Welcome To Our Community Preschool
We are open on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday.
Preschool hours: 9am – 3pm with extended hours (8.30 – 3.30) available.
2.6 – 5 years
New enrolments welcome
P: 02 6688 6330
The Channon Preschool
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The Channon Preschool is a meeting place, a gathering place, a place of connection.
Our preschool creates a safe, caring, learning environment which reflects the
needs and diversity of children and families in the community.
Our preschool has always been a place for children and families to meet each other, support each
other, share life stories and create community. Since the early beginnings of preschool at The Channon Hall in
1979, and the move into our unique community-built mudbrick building in 1994, the preschool has been a
safe space for families and friends to connect.
We value this special place in the heart of The Channon Village
and feel a strong sense of belonging to the Bundjalung country on which we
play, share and learn together.
We welcome and invite children and families to join us by providing a playgroup session for new parents to
connect with each other and our experienced local Educators.
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Discover Our Learning Environment
We provide a caring, nurturing atmosphere where children can learn, explore, and grow through play and social interactions.
Our unique, tranquil, and engaging setting supports high-quality play and learning experiences.
Our skilled educators are guided by the Principles and Practices of the Early Years Learning Framework.
Our environment is inclusive and inviting for children and adults of differing abilities. We support diversity and aim to overcome barriers to inclusion so all children can participate meaningfully in the programme.
Here at our preschool, we surround children with natural materials and support children's engagement with the natural world, including plants, trees, edible gardens, sand, rocks, mud, water and other magical and wondrous elements from nature.
Through connection with our environment, we develop responsibility for sustainable living, caring for Country and connecting with animals, plants, lands and waterways.
Where Nature Inspires Learning
Our Preschool Program is centered around our observations and recordings of children's voices. We integrate their interests and spontaneous play ideas into our curriculum and intentional teaching. Each day follows a consistent routine, including transition times and intentional teaching groups, morning tea and lunchtimes, free play indoors and outdoors. This helps children feel safe, secure, and supported each day. Read our service philosophy.
Playgroup offers a wonderful opportunity for families to visit with their younger children, experience preschool, and connect with others. It takes place on Wednesdays from 9 am to 10:30am. Remember to bring a hat and a snack!
We require that all children attending preschool be up to date with their immunisations or on a GP-approved catch-up schedule.
Meet Our Educators
Our greatest asset is our dedicated and highly skilled educators. Their remarkable expertise and commitment
foster a joyful and enriching atmosphere for every child.
Each team member contributes their unique insights and energy, offering a diverse program that supports
children's interests and development.
Our educators participate in continuous Professional Development to ensure all children are supported
in our Program, employing resources such as Key Sign, visual cue cards, and Speech Support Programs.
Director
Lisa
Hello, I'm Lisa and I live locally with my family, I have over 20 years’ experience in Preschool Education and have a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care. I have been working
here for 18 years and as the Director and Educator here at the Channon Children’s Centre 10 years. I feel extremely lucky to have connected with the Preschool
with my three daughters learning here and making lifelong friendships.
I see children as curious and capable learners who find joy and wonder daily. My role is to support children to develop a strong sense of self and to build capable ,
caring, positive mindsets through a strong sense of belonging to our Preschool Community. I value quality
interactions with children, exploring our beautiful natural environment through gardening, caring for country,
cooking and creating interesting sensory experiences for children to explore.
Educator
Sheree
“With boundless imagination, children naturally weave stories and see the magic hidden all around them."
My name is Sheree, I am an Early Childhood Educator and the Educational Leader at The Channon Preschool. I have over 25 years experience in community preschools as an Early Childhood Educator. I have been apart of The Channon Preschool first as a parent here then as a staff member since 2013. My formal qualifications include a Diploma of Teaching K-6 and the Certificate III in Children’s Services.
I enjoy designing engaging educational play spaces that spark children's curiosity. I cultivate learning through interactive storytelling, art, music and dramatic play. I thrive on the energy and knowledge that children bring to their environments, and value the daily joy and laughter they inspire.
Early Childhood Teacher
Marie
What inspires me as an educator?
My inspiration comes from three intertwined sources: the children, the community of educators around me and the land.
It’s the magical moments in a day when I am with children as a co-learner such as working out how to connect pipes so the water flows. It’s when I arrive at the centre and am greeted warmly by the children and if I’m lucky, a spontaneous hug. It’s the surprising or inciteful things that children say that can be deeply philosophical. With over 30 years' experience as an Early Childhood teacher, I continue to learn and be inspired daily by the beautiful children I work with.
Supporting children to connect with other children, guiding them to be good citizens, taking care of insects, plants and animals and enjoying chats at lunch or dancing joyfully together – these are the things that inspire me. I'm also learning about the 6 seasons of the Bundjalung land we work, play and live on and enjoy sharing knowledge of the seasonal plants and animals with the children.
Oh, and my colleagues! They inspire me all the time with their creativity, compassion and sense of humour.
I am inspired by the relationships, the shared discoveries, the care for community and Country, and the joy of learning alongside children and colleagues — every single day.
Educator
Louise
Jingi Walla (hello/welcome in the Bundjalung language)!
My name is Louise, and I hold a Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
I view children as active, capable directors of their own learning. This inspires me to act as a co-creator in their daily experiences. Together, we will explore through:
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Play-based spaces
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Child-led discoveries
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Storytelling and song
I am passionate about nurturing strong connections to the people and places within our community.
Now with the formalities done, let's have fun!
Educator
Dullah
Hello! My name is Dullah, and I am an educator at The Channon Preschool. I hold a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and am deeply passionate about fostering a love of learning through play, creativity, and connection.
I bring joy and energy into our preschool space through music, dance, storytelling, and imaginative play. I also enjoy gardening with the children, helping them explore the wonders of nature and nurture a sense of responsibility and care for the environment.
Compassionate communication is at the heart of my teaching approach, as I believe that modeling emotional intelligence is essential for children’s development.
My goal is to create a warm, supportive, and inspiring environment where children feel safe to express themselves, build relationships, and grow into confident, curious individuals.
“The Channon Preschool has been a soft, nurturing environment for our son to feel safe and welcomed.
We appreciate the intentional & creative play spaces and daily activities. The community we have formed with the other families has been so enriching & our son will hold such treasured memories from his time spent here”
— James & Kate
”This is such a wonderful preschool! Lisa and her team are experienced, supportive and clearly passionate about their work. The preschool environment is safe and stimulating and the ethos generates a strong sense of community and family engagement. Our kids love it!”
— Rosie
The Channon Children’s Centre has been a wonderful place for our children to learn & grow, with caring, professional educators, & a well-structured, locally relevant & highly engaging curriculum.’
— Bill
The Channon is most beautiful and caring pre-school! The educators take such care to make every child feel a sense of belonging and ensure they are able to thrive. I notice tiny details like them putting out our kids favourite animal or colours on specific activities they know he will love. I also love the amazing mix of outdoor, messy, and educational play. Its a great community to be apart of, and I think the best kept secret of the Northern Rivers!
— Zoe & Traff
Here at The Channon Preschool, we recognise the Bundjalung People as the traditional owners of the Country on which we live and work.
We recognise and celebrate the diversity of Indigenous people and their enduring cultures and connections to the land and waters of Australia.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.
Contact Us
18 Mill Street
The Channon NSW
2480
Australia
Contact
02 66 88 6330
Opening Hours
Tue- Thu
8am - 4pm
