Welcome to Explore & Develop Umina

We pride ourselves on offering a high-quality, nurturing environment for children and their families during their first year in care. We work closely alongside families in order to create home like routines for the children in this room, which allows for a smooth transition between home and care. Our well-equipped playroom and shaded, natural play area provide stimulation and motivation for curious babies to explore the outdoor environment in a safe, protective learning space. To support children’s transition from bottle feeds to solid foods, we provide infant formula for children in our Butterfly room. Nan Comfort and Bellamy’s Organic formula are provided at required stages and offered to children who are having bottle feeds. For those who would prefer to provide breast milk or an alternative formula we can store it for you.

Busy Bee children are now in a similar routine to their older peers. In this age group, children are now becoming even more independent. Toilet training is supported through partnerships with families. The curious nature and growing language skills of this age group stimulates their wonder of the world around them. Their questioning skills support their own learning and connects them with the interest-based program, which aims to offer new experiences and development opportunities.

This is our senior preschool year, and the year in which most children prepare for life beyond Explore & Develop. Children at this age have a strong sense of autonomy and are keen participants in their learning environments. During this year, we extend upon and refine skills in key learning areas. There is a strong focus on skills such as literacy, numeracy and fine motor through the interest-based program and projects.Preschool educators work closely with families, school teachers and other early childhood professionals to ensure that each child is given the opportunity to work towards achieving school readiness outcomes. Our ‘Transition to School’ program promotes skills in areas such as academia, conflict resolution, self-help and self-confidence.