Tara Murray
Are your children missing out on being at kindergarten?
Victoria University might have the answer. The university has launched a new free kindergarten at home program and is looking for about 200 families to participate in the program.
The university has set up the program to help student teachers to get practical learning experiences, with normal placements unable to go ahead due to the pandemic.
The university and the early childhood education student teachers are looking for families with children aged between three and five, and their siblings, to participate in the free online placements.
Learning activities are tailored to the individual child and family, with student teachers designing a fun and active program that works well via Zoom.
Early education lecturer Sarah Jobson said there would be a real focus on one-to-one interaction.
“Students are very aware of interacting relationally, and there is a strong emphasis on keeping children moving and active throughout the session,” she said.
“Parents have loved being able to see how early childhood education works and observing the activities the student teachers are implementing.
“They are thrilled to see how excited their children are to meet their own special person who has fun games for them to play together.”
There is also the opportunity to join an online playgroup session with other participating families.
Zoom play sessions will be held until September 30 and each child has two or three sessions a week at times that suit the family.
Details: ecefamilies@vu.edu.au.
