About Us
Established in 1952, C&K Tarragindi War Memorial Kindergarten (Tarragindi Kindy) has a long history of education in the local area.
The Kindy is a community based, not-for-profit organisation, which means it is managed by an elected group of stakeholders which forms a committee - usually parents or guardians. The Director and staff of the Kindy support the committee. The Management Committee is elected each year and participation is vital for successful ongoing operation of the Kindy.
We are a truly inclusive Kindy and have an unofficial open-door policy. We welcome families to visit from time to time to interact with the children as they are learning and to share in their experiences.
Educational Philosophy
At Tarragindi Kindy we offer a play-based, child-led curriculum which helps to encourage children to take risks as they establish and embark upon their learning journeys. We see each child as valid contributors to their worlds. By facilitating this learning environment we are enabling the children to become familiar with what they are capable of and what they want to become capable of. This practice assists in developing confidence and this in turn enables them to cultivate the skills needed to deal with problems as they arise.
Our curriculum continues to evolve and meet the diverse interests of the children, ensuring no two days are ever the same. It has been independently rated and assessed by the Department of Education and Training who determined that the overall program exceeded the National Quality Standard as set out by the Australian Children's Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA). This was a deeply satisfying result and one that all educators are extremely proud of.
Facilities
The Kindy is set in beautiful, natural surrounds. Nestled between parkland and quiet residential streets, our Kindy provides children with an environment where they can totally and freely engage in play-based learning while feeling happy, safe and valued.
We provide indoor and outdoor environments designed to allow children to stimulate their senses, encourage exploration and facilitate learning. We engage with our natural surroundings regularly, visiting the adjoining parkland for walks and bush play. The children become aware of the importance of their place in the natural world and the value of a positive connection with it.
Community
Tarragindi Kindy believes its connection with the community is an essential relationship for the children and their families to hold. The children come together each morning as a group in their yarning circle to respect and acknowledge our connection with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
We also encourage and rely on family contributions and active involvement in fundraising, working bees, excursions and any way possible to ensure the Kindy is an inclusive and combined organisation, putting our kids first.
Parents often contribute their skills to provide additional learning avenues for the children. For example, we have cooking classes, a thriving worm farm, plentiful herb garden, and regular information sessions from our parents who hold interesting occupations, including paramedics and a weight lifter who competed in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.