Our Preschool Program

Get more than
school-ready, get life-ready

Getting school-ready is a journey. It begins with your child’s very first day at our welcoming early education and care centres and continues with our dedicated preschool program.

Children learn to make friends and work together, while gaining the skills and independence they need to thrive through the big transition to school.

Welcome to our village, where being school-ready is about being life-ready.

Preschool program fundamentals

At SDN, you'll find everything you’d expect of a preschool program, with the support and care of our village.

Our diverse educators introduce a breadth of cultural experiences and every preschool program includes a university-qualified teacher.
A maximum of 10 children (NSW) / 11 children (ACT) per learning group means attentive support.

We take the time to understand your child and family, set personal goals and share regular progress.
Preschool programs in our long day care centres and open for hours that suit your workday.

Our curriculum pillars

Our preschool program follows an evidence-backed, play-based learning approach. Children have fun and follow their curiosity, while we weave in vital skills and learning outcomes.

SDN uses Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework to explore a diverse curriculum from science to social justice. Our days are predictable but flexible, blending structured and spontaneous learning, free play, movement and quiet time.

Our centres have a transition to school program where our educators work together with local schools’ kindergarten teachers to prepare your child up for a smooth transition, and support families through the process.

Relationships & social skills

We take the time to get to know each child and their family, creating a sense of belonging and
safety. ...Read More

Critical thinking & problem solving

Longer-term projects allow children to explore an interest from multiple perspectives, developing
sustained attention, resilience and persistence. Our open-ended resources ...Read More

Early literacy & numeracy

We have a playful, diverse and whole-language approach to early literacy, with writing, stories and
song embedded in all aspects ...Read More

Health, wellbeing & movement

Our environments are joyful, and staff recognise children’s need for confident, warm and patient support. We cook together and use ...Read More

Science, technology, construction & design

We embed scientific processes like observational drawing, measuring, hypothesising, experimenting
and recording data into projects, and spark curiosity with questions ...Read More

Nature play & sustainability

Children have access to natural outdoor spaces and tactile materials, to stimulate the senses and spark curiosity about the natural ...Read More

Creative arts

Creative arts are a language for self-expression, helping children make sense of the world. Children
have access to props, musical ...Read More

Equity & social justice

Our environments are diverse and inclusive, recognising each child as an individual with unique
strengths, and acknowledging the family as ...Read More