All MEYM services provide quality early childhood programs that are accessible to all young children. Teachers and Educators aim to provide a safe, happy and stimulating environment where children are free to play, explore and learn at their own pace. The programs are based on the belief that children learn best through becoming actively involved in their own play, as it is through play that young children make sense of the world around them. The teams also endeavour to work in partnership with the families so that the individual child can flourish.
Nature Play and Community Engagement is an integral part of all of our programs for both 3 and 4-year-olds. It is important for children to feel connected and engaged with their local community. The curriculums are designed to ensure children have opportunities to build these connections. Community walks and nature play opportunities are designed as part of the program to support children’s learning in this area.
All MEYM services offer indoor/outdoor programs, where children are free to engage in experiences of their choice either inside or outside. Staff support play, and children are proactive in their choice of experiences, empowering their decision-making and agency.
All MEYM services offer opportunities for children to engage in their local community through community walks and nature play opportunities. This allows children to play on country and experience the delights of engaging with nature. There is a significant amount of evidence that suggests that engaging with nature helps children to regulate behaviour and manage stress levels. It is seen as an essential part of the curriculum that supports brain development. The most important part of Nature Play is we have lots of fun when we visit while playing and exploring in the natural environment!
Oak Park Kindergarten utilises the enclosed Council owned land beside and behind the Kindergarten as their Nature Play area. This is a perfect setting with a mix of flat clear land, where we can kick a footy or soccer ball around, have picnics or just sit and talk. There is also a cluster of trees where we can climb, explore, swing, hide and go on “Bear hunts”.
