Pre-schooling with a difference
The children at RIDBC Roberta Reid Preschool are learning new things all the time. The lesson they are currently learning is to make the best of their situation.
We offer three specialist preschool programs across New South Wales and Victoria.
Preschools at North Rocks (NSW)
Children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision can enrol at one of our three specialist preschools (NextSense Spoken Language Preschool, NextSense Sign Bilingual Preschool, NextSense Blind and Low Vision Preschool) where our expert teachers foster language, emotional and social development to enhance self-esteem and independence. We also offer specialist hearing loss support for children in mainstream preschools.
We offer three specialist preschool programs:
- NextSense Spoken Language Preschool, an inclusive early learning program for children aged 3-5 years who are deaf or hard of hearing and their hearing peers.
- NextSense Sign Bilingual Preschool, a bilingual (Auslan and English) program for deaf and hard of hearing children who are being educated with their signing hearing peers. Children can enrol in this program from 2 years of age.
- NextSense Blind and Low Vision Preschool, for children with low vision aged 3-5 years.
Kindergarten at Blackburn (Victoria)
NextSense Kindergarten at Blackburn provides inclusive programs for hearing children and children with hearing loss who are 3 and 4-years-old. Our programs aim to stimulate a child’s development, and build self-confidence and social skills to best prepare them for school.
Our teachers and support staff are highly experienced in meeting the needs of all children, including those with hearing loss. For children who are deaf or hard of hearing, we can adapt their environment to best suit their needs, including by using assistive technology and acoustically optimal environments.
Take a virtual tour around our Blackburn Kindergarten.
For further information regarding NextSense Kindergarten at Blackburn (excluding enrolments, which are managed by Whitehorse PreSchool Association) please get in touch with us:
- Phone: 1800 211 123
- Email: victoria@nextsense.org.au
- Address: 137 Blackburn Road, Blackburn VIC 3130
Enrolment forms are available on the Whitehorse PreSchool Association (WPSA) website.
Learning together
We recognise the importance of your family in your child's early learning. That's why our programs are designed to engage with parents and caregivers.
Our kindergarten and preschools operate on an inclusive model. This means your child will learn alongside hearing peers from the local community, who can be excellent language and listening models. All children receive specialist education from our expert teaching staff, and by attending preschool together can develop social connections and learn together in an inclusive environment.
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About hearing loss
When it comes to hearing loss, we’re experts. You may only just be beginning your journey with hearing loss—so here’s some information to help you.
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Cochlear Implant Services
From newborns to people over 90 years old, we've changed the lives of thousands of Australians in our cochlear implant program.
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Early Intervention—hearing
From birth onwards, we help to build foundations for learning and critical life skills to give your child the confidence to explore the world around them.
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Paediatric Audiology
Need child-friendly hearing assessments for infants and children? You've come to the right place.
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Allied Health and therapy
We offer integrated allied health services, or therapy, for children and adults with hearing or vision loss.
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School Services
As well as specialist NextSense schools, we also support children with hearing or vision loss in their mainstream schools.
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Connected Services
We support children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision—wherever you are in Australia.
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Service guides and handbooks
Access downloadable guides for all NextSense services, as well as a guide to NextSense Institute, our centre for research and education.
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NextSense and the NDIS
As a registered NDIS provider, we’re here to help you access services and resources that you, your child or family need.
