Kira Kira (2 - 3.5 yrs)
Update - Monday 18 September
Pippita and Kira Kira room closures from Monday 25 September
As was shared in our recent parent information evening, staffing in the early education sector at the moment is especially challenging and maintaining our ratios with qualified staff is a non-negotiable for the safe operations of our centres and services.
It is with disappointment that we advise of the following room closures commencing Monday 25 September:
- Pippita room, 0 – 2-year-olds
- Kira Kira room, 2½ – 3½ -year-olds
These rooms will be closed until further notice and are a direct result of the staff shortage we are experiencing.
We understand how frustrating and difficult this news is for our families and assure you we have not made the decision lightly. Our ratio of staff to children is vital to our operations and we take the safety of our children and staff very seriously. The current staffing shortage, coupled with staff absences, can and does impact our operations at short notice.
As mentioned during the information evening, we are working to address the current staff shortage and have a range of recruitment activities already underway as well as accelerating other initiatives that we hope will attract suitably qualified staff.
We will continue to provide further updates on the staffing situation in the coming weeks however, we appreciate families may need to reassess their care options at this time. Wherever possible, we would be pleased to offer discounted fees at any of our St Nicholas Early Education centres that have places available, please contact 4979 1110 to discuss how we can prioritise your enrolment.
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Kira-Kira Montessori Program for Ages 2-3 1/2 Years
Once our children join the Toddler group, they develop basic motor coordination, independence and language skills. The Toddler materials may look simple, but they are precisely designed based on years of observation, experiment and study.
We understand that toddlers take a hands-on approach to life. They imitate elders in all their actions. Our educators and prepared environment will safely support your child’s drive to do things alone, and develop their confidence, sense of order, sensory exploration and a sense of competence. The environment is language-rich, with adults using proper nomenclature. Adults also support toddlers in communicating with each other.
As with any Montessori environment, the children’s activities are set out to entice the child to discover and explore. In this learning environment, children don’t only work independently but also learn by observing others, explore freely, and express their curiosity and creativity. A self-care area fosters toilet awareness and independence in maintaining personal hygiene (such as learning how to wipe one’s nose and wash hands independently). A sleeping area with individual floor beds that allows toddlers to exercise freedom in preparing for rest and allows them to get up independently once rested.
Program Goals
- Provide a safe, engaging, and nurturing learning environment that promotes curiosity and discovery
- Foster the growth of functional independence and autonomy
- Develop children’s sense of confidence, self-identity, belonging and community
- Promote respect for diversity and care for their environment
- Refine gross motor coordination and fine motor skills
- Foster the development of effective communication and social skills
