At 3 Bears Cottage, school readiness is about so much more than learning letters, numbers or how to sit on the mat. For us, it is about helping children feel confident in who they are, connected to the world around them, and emotionally ready for the next big step in their learning journey.
Our preschool program is intentionally designed to support children as they prepare for their transition to school. We believe that when children have opportunities to explore their local community, visit schools, meet new people, practise independence and participate in real-life experiences, they begin to build the confidence, resilience and sense of belonging they need for formal schooling.
Throughout the year, our preschool children take part in a rich range of community-based experiences that support all five outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework. These experiences help children develop a strong sense of identity, build connections with their community, strengthen their wellbeing, become confident and involved learners, and grow as effective communicators.
One of the highlights of our preschool year has been our participation in the Coffs Harbour School Choir Eisteddfod. Over several weeks, the children practised their songs with excitement, movement and role play. On the day, they travelled by bus and performed in front of an audience, standing proudly as the only preschool group among primary and high school students. This experience supported confidence, communication, emotional security and pride — not only for the children, but for their families and educators too.
Our Turtle Rehabilitation initiative has also become a powerful part of our preschool learning. After visiting the Wildlife Sanctuary and learning about marine life, the children were inspired to help protect turtles and reduce plastic pollution. With support from families and the wider community, they began collecting recyclable bottles and later took responsibility for helping maintain a local fishing line and rubbish collection bin. Through this project, children learned that even small actions can make a real difference.
School visits and transition programs are another important part of our preschool journey. Through experiences with local schools, including PCYC OOSH, Coffs Harbour Christian Community School and Bishop Druitt College, children have had opportunities to explore school environments, meet teachers and students, join in classroom activities, participate in movement programs and practise important routines such as bus safety and road safety. These visits help reduce anxiety and build familiarity, giving children a stronger sense of confidence before they begin school.
Our children also regularly connect with the wider Coffs Harbour community through excursions to places such as the Botanical Gardens, Yarrawarra Aboriginal Cultural Centre, the Butterfly House, local libraries and community spaces. These experiences support curiosity, language development, cultural awareness, environmental responsibility and a strong connection to place.
We also believe children should be active participants in community traditions. Our ANZAC Day excursion to the local cenotaph allowed children across the service to march together, carry the 3 Bears banner and place handmade wreaths in honour of the ANZAC soldiers. These meaningful experiences help children develop respect, understanding and a sense of belonging within the wider Australian community.
Children’s progress is carefully observed, documented and reflected on by educators. We look at their social and emotional development, language and communication, cognitive growth, physical development, independence, confidence and self-regulation. These observations are shared with families through conversations, documentation, portfolios, updates and progress discussions, ensuring families remain connected to their child’s learning journey.
Most importantly, families play a vital role in the success of our preschool program. From attending performances and excursions, to practising songs at home, donating resources, participating in meetings and sharing feedback, families help strengthen the bridge between home, preschool and school. This partnership gives children a powerful message: the important people in their lives are working together to support them.
Our preschool program is not about rushing children into school before they are ready. It is about giving them time, opportunity and meaningful experiences that help them grow into capable, curious and confident learners.
At 3 Bears Cottage, we are proud to offer a preschool program that reaches beyond the classroom and into the heart of our community. Because when children feel connected, supported and believed in, they do more than get ready for school.
They become ready for life.