About Us

St Helena Preschool is a community based preschool located in the north-eastern suburb of Eltham North. The preschool is managed by Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS) together with a volunteer, parent-based committee and supported by qualified, caring and dedicated teachers.

Preschool is often the first step into a formal learning environment for children. It is about learning, being in a community and preparing skills necessary for life. Our mission is to provide a safe, stimulating, supportive and fun environment that will enhance and challenge each child’s development skills: physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially in preparation for their future years.

Our qualified and caring staff ensure that your child is able to develop and explore the world around them through a mixture of indoor and outdoor experiences.

At St Helena Preschool, the eductional program is underpinned by the following principles:

• That early education in the years before formal school provides a link between home learning and curriculum-based school learning.
• That children are individuals who bring prior knowledge and experience to the program, and approach learning and life in unique ways.
• That play is a child’s natural way of expressing, sharing, extending and modifying accumulated knowledge skills and attitudes.
• That learning is a social activity and children learn best when they can share their ideas, as equals, with each other (peers) and adults (teaching, mentoring, guiding and collaborating).

For 2018 we offer 2 four year old programs, known as the Koala and Kanga groups. This program is made up of three sessions with a  weekly total of 15 hours. We also offer a three year old program, known as the Possum group, made up of two short  sessions (2.5 hours each) per week.

Our 4 year old program also offers a Mini Maestros class during terms 2 and 3 at no extra charge as well as in term 4 a sports program.  Children are taught to read simple notation through stimulating games and visual reinforcement, and basic sight singing techniques are introduced. Children also participate in dances, singing activities and musical games. They are given regular opportunities to perform for their classmates

St Helena Preschool offers first class facilities including a large, shady outdoor play area with swings, sheltered sand-pit, climbing equipment, theatre, vegetable patches and fairy garden, cubby-house and a large soft-fall bicycle track. Indoors, a variety of learning experiences are offered such as painting, a childrens library, construction, collage, music and creative play. Each session provides indoor and outdoor activities with large and small group experiences which are designed and modified depending on each child’s interest and skill level.

We appreciate, encourage and welcome parent participation in the program and respect the value of family and their contribution to the learning process. All parents, grandparents, guardians etc. are invited to assist during a session approximately once per term. This gives you a chance to see your child at work and play and be involved in the process.

The teaching staff is provided with ongoing professional development opportunities to ensure the maximum benefit for your childs individual development. All of our staff are trained in Asthma and Anaphylaxis management and hold current first aid certificates. The Preschool is a smoke-free and nut-free environment.