Duntroon Playschool 
A pre-preschool program for 3 to 5 year olds

Duntroon Playschool

Overview

Duntroon Playschool is an early childhood program for three - five year olds. We cater for both Defence and non-Defence families of the ACT and surrounding regions. 


We are community licensed under the Children and Young People Act 2009 and ACT Children’s Service Standards, and overseen by the ACT Education and Training Directorate.  


Our Playschool offers a structured and play based, educational program, unique to Canberra which builds foundation learning skills for your child, prior to attending Preschool. Residents coming from interstate or overseas may know similar programs as Kinder, 3 year old preschool, pre-kinder and nursery school.


Our Philosophy

Duntroon Playschool strives to offer the children in our care a stepping-stone to independence and a transition from their parent or carer environment whilst supporting and preparing them at the beginning of their learning journey.


Our Playschool’s main aim is to provide opportunities for the children in our care to develop their social, emotional, educational and motor skills whilst becoming part of their community. They will develop abilities to allow them to interact cooperatively with peers and educators, as well as take responsibility for their actions, belongings and equipment.


At Duntroon Playschool, interactive and free play is the manner in which children exercise their physical, creative and cognitive resources. We are also supported by a structured program that is adapted where required to meet the needs of each child. Play provides opportunities for physical activity, the development of skills for social interaction, flexible use of material, expression of feelings and ideas as well as the spontaneous use of language. Play is the major means by which children explore and come to understand their world during their formative years.


Session Times

Tuesday - Thursday 9.30am-2.30pm in ACT school terms. We will also operate on selected days during the school holidays for our Lite Program. Fees are $67.80 per day.


The Playschool program is a non-profit community service, run by the Duntroon Community Centre Inc. 


Our program is developed and implemented by a diploma-qualified educator and supported by a Certificate III-qualified assistant. 


Our maximum class size is 22 children and children can attend up to three sessions per week. 


Our Playschool program is open to all age-eligible children in the wider Canberra region. To be eligible, children must be three years old. 


The Playschool Parent Handbook has further information about our program.


For enquiries email playschool@duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au or call 02 5131 1715.

What does a typical day look like?
A day at Playschool involves routine and are designed to prepare children for more formal school routine. 

Each week has a different focus and the sessions have themes that can change depending on children's interests, the season and the learning outcomes of the program.

A typical day at Playschool involves:
9.30am - Welcome and settle in time
9.35am - Inside play
10.30am - Mat time 
11.00am - Morning tea time
11.20am - Outside play
12.20pm - Story time
12.30pm - Lunchtime 
1.00pm - Rest and relaxation time 
2.00pm - Mat time 
2.30pm - Home Time

Our program includes:
  • Individual and group based play 
  • Inside and outside activities 
  • Building social interaction skills 
  • Music and movement 
  • Craft activities
  • Interactive story reading
  • Morning tea time
  • Developing motor skills 
  • Children’s library
  • Excursions and educational visits 
Outside Play
Every session at Playschool involves outside play. Some of the activities could include:
  • Gross motor skill development using various climbing equipment
  • Running, jumping, skipping, hopping activities and games
  • Following small obstacle courses
  • Catching and throwing activities and games
  • Digging and imaginative play using sandpit toys and equipment
  • Creative activities using sand and water
  • Activities to develop muscular control and coordination
  • Exploration of the outdoors in all weather
  • Gardening activities.
Inside Play
Indoor play at Duntroon Playschool changes weekly depending on seasons, children's interest and the curriculum.

Some activities your child will participate in include:
  • Experimentation with paint and colour
  • Using manipulative and constructional toys, puzzles and blocks
  • Games to develop self-confidence and social interaction skills
  • Imaginative play in home corner
  • Early name, number, letter and shape recognition
  • Using materials and equipment that develop fine motor skills such as pencils, crayons, scissors, brushes, paper, paint, paste, play dough, scrap materials, fabric and fibres
  • Sorting and classifying objects
  • Daily exposure to singing, listening to music, looking at pictures and books, and listening to stories.
Toilet Training
Each child is different and we understand toilet training can be challenging for little ones. If your child is not toilet trained please contact us so we can discuss your child's individual needs and how we can support you.
Items Available for Purchase
No uniform is mandatory, however, we have found that the children enjoy wearing our colourful Playschool T-shirts and jumpers. Please see the selection in reception.

2025 Enrolment Checklist

 

  • Complete the Playschool Waitlist Application using the link at the top of the page. This takes you to the Kidsoft Parent Portal.
  • Pay the Enrolment Fee by direct debit / debit or credit card  ($100 for 2024 enrolments).
  • Complete the volunteer form and return to committee@duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au

 

Bank Details:

BSB: 032-746

Account: 011 183


When you are offered a place, you will receive a link to a more detailed Enrolment Form through Kidsoft. When completing the Enrolment Form you will be required to attach:

 

  • Birth certificate
  • Immunisation certificates
  • Medical action plans (where relevant)

 

Duntroon Community Centre VIP Membership ($35 per family) is also required for the year you are attending Playschool.


Contact

Should you have any queries about the Playschool program, please contact the centre on 02 5131 1715 or email Playschool@duntrooncommunitycentre.org.au.

Parent Testimonials

Never once did we have tears at Duntroon Playschool drop off! The centre has a brilliant play area in and outside. However, in my opinion their greatest strength is their educators. The relationships they developed with my daughter allowed us to think of Playschool as a home away from home. The staff feel more like caring family members and always keep me posted on how my daughter is going and what my cheeky monkey has achieved throughout the morning. The amount of amazing activities that can be achieved in 3hrs is mind blowing. The work behind the scenes is very obvious and the effort made is very appreciated. Could not recommend Duntroon Playschool enough!
Rachael
This year we were lucky enough to have our second child go through the DCC playschool program, and I can’t speak more highly of the program itself and more specifically Danielle and the staff. It’s not just an early learning centre but a place that encourages independence and joyful learning in the children. We will be back for 2020 and again for our third child when they are old enough to attend. 
Koryn
My daughter really enjoyed the playschool community. It helped tremendously with the transition to a new post. 
Parent
Our daughter has thoroughly enjoyed every minute at Duntroon Play School. It was the most anticipated day of the week. The program and excursions were very engaging and constantly changing. The staff are very friendly, inclusive and meet every child where they are at.
Vanessa

PLAY SCHOOL GALLERY