The Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) service at Montessori Stepping Stones, Waabiny, was named from the aboriginal word meaning play, or play time. The service consists of before school care, after school care and the vacation care program, and is located on the Mater Christi school grounds adjacent to our main centre. The program aims to ensure that children in school age care have opportunities to engage in leisure and play-based experiences which are responsive to the needs, interests, and choices of the children attending our service and contribute fully to their ongoing development.
The educators plan together with the children a curriculum towards their needs and interests, which is observed, discussed and reflected on to provide a program that remains supportive of their interested and needs. The program is displayed, and parents and families are welcomed to provide further input into the program planning, as well as participate in any cultural or communal event. Where requested we may be able to assist children with their homework – we also wish to remind parent and families that children may also need some time to relax , do some casual and physical activities outdoors, play some games, and socialise and communicate with each other.
Vacation care is provided during school holidays and on pupil free days where announced. The program for vacation care is tailored around gathered information from calendar events, community events, the current season and extensions of the before and after school programs.