Pathways ECI runs a preschool program on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the school year. It is open to children with all abilities, and the mix of students each year includes children with special needs, their siblings, and children from the local community as well. There is a fee for the preschool group.
The Pathways ECI preschool has a wonderful mix of children: community children, Indigenous children and children with disabilities. We have also had some siblings in the group this year.
The Pathways ECI preschool program combines play-based, child-led experiences with adult directed, structured sessions within each day.
One of the main focuses of the preschool is to nurture the children’s social skills. The small size of the group means there are plenty of opportunities for child-child and child-adult relationships to bounce, bump and delight! Sometimes children need help in developing their friendships, at other times they lead the way.
Another focus in the preschool is language development and staff members are sensitive to creating and using opportunities for children to communicate, such as: offering choices, asking questions, using visual prompts, waiting and providing experiences that reflect their interests.
Technology has become a main feature of the preschool with both desktop and laptop computers and two iPads available for use by the children. The purpose in using the different technologies varies across the group: for some it is used to help develop their mouse skills; for some it is a getaway to further communication. For others still, it enables them to pursue their interests, such as researching rugby league and Dora the Explorer, while some children enjoy the games available that encourage the development of their maths and literacy skills
The preschool works closely with the Centre’s therapy staff – exploring and implementing new strategies – and this is an essential component of the program. In addition, many of the children currently attend the School Readiness group that is part of the Transition to School program.
