DCS pebbles
DCS pebbles is an early childhood program for 3 year olds which began in 2010. It is a Christ centred, play-based learning program that will begin to equip children with the social, emotional, gross and fine motor skills they need to begin more formal learning. Its purpose is to provide young children with experiences that grow them as individuals and as members of a community in preparation for joining a P-12 school community the following year.
Age
Application to DCS pebbles is welcomed from parents of children who turn 3 by 31 January in the year of enrolment. This reflects the age requirements of the school’s enrolment policy and also the National Guidelines for Pre-School services. Children must be toilet-trained.
Curriculum
The program features the best of Early Childhood curriculum approaches and the children’s natural curiosity will influence the nature of the program. This is a dynamic process that will change as the children’s awareness and abilities grow, allowing a very wide range of activities as the children are comfortable with their learning and enthusiastic to pursue topics of interest. They will naturally engage in activities which investigate topics that fascinate them.
Play-based learning involves playing for a purpose. All activities are planned to develop a range of skills such as gross motor, fine motor, problem solving, self-help and establishing relationships. This approach recognises and allows for individual levels of development and maturity.
Staffing and Group Size
DCS pebbles is staffed by a degree qualified teacher and teacher's aide. Class size is limited to 20 students, subject to demand.
Facilities
DCS pebbles is located in a fully fenced building on the Dubbo Christian School site. The play area is shaded and equipped with appropriate play equipment. DCS pebbles children have their own toilet facilities accessed from within the classroom. DCS pebbles children enjoy a variety of play and educational equipment, suitable for their age, within the classroom.
Days and Hours
DCS pebbles operates each Thursday during Dubbo Christian School terms, during school hours. A one-day program is offered with sign-in from 8:45am to 9:15am and sign-out from 2:45pm to 3:15pm.
Uniform
No uniform is required for pebbles. Sensible play clothes including a full brimmed hat and closed-in shoes are to be worn.
Fees
Like school fees, pebbles fees are charged on an annual basis, with options of term, fortnightly or weekly payments available. The fee rate for 2012 equates to approximately $43.00 per day over 4 terms (Please note that pebbles fees are charged per term not per day.) A discounted rate is applicable for families with siblings currently attending DCS.
PREP
DCS PREP is a pre-kindergarten education program conducted within the context of a school. Its purpose is to provide students with experiences that grow them as individuals and as members of a community in preparation for joining a K-12 school community in the following year.
The emphasis on preparation for school and the movement towards more intentional and sequenced learning experiences (as children become ready for these) differentiates a PREP program from a preschool or day care program.
Age
Application to DCS PREP is welcomed from parents of children who turn 4 by 31 January in the year of enrolment.
Curriculum
The program features the best of preschool curriculum approaches, particularly in the early part of the year, moving towards more formalised, intentional and sequenced preparatory experiences for students as they approach K-12 school entry.
The curriculum structure moves students through immersion and play-based exploration to pre-literacy and pre-numeracy learning opportunities and ultimately to Early Stage 1 literacy and numeracy experiences when they are ready. It assists students to make a seamless transition to Kindergarten in the following year. Students will not be “pushed”, nor will they be “held back” in PREP.
This readiness-based approach will also be apparent in the social and personal organisational realms of the PREP experience for students. A pathway that establishes each child with appropriate social, relational and organisational skills in preparation for K-12 schooling will develop as the year progresses, at the same time as recognising and allowing for individual levels of development and maturity.
Staffing and group size
Dubbo Christian School PREP is staffed by a degree qualified teacher and an appropriately qualified aide. Class size is limited to 20 students.
Facilities
PREP is located in a fully fenced building on Dubbo Christian School premises. The play area is shaded and equipped with appropriate play equipment. PREP children have their own toilet facilities accessed from within the classroom. PREP children also enjoy a variety of play and educational equipment, suitable for their age, within the classroom.
Buildings and facilities comply with the requirements of the NSW Children’s Services Regulation 2004.
Days and Hours
PREP operates during Dubbo Christian School terms, during school hours. A two-day program and a three-day program is offered with sign-in from 8:45am to 9:15am and sign-out from 2:45pm to 3:15pm.
Uniform
To easily identify PREP children, they are required to wear a serviceable, low cost uniform which is appropriate for the age of the children and suitable for their activities. All items of uniform are available for purchase from the DCS Uniform Shop.
Fees
Like school fees, PREP fees are charged on an annual basis, with options of termly, fortnightly or weekly payments available. The fee rate for 2012 equates to approximately $43.00 per day over 4 terms. (Please note that PREP fees are charged per term, not per day.) A discounted rate is applicable for families with siblings currently attending DCS.