Enrolments 2012 

Very limited vacancies exist

for Kindergarten at

Flagstone C&K Kindergarten in 2012.

Get in quickly so you don't miss out!

If you have a child who will be four before 30 June 2012, you are eligible to enrol them in our kindergarten program. Two groups of twenty-two chidren each attend a five day fortnight either in the beginning of week group (Monday, Tuesday, alternate Wednesdays) or end of the week group (alternate Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays) from 8.30am-2.30pm.

For more information and for a tour of the centre, please contact centre Director, Sue Taylor on 5540 3903 or email flagstone@candk.asn.au. 

Waiting lists for all other years up to and including 2016 are now open.

Here's what some of our parents have said:

"I really enjoy the way that my daughter is challenged to think creatively about a problem." Grant.

"I think it is wonderful how the Kindy and the Prep work together to ensure a smooth transition into school." Susan.

What can I do to get my child ready to start Kindergarten?

Smoothing the way to your child’s first day.

Getting ready for the first day of kindergarten can be a daunting experience for children and parents. We’ve asked some common questions to Sue Taylor, one of C&K’s team of experienced teaching professionals, who has come up with some practical advice and solutions.

Young children often struggle with change. Leaving the comforting rituals of life at home for a new set of people and rules can be scary. That's why it's important to treat going to kindergarten as a process rather than just a date on your calendar when your child goes to school. Take several weeks before the first day to ease them into this new adventure. Here's how.

Is there anything I can do at home to help prepare my child for their first day at kindergarten?

It is important to talk to your child about what will be happening when they go to kindergarten for the first time. Provide them with information without overloading them with details. If it is possible, it’s a nice idea to visit the kindergarten, meet the teachers and have a chance to play with some of the equipment. Most kindergartens will have orientation ‘stay and play’ afternoons to help children (and parents) feel comfortable about the transition into kindergarten. Some children also benefit from a booklet containing photos of their kindergarten room, the playground and other parts of the kindergarten as well as photos of the teachers. Be sure to ask your child if they have any specific questions about kindergarten and try your best to answer these. 

How can brothers and sisters help or participate?

Older siblings can be invaluable in helping answer questions your child may have about kindergarten.  They may have gone to kindergarten themselves and will be able to give a personal account about different parts of the day.

All siblings should be encouraged to attend orientation visits so that your kindergarten child can see how comfortable their whole family feels at the centre. It also allows the entire family to have a shared reference point in talking about the kindergarten.

What should I bring to kindergarten?

All kindergartens will provide you with a list of things to bring every day.  Most will request a lunch box full of healthy, nutritious food and a water bottle full of water as well as spare clothes, a broad brimmed hat and sheets.  Each kindergarten will have slightly different requirements - please make sure that you check your kindergarten family guide for your centre’s exact requirements.

How can I make a contribution to my child’s kindergarten experience?

C&K kindergartens encourage parents to become involved in their child’s kindergarten experience in a number of ways. Parent roster is a great way to see how your child interacts with others and experience the importance of play-based learning first hand.  Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible for parents to attend parent roster and each kindergarten will have ways in which you can still be actively involved in the program.  You may have a special skill or interest that you are happy to share or have contacts with people in the community who do.

Each child will have a living and learning portfolio which documents their thinking and learning throughout the year. It is important to regularly engage with this document with your child and contribute comments and photos to complement those made by the teachers and the children.

Branch kindergartens also have a PAG (Parent Advisory Group) while affiliated services have Management Committees. Both are important ways to have a voice in the larger issues of your child’s kindergarten. Most will meet once a month and your centre director will be able to let you know when the next meeting will be.

What do I need to let the teacher know about my child before kindergarten starts?

As a parent, you know your child better than anyone else. Anything that you feel would be important for the teachers to know is important to share.  Obviously, things like life threatening allergies, additional support concerns or medical conditions are imperative to share to ensure your child’s health and wellbeing.  Other information like concerns you may have about your child’s development or therapy that they are currently undertaking is important so that the teacher can develop appropriate strategies from the first day.  Most kindergartens will offer formal interviews with parents once a term to discuss your child’s progress, but will be happy to meet more frequently if the need arises.

My child does not like to leave me and is nervous in new situations, is there anything I can do to help?

The first day can be traumatic for children and parents alike. Instead of staying in the program for a long time on the first morning, aim for a loving, but brief drop off.  Tell your child that you will do two puzzles or push them on the swing for twenty pushes (rather than five minutes, which means nothing to a young child) and then tell them that you love them very much and you will see them in the afternoon when you come to collect them. Even if they are crying when you leave, it is best to get the support of the teacher and leave immediately. Be sure to call the kindergarten if you are worried - they will call you if your child isn’t settling.  Often your child will have stopped crying by the time you reach the car park. Some children find it helpful to have a family photo in their bag for comfort.  Remember most other children and parents will be in the same situation on the first day, so you certainly won’t be alone. If you are particularly concerned, talk to your child’s teacher beforehand and develop a plan for the first morning.

Sue Taylor is the Director/Teacher at Flagstone C&K kindergarten. She has 16 years experience as an early childhood educator since graduating from QUT with a Bachelor of Education - Early Childhood (Hons) in 1994.

Top Tips for a Terrific First Day

• Make sure all your belongings, including spare clothes, are clearly labelled;
• Remember that your child is what they eat. Be sure to pack lots of healthy everyday food choices as well as a water bottle full of cool, drinking water.  Leave special treats like cakes, juice poppas, chips, cordial and biscuits for home.
• Leave plenty of time to find a parking space as lots of families will be staying longer than they usually would at a regular drop-off.
• Instead of staying in the program for a long time on the first morning, aim for a loving, but brief drop off.  
• Be sure to attend orientation visits before the beginning of the year so that your child is familiar with the kindergarten and the teachers.
• Be positive, reassuring and upbeat when leaving your child. Your child will take their cues from you, so be calm and confident that everything will go well. Don't let them see that you're nervous or overhear you saying things like "I can't believe my baby's going to kindergarten!”. Play up the fun activities they'll do at kindy so they know they won't just be sitting and listening all day.
• See it from your child's point of view. "Kindergarten" is an abstract concept to a child who's never been before. Tell them about the games they'll play, the children they'll meet, and how you'll always be there to pick them up at the end of the day. Don't overhype kindergarten. Keep the "Are you excited about starting school?" questions to a minimum, and try not to make promises about things you don't have control over, such as "You'll make lots of new friends." If your child's initial experience doesn't match their expectations, kindergarten may already seem scary, not exciting.
• Share your own experiences. If your child tells you they’re worried about school or has butterflies in their tummy, reassure them with your own school stories ("When I started kindergarten, I was afraid too, but by the second day I'd made new friends and couldn't wait to get there").