Pre Ed (Early Years)
Pre Ed (Early Years) is a fire safety education program for children aged 3 to 5 years in Early Childhood Educator and Care Services, delivered by educators with the support of local firefighters. The program is mapped to the Early Years Learning Framework.
At a glance
- Stage: Early Years (children aged 3 to 5 years)
- Curriculum: Early Years Learning Framework
- Format: 4 educator-led lessons + 1 service fire evacuation drill + 1 firefighter session
- Duration: 5 to 6 weeks (4 x 30 minute lessons, 1 x 30 minute evacuation drill, 1 x 40 minute firefighter session)
- Cost: Free
- Delivered by: Educators, with a visit from local firefighters in Week 5
What students learn
Children will learn:
- about firefighters,
- how to stay safe in a fire,
- how to create and practice a Home Fire Escape Plan, and
- about match/lighter safety.
Curriculum alignment
The lessons have been designed to align with, and meet components of, the Early Years Learning Framework for Australia (Learning Outcomes for children 0–5 years).
The five key outcomes are:
- Children have a strong sense of identity.
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
- Children are confident and involved learners.
- Children are effective communicators.
Teaching resources
Everything educators need to deliver Pre Ed (Early Years) is available to download below.
- Lesson Plans (PDF) - the complete teaching program
- Educator Resource Kit (PDF) - supporting materials and background information
- Firefighter Session Plan (PDF) - outlines what the Week 5 firefighter visit covers
Lesson Five: Firefighter Session (video)
This video is an alternative to the firefighter visit and should only be used when a visit from local firefighters cannot be facilitated at your school or centre. A face-to-face visit is always preferred.
How to run the program
To ensure this evidence-based program is implemented correctly and consistently, planning and delivery must follow these steps.
- Request the program. Complete the Program Request Form. A fire station will contact you to confirm. Make sure to book the firefighter session for Week 5 of the program. Bookings for the face-to-face firefighter visit must be made at least 5 weeks in advance.
- Conduct the pre-test assessment one week prior to commencing the program.
- Deliver the lessons — one per week:
- Week 1: Lesson One
- Week 2: Lesson Two
- Week 3: Lesson Three
- Week 4: Lesson Four
- Week 5: Firefighter Session
- Conduct the Service Fire Evacuation Drill during the program.
- Conduct the post-test assessments immediately after program completion, and again two months later.
- Complete the feedback form to help us evaluate and improve the program.
Supporting students with diverse learning needs
Questions and further resources
Contact the Community Risk Reduction Unit on (02) 9742 7400 or at crr@fire.nsw.gov.au, or speak to your local fire station.