Forbes Preschool Kindergarten has been established for 58 years with a community based philosophy meaning that parents and families of the children can visit and get involved in the organisation. While the memories and legacy of this preschool are held close to the hearts of generations of Forbes residents, the waiting list is long and the staff are keen to move on to their new facility. “It’s been 58 long years here, but it isn’t quite big enough,” said Amy Shine, who has been the Director of this centre for the past five years, and has been working in childcare for far longer.
“The new pre-school is our dream come true; a purpose built centre for lots of children,” Amy said. “We are really happy with the design.” The new Preschool will be energy efficient, cost effective, flushed with natural light and
will increase their capacity from 39 kids per day to 75 kids per day. Children at the new Preschool will have access to speech and occupational therapists as well as other specialists who work closely with children.
There will be a community play and learn space for the children where children can explore socially and educationally. “We have a strong link with schools rated as exceeding in all areas of the Australian National Qualifications Framework,” Amy said. The Preschool children go on excursions to local schools and other schools visit the Preschool giving the kids a broad social experience. “It’s very exciting,” said Amy, “it’s going to be huge. We visit the new centre regularly with the kids. We’re hoping to move in early next year.”
“The local Council have been super supportive of us and without them, the vision of this new Preschool would not have come to fruition,” Amy said. “Mayor Phyllis Miller has been integral at every step of the way.”