Programs
"The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn". Maria Montessori
2-3 Year Old Class
Balgownie Centre under 3s environment is created specifically for children under 36 months. It encourages learning through a prepared environment aimed at sensory and practical life experiences. Intimate spaces focus on the development of movement and the refinement of language. It lays the foundation for life, as the first three years of life are the most fundamental for children and their potential. Music and laughter is heard throughout the day as the children are free to move from room to room choosing the experience that draws them towards it. Everything offered in this environment aims to progress the child and stimulate their imagination and senses.
Both rooms learning is guided by the Early Years Framework and partnerships with parents.
3-5 Year Old Preschool Class
Children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional needs are catered for within the program. Each child is introduced to activities that are observed to be appropriate to that child’s needs on an individual basis. New activities are presented as the child is ready for them. Children in this preschool group are having so much fun they don’t even realise they’re learning and developing the most important skills of life. Topic work happens throughout the week adding to the children's knowledge. This includes cultural events, sustainability, environmental issues, life cycles and many other topics based on the children's interest. A large park around the corner adds to the simulating learning as the children enjoy gross motor activities and observations of the changing seasons. This excursion is popular by all!
Through the extensive choice of play areas, children explore, learn imagine and feel valued during their time with us.