Family Learning Centre 

Kindergarten 3 and 4 year old programs 2023

Hello everyone

We are especially excited to offer fee free 3 and 4 year old funded kindergarten

Monday - Friday (15 hours) Please contact Mandy, Viv or Helen soon to guarantee places and avoid waiting lists. Please  make an appointment to visit our wonderful early years education and community facilities.  

We are approaching end of term 1, kinder children have been adopting their routines as members of our kinder community.  One focus has been to work as a team during play and taking care of our kinder resources.  In this way the children gain more insight into a world or a community beyond their own spaces, belongings  and family members.

We are seeing them  build and further develop their sense of belonging and gaining social and communication skills. 

The Family Centre

Play… Learn… Connect @ the NBC Family Centre 25 Goldsworthy, Corio

 “It takes a village to raise a child: (African Proverb)

“The Family Centre is our own little village!  (We) parents and children have made lifelong friends here – we are just like family now – we are there for each other, and the staff are there for everyone! It’s amazing to watch all our kids grow together is such a safe and welcoming. It’s our second home.” (Quote from Parent)

First 1000 Days at playgroup

At the Family Centre we totally celebrate “1000” as more than a number! 

The First 1000 Days at playgroup program describes the time from the start of pregnancy to a child’s 2nd birthday. This is the most significant period in a child’s development. This idea connects newly pregnant, young and new families with our playgroups, parenting and family support programs, before and after your baby arrives.  

At the Family Centre we offer a range of activities, we connect, play and learn together.   We aim to give parents the opportunity to meet others in their community who are also expecting or have just had a baby, or maybe you have just moved to Corio from another suburb, city, state or country. Coming to a local playgroup help to build a solid, close-knit support networks for all mothers, fathers, children and families.

What is a playgroup?

Getting out of the house, and seeing friendly faces at playgroup and chatting with others can help pregnant mums and new young families feel more connected and supported within their local community. 

Playgroups are just as beneficial for parents as they are about the children.

Playgroup gives new parents and families the opportunity to take some time out and catch up with friends in a relaxed and safe environment. It’s a fun and playful experience to share with your child and with other families in your local community. Session times, days and frequency will be dependent on each playgroup and the families who are attending. All sessions are free. 

See the Family Centre flier each term for up to date news and program information. 

Bump 2 Bubs / Bubs to Tots every Wednesday and Thursday

‘Bubs to Tots’ is a program for new young mothers under 24 yr. with a toddler from 1-2 yrs. 

This is a continuation of ‘Bumps to Bubs’, which is another program for young mothers, who can join in pregnancy and participate in until their children are 12 months.

As well as having the opportunity to meet with other first time pregnant young parents, under 23 yrs. BCYF  (Barwon Child Youth Family) group facilitator Amanda covers a range of topics relevant to pregnancy and early parenting .

“Playgroup provided me with somewhere to go when I had my first baby. I was feeling very isolated and through playgroup I met a community of mums who are now great friends.”

For more information see link to Barwon Child Youth and Family

https://www.bcyf.org.au/innovative-bcyf-program-empowers-young-mums/

Reading with Babies and young children 

Even very young babies love to hear you read to them as they are excited and fascinated by books and stories, and soon start helping to turn the pages. 

When it comes to reading with young children, they love rhyming, colours, textures, songs and anything interactive. If the book has lots of textures, guide their hand over each one so they can feel the differences. And if you are reading a book about animals, don’t just read the name of the animal, teach the sound that the animal makes too.

For some tips for helping to develop a lifelong love of books and reading in your little reader Visit your local library in Corio and Geelong or visit online https://www.grlc.vic.gov.au/learn/little-readers

The Very Hungry Caterpillar – author Eric Carle

And see the Youtube clip as read aloud by Eric Carle

First 1000 books - before school? Why not!?

It is never too early to start engaging your young child with books and reading. Some people even start before their baby is born by reading aloud to their baby when pregnant. Your baby is connected and LOVES the sound of YOUR voice, YOUR laugh and YOUR giggles the most.

Research shows that reading with a child several times a week develops their literacy skills up to a year beyond their peers. 

So, it's easier than you might think to read 1000 books before school! 

If you read 3 books a day, you can read more than 1000 books in a year. Have a go! 

How do I find out more about what’s happening at the Family Centre?

To find out more about the Family Centre and the First 1000 Days at Playgroup project please contact Helen O’Connor ph. 5224 9791 or  email: helen.oconnor2@eduction.vic.gov.au

Great Opportunities

Wishes for a safe and “hoppy” Easter  term holiday – Family Centre programs return for term 2, 26 April 2023, 

Helen O’Connor, NBC Family Centre, Coordinator        

and Mandy Minhas, NBC Early Learning Centre, Director