Early Years Department - Children's Services

Patricia Smith Kindergarten has been providing Early Childhood Education for Children in Shepparton, for 40 years making it a great place for children to learn, laugh and grow! Our play based program aligns with the requirements of the National Quality Framework, the Early Years Learning Framework: “Belonging, Being & Becoming” and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework. Programs are delivered by dedicated Bachelor trained Early Childhood Teachers and a committed team of Qualified Educators who work together to support children in being the very best that they can be. At Patricia Smith Kindergarten our program is an Indoor / Outdoor program where children can choose where they would like to be. Indoor Space: Our indoor space comprises of 2 rooms where children can move freely and explore. Each setting allows for individual as well as small group needs to be catered for. Inviting sensory, creative, imaginative and construction play areas are designed to engage children. A combination of large and small group areas, couches, cushions and quiet areas for lounging support each child’s individual needs. Our indoor pets (fish and hermit crabs) teach the children about caring for animals and nature. The children help with feeding and maintaining their environments. Outdoor Environment: Our beautiful outdoor space has a variety of areas for the children to explore including: A great sandpit and digging/ mud patch for making sand castles and earthmoving An outdoor kitchen where the children can “cook” wonderful feasts A herb garden & “potion” station which allows the children to awaken their sense of smell whilst using their creativity to make potions and perfumes A vegetable garden where seasonal vegetables are grown teaching the children about where food comes from and healthy eating Free Range Chickens “Henny Penny” and “Princess Sparkle” who roam freely throughout the day and provide us with eggs to use in cooking activities A Fairy Garden which promotes fantasy and imagination Great climbing equipment and swings for risk taking and strengthening our gross motor / physical skills