4-5yo Kindergarten Program

What are the hours of the Kindergarten Program?

Our kindergarten program runs from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday. Children are welcome to attend from 6:30am until 6:30pm to access quality care throughout the day. We ask that all children in our Kindergarten rooms (Emu’s, Goannas and Kookaburras) have arrived by 9:30am as this is when we have our ‘welcome group time’; it is an important time for your child to find out what to expect from the day as well as take part in daily literacy and math experiences.

Meal times are progressive, allowing the children to choose when they join the dinning table. As a guideline, morning tea starts at 10:00am, lunch at 12:30pm and afternoon tea at 3:00pm.

What will the program look/sound like?

Preschoolers are busy, active, noisy and eager to learn. The rooms are large and will have many different focus areas to provide opportunities to support learning and development. Throughout the day children will have the chance to participate in a wide range of experiences individually, in small groups and as a whole group. We follow the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and recognise that every child will follow their own path to the five outcomes and that all children will require different levels of support.

What is Funded Kindergarten ?

In Victoria, it is the year or two of early education before children begin school. The State Government Kindergarten Funding is available for each child to attend one program before they start school. The program must be run by qualified Kindergarten Teachers. Children must be enrolled for a minimum of 15 hours per week. Children within our 4-5 years program are at least four years of age by the 30th of April. The kindergarten teacher can declare that a child is eligible to receive a second yer of funded kindergarten if:

• the child is observed as having delays in at least two outcome areas of learning and development detailed thin the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and

• there is evidence to suggest the child will achieve better outcomes if he/she attends a second year of kindergarten to strengthen the learning and development of skills in these areas and better facilitate transition to school the following year.

Will I get more information?

Yes, most definitely!

• Our School Stream App will contain newsletters, daily reflections, centre events and notices throughout the year.

• You are invited to attend a interview with your Jennelle, Gaby or Keeley to discuss your child’s needs and expectations of kindergarten

• At drop off and pick up, educators look forward to a quick chat about your child’s day

• Our daily reflections are another great way to keep up to date with the program, experiences and activities enjoyed throughout the day