OUR PROGRAM AND PHILOSOPHY

Innovative & Supportive Preschool Program

We are a community-run preschool, located in the beautiful village of Dunoon, providing education for 2.9*-5 year olds in a natural setting.

*In 2025, children from 2 years and 9 months can enrol in terms 1 and 2. Contact us for more details!

Play-based program: Our play-based program supports engagement, learning and friendships, with opportunities every day for children to reach their potential in art, music, dance and movement, construction, problem-solving, dramatic play, scientific exploration, writing and drawing. This program is complemented by a stimulating and nurturing environment in which your child can play, learn and thrive.

We care about the community and the environment: With a strong focus on sustainable practices, the natural environment, Indigenous culture and knowledge, and community connections, we celebrate diversity and embrace inclusion and compassion.

Experience and support: Our experienced and enthusiastic educators have extensive knowledge and experience with children and their individual needs, including children who need extra support emotionally, physically, intellectually, or with language. We work closely with Early Intervention Services, Speech Therapists and other educational specialists to get the support each child needs.

Dunoon Preschool is rated EXCEEDING the national quality standard.

Join our Friday Preschool Playgroup!

Meet and make friends with other families and get to know our preschool while helping your child develop their social skills.

Come play, learn and grow together!

When: Fridays (during school terms)
Time: 9:30 to 11:00 am
Where: Dunoon Preschool, 84 James St Dunoon
Age group: 0 – 5 years
Cost: Gold coin donation appreciated

Join in and have fun!

Join our morning circle time: 11:00- 11:30 am
Explore our indoor and outdoor environments
Enjoy some arts and crafts
Play outdoors: obstacle course, sand pit, play equipment and more!

Our Philosophy

At Dunoon Preschool we are dedicated to fostering strong connections with families and our community while promoting nature and sustainability. Our play-based learning approach emphasises reflection, collaboration, and the importance of empathy and support. Join us as we nurture curious minds and compassionate hearts!

Connection with families and community through:

Embracing inclusion and diversity
Honouring and celebrating Indigenous knowledge
Strong relationships with families to support individual needs
Linking with schools, therapists and social organisations

Promoting nature and sustainability through:

Observing nature and celebrating changes using Bundjalung knowledge
Increasingly choosing natural and sustainable items
Practising informed water and waste choices
Exploring the interconnectedness of social, economic and environmental sustainability
Endless access to the outdoor environment, including growing food, bush tucker and native bees.

Reflection and collaboration through:

Embracing inclusion and diversity
Honouring and celebrating Indigenous knowledge
Strong relationships with families to support individual needs
Linking with schools, therapists and social organisations

Play-based program through:

Honouring children's knowledge and interests
Listening to children's voices and following their lead
Dedication to each individual child
Being flexible to the Individual and group needs

Empathy and support through:

Embracing inclusion and diversity
Honouring and celebrating Indigenous knowledge
Strong relationships with families to support individual needs
Linking with schools, therapists and social organisations

Our Values

Respect: between children, families, staff and community

Inclusive: curriculums, enrolments, staffing

Reflective: and striving for ongoing improvement

Passionate: joy, enthusiasm, silliness, creative; and

Collaborative: between children, families, staff and community

Dunoon Preschool Policies

The Preschool has a policy handbook that covers policies from fees to interactions, and from child protection to hygiene.

It is freely available to parents to read in both hard copy and digitally.

The folder is located in the parent’s library and a digital copy can be emailed to you by contacting the Director or the management committee.