Page 10 Withcott Times

Page 10

Withcott Early Childhood Centre

Introducing the toddler staff at Withcott Early Childhood Centre
Alyce is the Team Leader who holds a Certificate III in Children’s Services and is currently studying her Diploma of Children’s Services. Krystal is one of the Team Members and is currently studying her Bachelor of Early Childhood. Christina is our other Team Member with a Certificate III in Children’s Services and is currently studying her Diploma in Children’s Services.
We all enjoy working and playing with the toddlers. They are fun to be with, and it is exciting to see them learning so much and daily gaining their independence. This age group relies on routine within a safe and secure environment, to help them build secure attachments to the educators.

The toddlers are part of the open program conducted throughout the morning, and join in with siblings to explore the climbing equipment, swings and other outdoor activities. They also use the verandah and sandpit areas for play.

The kindy room is set up as an art studio where the toddlers can develop their creative skills through painting, collage, clay and drawing. We also have a room where they can explore music and block construction, and play in a home area.
At 9.30 we come inside for morning tea and toileting, which can take considerable time as the toddlers are starting their toilet training. What we do after this is dependent on what the children want to do. Sometimes they go back outside or remain inside for activities in their room or on the secure verandah play area. It all depends on where the Team Leader feels the children would like to be.
The toddlers love story and music times so we provide lots of these times throughout the day. Once the children find a favourite story they tend to ask for it over and over. Repetition is important for the toddlers and they get very excited when they know what is going to happen, but are still always surprised. It is great when you hear them singing a song while playing or sitting reading a story to themselves.
Toddlers are learning to be part of their communities and we do a lot of sharing, encouraging, supporting, comforting and role modelling to help them find their own identities, while interacting with others with care, empathy and respect. This takes a lot of practice and again repetition plays a big part.
We all enjoy our lunch times and seeing our toddlers discovering all types of new foods. We cook meals some days and make sandwiches other days; and always provide vegetables and often the children ask for seconds. We also provide morning and afternoon teas which consist of fruit and a small amount of either a biscuit, cake, yoghurt, or jatz with cheese or dip. We are continually amazed at how much they can eat for such little people.
If you require any more information about Withcott Early Childhood Centre, please phone 4630 3722 or drop in to see us at 42 Biggs Road.