About Us

Our Mission

Mobile early childhood services provide adaptable and innovative, educationally focused opportunities for communities that are isolated due to a variety of reasons. Ooranga strives towards best-practice preschool services, aligning with the Early Years Learning Framework, to prepare young children for the transition to school in their local community.

Ooranga preschool and playgroup venues are community owned facilities that are not purpose built for childcare and enable the service to deliver preschool in the local communities where no other reasonable access is available.

The word Ooranga, comes from an Aboriginal word, meaning "a place where children play."

Learn more with our   Ooranga Brochure  Ooranga Brochure

 

Proud member of GECHO GECHO Logo

Our History

In 1979 a group of interested parents met with the view of forming an organisation which could provide support and back up to small groups of isolated families and provide playgroup activities for their young children

A committee was formed and after much hard work, a grant was finally made available in 1981. The committee purchased a van and educational equipment, then went about setting up the Toy Library and employing staff. The organisation was incorporated in 1982 and called Ooranga Family Mobile Resource Unit Association Incorporated.

Ooranga staff have delivered playgroups to small communities around Gunnedah and currently visits 10 small villages and communities each fortnight. Over time, the service has grown to operate preschool for two days each week at seven different, geographically isolated venues across three Local Government Areas.

Policies

Ooranga Family Mobile Resource Unit Assoc. Inc. has developed policies and procedures which govern the day to day operation of its services.

Printed copies of our policies are located at the Ooranga office, each preschool venue and in the playgroup van and are available to all members. Ooranga policies are developed by staff and Ooranga members in accordance to the seven areas of the National Quality Standard. The policies, along with supporting operational procedures, assist staff and members to ensure the safety of children and adults in attendance at Ooranga services and guide the provision of quality early childhood education and care.

Policies are regularly reviewed by staff and the Ooranga Management Committee. Families are encouraged to read the Policies, ask staff if they have any questions and provide any suggestions for changes to improve the quality of Ooranga services.

All staff, volunteers and members are expected to abide by the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics.
A copy of these is available at Ooranga centres or online at the ECA website.

Early Childhood Education Act, Regulations and Guidelines