Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Early Childhood Education in Cooma, NSW
Established in 1952, Cooma North Preschool has been a cornerstone of early childhood education in the Cooma community for over seven decades. Our philosophy centers on creating a secure, nurturing environment where children develop a positive attitude towards lifelong learning through active engagement with their surroundings and relationships. We employ three university-trained early childhood teachers and maintain higher-than-required staff-to-child ratios to ensure quality outcomes. Our Reconciliation Action Plan promotes inclusive relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians, while our participation in the Be You Early Learning Program enhances mental health support for children and families.Our expansive natural outdoor learning space features established trees, chickens, digging pits, a running creek bed, bush tucker gardens, and vegetable patches. As the oldest preschool in Cooma, we maintain strong community ties and acknowledge the traditional custodianship of the Ngarigo people, integrating cultural respect into daily practices.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Play-Based Learning
Mental Health Support
Outdoor Learning Environment
Transition to School Program
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- Three university-trained early childhood teachers guide educational programs
- Maintain higher-than-required staff-to-child ratios for personalized attention
- Implement Be You mental health program for children and families
- Award-winning natural outdoor learning environment with sustainability features
- Recognized Reconciliation Action Plan with Indigenous community partnerships
Associations and certifications
- Department of Education
- Reconciliation Australia
- Be You Early Learning Program
- Munch and Move
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our inquiry-based play approach supports children's natural learning through exploration. Qualified educators design flexible programs responding to children's interests while developing critical thinking, literacy, and mathematical concepts. Daily activities integrate creative arts, social development, and language skills in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Outdoor Learning Environment
Our expansive natural outdoor area features established trees, chickens, digging pits, and vegetable gardens. Children develop fundamental movement skills through climbing, bike riding, and ball play while learning environmental awareness through sustainability projects like worm farming and bush tucker gardening.
Mental Health Support
Through the Be You Early Learning Program, we implement evidence-based mental health strategies. Our educators receive professional development to support children's emotional wellbeing, using a whole-learning community approach that involves families in promoting positive mental health outcomes.
Transition to School
We collaborate with local schools through classroom visits, teacher interactions, and orientation programs. Our curriculum develops social and independent skills necessary for school success, including weekly visits to Cooma North Public School and joint activities with kindergarten classes.
Cultural Reconciliation
Our approved Reconciliation Action Plan promotes relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. We incorporate Ngarigo cultural practices into daily routines, host Indigenous educators, and participate in the Monaro Koori Interagency Group to enhance cultural understanding.
People
Narelle Avis
Preschool Development Manager
Bachelor of Teaching (Birth to 5 Years) with 22 years' experience. Advocate for children and families, reconciliation leader, and team mentor. Passionate about community engagement and early childhood advocacy.
Kylie Hain
Director
Director with 18 years' experience. Focuses on community engagement and organisational development. Coordinates administrative operations while maintaining connections with families through her rural lifestyle and community involvement.
Tracy Stanford
Directors Assistant
Early childhood educator since 1990. Specialises in storytelling and science activities with children. Combines professional expertise with personal interests in ocean conservation and creative arts.
Angela Douglass
Educator
Diploma-qualified educator with 17 years' experience. Creative approach to child development, passionate about nature exploration. Enjoys family adventures including kayaking and coastal exploration.
Jessica Anderson
Educator
Certificate III qualified educator since 2016. Specialises in nature-based learning and child relationship-building. Enjoys cultural activities including theatre visits and family bushwalking excursions.
Questions
How do I enrol my child at Cooma North Preschool?
Contact us via phone, email, or in person to check availability. Complete a Waiting List Application form available on our website and return it by email, post, or in person.
What are the preschool fees?
Daily rate is $30, with subsidy rates at $15 for eligible families. Additional term levies apply. NSW Government fee relief available for up to 3 days weekly.
What programs do you offer?
Inquiry-based play learning, Be You mental health program, Reconciliation Action Plan activities, outdoor environmental education, and school transition programs with local schools.
What are your operating hours?
8:30am-4:00pm Monday to Friday during NSW school terms. Closed public holidays and school holidays. Children must be dropped off/picked up within these times.
What outdoor facilities do you have?
Large natural play space with established trees, chickens, digging pits, running creek bed, bush tucker garden, vegetable patches, fruit trees, and bike paths.
How do you support Indigenous culture?
Implement approved Reconciliation Action Plan, acknowledge Ngarigo custodianship daily, host Indigenous educators, and participate in the Monaro Koori Interagency Group for cultural development.
