The Pre-School program at Treehouse Early Learning Centre in Hillcrest, SA is designed for children aged 4 years to school age. The program builds the literacy foundations, numeracy skills, emotional regulation, independence, and social confidence children need to begin primary school successfully. Educators work closely with families throughout the transition process.
School readiness is not about whether your child can write their name or count to twenty. It is about whether they can manage their feelings when something goes wrong. Whether they can ask for help when they need it. Whether they can listen, take turns, try something hard, and keep going.
At Treehouse, our Pre-School program builds all of these skills alongside the academic foundations that South Australian primary schools expect. Educators use structured routines that mirror the rhythms of a school day, while maintaining the child-led, play-based approach that has been central to your child's learning since they arrived at Treehouse.
We also work closely with families throughout this program. If you have questions about which school, what to expect in the first weeks, or how to support your child's transition at home, your educator and Zarna Shah are there to help. This is a journey you do not take alone.
Program Details
What does a day in the Pre-School Room look like?
The Pre-School room operates with a daily rhythm that intentionally mirrors the structure of a primary school day, while maintaining the warmth, child-directedness, and play-based approach that is central to everything at Treehouse.
Each morning begins with a group meeting on the mat. The day's date is recorded, the day's plan is shared, and each child is given a moment to speak. This simple ritual builds listening skills, turn-taking, the concept of time, and a sense of belonging to a group.
Small group literacy work happens during the morning. At the same time, other children are working independently. The ability to work independently while the educator is with another group is a key school-readiness skill that is explicitly practised here.
Outdoor time includes structured collaborative challenges. These experiences build the problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills that Year One teachers consistently identify as the most important things a child can bring to school.
A Day at a Glance:
8:30am: Morning meeting. The group gathers on the mat. An educator marks the date, talks through the day's plan, and gives each child a moment to share something. The routine mirrors what school mornings will feel like.
9:30am: Small group literacy. An educator works with a group of four on letter recognition through a hands-on activity. At the same time, other children are working independently in the art corner, the block area, and at the writing table.
10:30am: Outdoor project time. Today's challenge: design and build a bridge strong enough to hold a toy car. The children work in small teams, negotiate, try, fail, try again. The educator observes and asks the right questions.
12:30pm: Lunch and independent routine. Children manage their own lunchboxes, pack up, and transition to afternoon rest or quiet activity. These moments of independence matter enormously in a school context.
Afternoon: Story, reflection, and free play. At pick-up, your educator shares a specific observation. Your child beams about the bridge they built. They are ready. You can feel it.
Program Structure
How is the Pre-School program structured at Treehouse?
The program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Treehouse's own play-based, child-led philosophy. Planning is responsive: educators observe, document, and design experiences based on each child's current interests and developmental goals.
Daily Rhythm:
Morning Group Meeting:
Mat time: date, day's plan, news sharing. Builds listening, sequencing, and group belonging.
Small Group Literacy:
Phonemic awareness, letter and sound recognition, name writing, early reading in groups of four to six with an educator.
Investigation and Project Time:
Sustained inquiry projects, outdoor challenges, science, construction, and dramatic play.
Morning Tea:
Centre-provided snack. Independent routine practised.
Outdoor Program:
Collaborative physical challenges, playground engineering, garden projects, and nature investigation.
Lunch:
Centre-provided meal. Independent routine reinforced. Social conversation and group norms practised.
Numeracy Focus:
Counting, measuring, pattern-making, and basic operations through hands-on activities and games.
Afternoon Free Choice:
Child-directed activity including creative arts, dramatic play, construction, and reading corner.
End of Day Reflection:
Group reflection on the day's learning. Tidy-up routine. Family pickup. Educator debrief.
Enrolment Requirements
What do I need to enrol my child in the Pre-School program?
Enrolment at Treehouse is straightforward. The team is here to guide you through every step.
Age:
Your child must be aged 4 years at the time of entering the Pre-School room. Transition from Kindy is based on developmental readiness, in discussion with educators and in line with the school starting age.
Immunisation:
Current immunisation records required, including the 4-year update as per NQF requirements.
Enrolment Form:
Complete the online form at treehouse-childcare.com.au. Include your child's interests, goals, and any information relevant to their school transition planning.
Orientation Visit:
All new families to the Pre-School room receive an orientation visit to meet educators and see the room in action.
Transition from Kindy:
If your child is moving from the Treehouse Kindy room, educators coordinate a supported transition to the Pre-School room with you and your child.
What to Bring:
The centre provides all meals, drinks, and sunscreen. Bring a labelled hat, a spare set of clothes, and any comfort items.
Child Care Subsidy:
Eligible families can access the Child Care Subsidy. Apply via MyGov or contact Centrelink on 13 61 50.
Notice Period:
Four weeks written notice required for any changes to or cancellation of enrolment.
School Transition Support:
Educators work with you throughout the Pre-School year on school selection, school visit preparation, and transition planning. You will never navigate this alone.