Our Transition to School Program

The ‘Transition to School’ program offered at Tillys Play and Development Centres has been developed by qualified Early Childhood Teachers in conjunction with feedback and input from local Primary Schools. It focuses on providing a holistic program that offers opportunities to develop a range of social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language skills.

There is equal importance placed on play-based learning opportunities and planned intentional teaching experiences between educators and children. Our ‘Transition to School’ program provides guidance for educators whilst allowing for flexibility and responsiveness to each individual child and group of children.

Educators implement the ‘Transition to School’ program for the children going to Primary School on a daily basis, however the underpinning principles and practices are embedded in the Preschool Room curriculum as a whole.

Sustainable Practices

At all our services we try to create natural environments and our Educators promote and implement sustainable practices whenever possible.

Our sustainable practises include but are not limited to:

  • Educating children on the importance of sustainability and caring for our natural environment.
  • Recycling within the classroom and centre
  • Use of recycled materials and up-cycling
  • Watering the gardens with leftover drinking water
  • Water and energy efficiency (water saving taps and turning lights off when not needed during the day)
  • Worm farms – selling worm juice to families and local pet shops
  • Veggie gardens
  • Composting

Dedicated Educators

All our educators are dedicated to providing the highest quality care and education.

All educators before starting at any one of our Tillys Play and Development Centres must:

  • Have a Certificate III, Diploma or Early Childhood qualification or be actively working towards one of the following qualifications
  • Have a current Working with Children’s Check
  • Have a current First Aid certificate which includes Asthma and Anaphylaxis training
  • Have current and recognised Child Protection training

Storypark

Our centres use Storypark, an online digital portfolio platform. Children’s learning and development is documented and posted directly to individual families, who can then respond back as well as share photos and information. Your Storypark account is a collection of milestones, achievements and special moments capturing your child’s learning journey.

Individual Documentation Folders

Throughout the year educators put together an individual documentation folder or portfolio for each child which is a reflection of their time spent at the centre. It is a collection of milestones, achievements and special moments capturing your child’s learning journey.

Nutritionally Balanced Meals

Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks are prepared on site at all but one of our centres by our qualified cooks. Menus are designed based on guidelines set out by Good for Kids, Good for Life which is an initiative of Hunter New England Health.