11 / 20
11
Making a positive difference
Integricare Preschool Strathfield
Integricare Preschool Strathfield offers a comprehensive
educational program for children aged 3 to 5 years.
Children attend the centre on either a two day or three
day program.
Providing an environment in which each child feels safe,
secure and supported is one of the principles that
underpins all we do at Integricare Preschool Strathfield.
In this nurturing environment, children can build
secure attachments, grow, learn and develop a sense
of belonging.
Integricare Christian Preschool Drummoyne
Belinda Adair
A very nervous mother arrived at the preschool enquiring
about a position for her daughter. She explained that she
had tried her daughter at another service but she had not
been happy there.The mother was concerned as her
daughter had very little English. We showed the mother
and the little girl around the preschool and the child told
her mother that she would like to come. Her mother decided
with some trepidation to start her at the preschool. On her
very first day, we had an entertainer and we invited the
mother to stay and observe.The storyteller used a variety of
props to take the children on a journey through different
cultures.The little girl watched, captivated and expressed
her joy to her mother. Each day, the little girl arrived at the
preschool keen to be involved.Throughout the term, the
children with the assistance of the educators explored a
variety of topics including relationships, social skills, recycling,
healthy eating, personal hygiene, dental care, child
protection, food allergies and medical conditions such as
epilepsy.The little girl absorbed all this learning. Each day,
the little girl went home and told her mother in her home
language about what she had learned. Her mother was
amazed that her daughter was so knowledgeable and that
she had been able to gain this learning even though she
spoke little English.The mother expressed this to the
educators stating how pleased she is with the preschool and
the wonderful educational program provided and that she
too had also learned from the program!!!!
Ann Barnett
Alice’s mother was having a baby – and Alice was excited.
All went well until Alice’s mum reached 29 weeks in her
pregnancy. She was admitted to hospital and there she
stayed for 4 weeks until Alice’s tiny brother was born at just
33 weeks. Alice’s mum stayed in hospital for another week
and then she went home – but Alice’s brother stayed in
hospital for another 10 weeks!
This was understandably, a very stressful and emotional
time for Alice and her family. Alice missed her mum greatly
when she was in hospital and it was difficult for her to
understand what was happening. Her dad brought her to
preschool and picked her up himselfmost days. Her routine
was different and visiting her mum and baby in hospital
meant that her days were often long, tiring and confusing.
Preschool provided Alice with routine, continuity and support.
Preschool was safe, predictable and familiar. She had
developed secure attachments with her educators who were
able to provide her with much needed support (and at times
a hug!) at this very stressful time. Her parents were
reassured, knowing that Alice was being so well cared for.