Rebecca Cato

St Stephens preschool is a place of belonging for me. It is where I attended preschool with my brothers and childhood friends (many years ago). It is a place where I have had the privilege, both as a staff member and a parent, to observe my own children establish their individual sense of self identity through play. St Stephens preschool is an educational environment that nurtures children socially and emotionally through play. Time and space for play that is encouraged and facilitated by teaching professionals is the most valuable experience prior to school that can be offered to our children. It provides an opportunity for children to establish a sense of self and of others. Children can begin to think creatively and establish divergent thinking patterns. They can begin to identify and solve their own problems, voice their own opinions and exchange their own ideas.