SDN Crookwell Preschool

My qualifications and experience 

I then went on to complete my Diploma while working at a local early childhood education service, where I stayed for seven years. After this, I returned to SDN to work at SDN Crookwell Preschool. This year, I completed my Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching) while balancing full-time work and study over the past three years.

What I'm most passionate about in my role 

I am passionate about creating an environment that is inclusive for all children, I believe in partnering with families and the community to create a learning environment that helps all children thrive.

At SDN Crookwell we have lots of centre animals I’m passionate about the benefits of the children forming connections with the animals and how this supports them to have respect for the environment.

What I love about working with SDN 

I love working at SDN Crookwell as it has a long history of providing quality Early Childhood education and care to children and families.

A little bit more about me 

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, friends and my dogs. I also enjoy music and gardening. 

Get more than school-ready, get life-ready 

Getting school-ready is a journey. It begins with your child’s very first day at our preschool and continues till they start big school.

Developed by university-trained early childhood teachers, our preschool program focuses on the whole child. Children learn to make friends and work together, while gaining the skills and independence they need to thrive through the big transition to school.

Our preschool program follows an evidence-backed, play-based learning approach. Children have fun and follow their curiosity, while we weave in vital skills and learning outcomes.

SDN uses Australia’s Early Years Learning Framework to explore a diverse curriculum from science to social justice. Our days are predictable but flexible, blending structured and spontaneous learning, free play, movement and quiet time.

Our curriculum pillars are:

Our centres have a transition to school program where our teachers and educators work together with local schools to prepare your child for a smooth transition, and support families through the process.

Read more about our educational program here.

SDN's outdoor spaces provide opportunities for children to enjoy themselves and have adventures. They’re safe environments for children to run, jump and yell, make mud cakes, and use their energy. Outdoor spaces provide more than physical benefits. Even though you may think that children only play outside to have fun, they're also improving their thinking, social, and emotional skills. When they’re playing outside, they’re inventing games, learning about the world at their own pace, and figuring out social customs like turn-taking.

SDN Crookwell has a large outdoor play area with lots of trees to provide shade in the summer and sun-dappled adventures during the winter. It’s also perfectly quipped to be a great backdrop for your child’s adventures. There’s a dress up station with helmets and worker’s vests, two jungle gyms, and a play row boat! SDN Crookwell also has chickens and a chook house, which was made with help from members of the Men’s Shed across the road, who used recycled timber from SDN Crookwell’s office renovations a few years ago.

The traditional owners of the Crookwell area are the Wiradjuri people.

Crookwell Preschool first opened on 16 June 1970 and later joined the SDN family on 29 January 2002 when it became SDN Crookwell Preschool.

Growing from a community-initiated vision at a public meeting, the first buildings were transported in from local schools, with further purpose-built additions over the years. Crookwell Preschool became recognised as an integral part of education and child development in the area. An Outreach Program travelled as far as Bigga to help families access the preschool, and a ‘Country Day’ was established for children who could only attend once a week.

Since its beginnings, SDN Crookwell Preschool has undergone many changes, always maintaining and reflecting a strong connection with the families in this vibrant and diverse community.

Read more about SDN Crookwell's history here.

3-5 Preschoolers  

• Spare underwear
• Change of clothes
• Hat – sun safe
• Shoes and Socks
• Warm clothes / Jacket (for outside play)
• Drink Bottle
• Blankets
• Your own lunch box - we always have fruit available for the children to eat throughout the day

The NSW Government is providing up to $4,220 in fee relief for preschool-aged children who are enrolled in community preschools at SDN Children’s Services from 2023, which includes SDN Crookwell Preschool.

Daily fee before fee relief has been applied:

Daily fee after fee relief has been applied:

If you are attending one of our preschools, we’ll ask you to complete a form, applying for funding. Once you have completed the form, we will apply the reduced fee.

*Please note:

• Equity Discount fee for children with a disability and eligible low-income health card (equity discount) or Pension Card.