Provider in Focus: Doris Blackburn Preschool

Doris Blackburn Preschool is an 86 place independent, community-run and non-profit kindergarten in Pascoe Vale South, Victoria, which is rated as Exceeding the National Quality Standard. 

 

What is the history of Doris Blackburn Preschool? 

 

The preschool was established in 1943. $1.35 million extension works were completed in 2023 which included the installation of a new kindergarten building and outdoor play area, creating more than 40 additional kindergarten places for local children.

 

What is the Doris Blackburn Preschool vision and approach to learning? 

 

Eight principles are used to guide the work done with and for children and families at the Preschool: 

 

01

 

Adopt holistic practises

 

02

 

Be responsive to children

 

03

 

Play and implement learning through play

 

04

 

Create many opportunities for intentional learning

 

05

 

Create physical and social learning environments that have a positive impact on children’s learning

 

06

 

Value the cultural and social contexts of children and their families

 

07

 

Provide for continuity in experiences and enable children to have successful transitions

 

08

 

Assess and monitor children’s learning to inform provision and to support children in achieving learning outcomes

 

The aim is to improve the lives of all children and to constantly be re-evaluating practice with respect to what effect it has on others and to ensure a willingness to learn from personal experience and from the experiences of others. 

 

These principles are achieved through openness to difference, inquiry and understanding, and continual review of practices and ideas, giving opportunities for collaboration and cooperation with colleagues and communities for the enhancement of children’s learning and development.

 

What is the Doris Blackburn Preschool approach to educator professional development? 

 

Opportunities for professional development are viewed as being crucial for all educators to ensure that their work practice remains current and aligned to the practices and principles of the national Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).

 

Doris Blackburn Preschool is committed to: 

 

• Supporting all Teachers and educators to achieve their career development aspirations with appropriate resources and professional development opportunities 

 

• Supporting ongoing effectiveness of all Teachers and educators in their roles and fostering the overall effectiveness of the service 

 

• Providing continued professional development to teachers and educators, to enable them to provide quality care and positive outcomes for all children. 

 

Learn more about the Preschool here.