GENEROUS funding will help Kalangadoo Kindergarten develop an outdoor nature play area, which will support children’s learning and growth.
The centre received $5000 from the Stand Like Stone Foundation Small Grants program to help complete stage one of its nature play space project.
The funding was part of almost $50,000 delivered to a number of charitable projects across the Limestone Coast region.
Kalangadoo Kindergarten director Emma Mules said the centre was grateful for the foundation’s contribution, adding it would be of great benefit to the children and their learning.
“We thank the Stand Like Stone Foundation for their generosity,” she said.
“Educators at Kalangadoo have been reflecting on the kindergarten’s outdoor environment and the needs of the children accessing the variety of programs we have to offer.
“Kalangadoo Kindergarten offers a range of programs to our local and surrounding community including preschool program, kick start kids, occasional care under two years, occasional care over two years and playgroup.
“Deep reflection on the children’s needs and our outdoor environment led us on a journey to develop our environment so it reflects our current philosophy and beliefs around children.
“It was important for us to develop a play space, which was inclusive of all children accessing our diverse range of programs.
“Our aim was to develop a nature play space that offers open ended playful learning opportunities for children to develop dispositions for lifelong learning and respect for the environment around them.
“Our developed outdoor space will support the learning and growth of the range of children who access our site.”
Ms Mules said children would benefit from the project through access to an outdoor play space, which caters for all children’s needs.
“They will have opportunities to problem solve, wonder and inquire about the world around them,” she said.
“There will also be open ended opportunities to develop dispositions for lifelong learning like curiosity, cooperation, confidence, creativity, commitment, enthusiasm, persistence, imagination and reflexivity and to play in a natural play space and develop respect and love for the environment around them.
“Kalangadoo is not only a preschool, but also a community hub for members and families to seek support and services.
“We felt it was important to develop our space to benefit children accessing the kindergarten as well as local community members.”
Recently, a man-made playground – which was a centre point of the kindergarten’s outdoor yard – was removed from the centre.
Educators also took children into a variety of outdoor learning environments to explore.
The purpose of the excursions was to help the children make informed decisions to support plans in their outdoor area.
Educators ensured children had a voice and were involved in the planning process.
