At Waterford West Education and Care Centre we build authentic and respectful community connections to create our Village. We recognise and embrace the value each family brings to the culture of our centre and our community.
Learning about our local services and resources offers children a way to broaden their knowledge and develop a more well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of their surroundings, contributing to a greater sense of belonging.
UNCLE BOOMERANG CULTURAL INCURSION
As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan, we celebrate and build on respectful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, building children’s, families and Educators knowledge of indigenous culture, history and acceptance.
Paul Craft-Burragun (Uncle Boomerang) is a Jagera-Turrbul man Bundjalung Yugambeh descendant from the areas of South East Queensland and North East NSW. Paul is passionate about sharing his traditional cultural knowledge and skills with all students in the education system and helping to create an understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal culture in Australia. During his fortnightly incursions, Uncle Boomerang builds on Aboriginal knowledge base, shares stories, songs, dances, language, as well as inclusivity and connectedness.
PREP TRANSITIONS TO SCHOOL
Transition to school is an active process of continuity, as children move into the first year of school. The process of transition occurs over time, beginning well before children start school and extending to the point where children and families feel a sense of belonging at school. Waterford West Education and Care Centre plays an active role in this transition period, building positive relationships with the school and having effective transition periods.
Effective transition programs establish positive relationships between the children, parents and educators helping to build open communication and trust between the school and their community.
SWIMMING LESSONS
We link with our local swim school to teach children a love of the water, be safe in the water, recognise its health benefits, as well as the swimming skills needed. According to the studies, due to the exercise during swimming, children develop their mind/body connection. This, in turn, helps children to significantly improve their brain development and intelligence. And also, due to the stimulation of young children’s senses, regularly swimming improves brain and emotional development.
INCURSIONS/EXCURSIONS
Throughout the year, we engage in a variety of incursions and excursions, linking to our community and engaging in events.
Our Vacation Care children enjoy visiting some of our local parklands and businesses throughout the school holidays, building their community connection.
We invite organisations to our Centre on a regular basis, including Logan City council, police beat, fire brigade to educate children on the world around them, and important safety and news events.
YNEYNN (YUGUMBEH NORTH EARLY YEARS NEIGHBOURHOOD NETWORK)
The Yugambeh North Early Years Neighbourhood Network (YNEYNN) is a collaborative group of Early Childhood Education and Care Services, primary schools and other partners who have a shared commitment and mission to support every child and family to become healthy, confident, capable and connected to their community. Waterford West Education and Care Centre is committed to attending meetings, collaborating within these groups and supporting events.
TOTS (THRIVING & ON TRACK PROGRAM)
TOTS is a collaborative project involving Brisbane South PHN, Children’s Health QLD, QLD Department of Education, Logan Together and the Benevolent Society, who work in partnership with Early Childhood Centres.
Through this program, families and Educators are supported to implement strategies and ideas to support the learning and development of all children.
We have access to Child Health nurses, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Allied Health who visit our centre, to provide guidance and support to our children, families and Educators.