolled from the time that they turn two and must be aged three by April 30^th in the year that they attend Little Kinder.  Children must be three before they can attend.

The costing, days and number of groups is confirmed at the beginning of each year once all of the enrolments have been received.

In 2008 Little Kinder offers one group (with a waiting list):

Monday 9.30am - 11.30am