Additional programs
Superstars Program
In addition to the National Child Safe Standards which we have fully implemented, we have also integrated the “Superstars Body Safety Australia program” into our curriculum. This program is designed to empower and educate children to understand and communicate their right to bodily autonomy and prevent child sexual abuse.
The program for Preschool aged children is underpinned by 10 learning objectives and is tailored and age appropriate. Through games, group work, stories, and guided discussion, the children will explore these ten learning objectives. Online and technology safety is embedded across the program.
Through the Superstars program our preschool children learn to:
• Identify and clearly communicate emotions in themselves and others
• Learn their body's 'early warning signs' that tells them something doesn't feel safe
• Understand that humans have different fear responses: fight, flight and freeze
• Assertively communicate their right to bodily autonomy
• Identify their safe adults
• Know that their body belongs to them, and nobody has the right to touch it without permission
• Accurately name public, private and personal body parts using words that health care professionals would use
• Understand that sometimes adults make decisions about a child's body for health, hygiene and safety reasons.
• Understand the difference between a surprise and a secret
• Adults and older children's behaviour can sometimes be 'tricky’
The Resilience Project
At Tumut Community Preschool our staff have been trained in “The Resilience Project” for early learning services. This is embedded in our daily practices providing a positive mental wellbeing program specially designed for children in early years. The program is about teaching positive mental health strategies and build young people’s capacity to deal with adversity. The program helps children feel happier, builds resilience and is centered around the evidence-based principles proven to cultivate positive emotions and positive mental health.
The program is engaging, enjoyable and delivered by qualified educators using session plans, activities and resources which are the foundational tools. It is designed to fit into our existing play-based program. Every child has their own Early Years Children’s Journal and the program is reflective and respectful of connections with First Peoples of Australia. There is a focus on gratitude, empathy, mindfulness and emotional literacy (GEM).
There are plenty of opportunities for families to get involved with the program and share in GEM experiences through the Cozy Koala Take Home Program. Cozy Koala comes home with each child in a special backpack and brings along a GEM journal. Cozy supports the connection between our Preschool Resilience program and each child’s home. We love to see how excited children are to take Cozy home with them and hang out together.
This is a unique program that Preschool subscribes to and is provided for all children at our service.
Child protection and protective behaviours program
We have a comprehensive Child Safety & Protection Commitment Statement and Policy. Child safety is our highest priority. All staff hold child protection qualifications and understand their obligations as mandatory reporters.
We have multiple risk assessments and robust recruitment practices to ensure our risks are managed and child protection is visible. We strictly monitor staffing practices and ensure working with children checks are current and regularly monitored. Our supervision plans and training ensures children are never unsupervised nor in the care of only one educator.
