GEKA Chelsea

Reconnecting with Children and Families 

Lalin Cheam, Early Childhood Teacher 

Our observations of the children post pandemic has highlighted the children’s health and wellbeing require more support and nurturing.  The children require more time to adjust as they face uncertainty in leaving their parents and carer’s, and entering an unfamiliar environment such as their return to kindergarten.  We are aware drop offs can provoke unsettling change for some, although not all children.  Continual communication with parents and families on how their child is adjusting has resulted in strong bonds between educators, children, and families.  

We encourage a flexible and welcoming environment to families. Our program and routine is displayed for families on our noticeboard and they are able to see what their child’s day is like.  To support families to understand our program, we display and communicate the routine and verbal daily communications through photos and written forms.

In our program the staggered start and orientation program is beneficial in settling the children into the kindergarten environment.  In conjunction we utilise the “Getting to know you” form, Personalised learning and transition form, the family photo and collaboration with other staff.  We extended this further in our program by encouraging each child to name and draw family portraits and displaying them on our walls, this offers a link and comfort for children and is often used as a talking point during the session.  

There has been a disruption to their social interaction with peers their own age, our indoor/outdoor program offers agency, space and freedom.  This has been welcomed, friendships have been made and lots of language development ensued, and special relationships have formed with peers and educators.  

We celebrate inquisitive, creative and holistic play, with continual and authentic engagement.  A play base learning program  with familiar and flexible routines, within a safe environment, supported by trusted educators, allows every child to feel welcome and connected.