Kindergarten Information
Victorian Government Funded Three- and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten
Village Early Education offer an integrated kindergarten program in line with the Victorian Government Best Start, Best Life reforms. This means that eligible children aged three and four, have access to a kinder program delivered by an Early Childhood Teacher for a minimum of 15 hours per week in the two years prior to school.
Our kindergarten program is integrated into our long day care allowing added flexibility for our families with the ability to drop off and collect any time between 6.30am and 6pm.
Kindergarten Program Overview
At Village Early Education, we use strategies and learning objectives drawn from the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework to provide a consistent approach to education across our organisation.
Holistic Approach
We integrate the VEYLDF framework to our curriculum and programs to offer a holistic educational experience that combines play-based learning with structured educational activities. This approach nurtures children’s natural curiosity and encourages active engagement in their learning journey.
Learning Outcomes
The VEYLDF has a strong focus on play-based learning and emphasises the importance of communication and language, as well as social and emotional development in children in preparation for their formal schooling years.
Play-Based Learning
At Village, we support children’s learning and development through a play-based learning approach. We provide a classroom environment with a structured, flexible routine where children have ample opportunity to play and learn through a variety of experiences.
Educators are intentional and responsive during children’s play and interact with purpose. They assist children as they learn, discover, create, improvise, test theories, imagine and engage with others.
School Readiness
At Village, our programs emphasise social and emotional well-being, equipping children with the skills necessary for success in a school environment. While writing and counting are often associated with school readiness, we prioritise lifelong skills that will benefit children throughout their learning and life.
School readiness refers to a child’s preparedness for the transition to school, encompassing not just academic skills but also social, emotional, and physical development. Key components of school readiness include: engaging appropriately in group activities, self regulate emotional responses, following multi-step instructions, being responsible for personal belongings, managing peer conflicts, and developing self-help skills.
Integrated Kindergarten
Our kindergarten program is integrated into our long day care setting allowing added flexibility for our families with the ability to drop off and collect any time between 6.30am and 6pm.
Each centres kindergarten structure is reviewed annually and is adjusted based on the needs of the children, number of enrolments and operational requirements of the centre. The structure for the following year will be communicated to families once all aspects have been considered and a decision has been made.
Is it free?
The Best Start, Best Life offset is available to all funded three- and four-year-old children at Village Early Education. This is a reduction of fees in addition to Child Care Subsidy (CCS). This will provide a free program for some families and a significantly reduced cost for other families, depending on service fees, number of days attended, and the amount of Commonwealth subsidy received.
Transition Learning and Development Statements
Frequently Asked Question
What is the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework, and how does it influence your kindergarten program?
The Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) is Victoria’s specific curriculum framework for early childhood education. It guides our educational practices by outlining the principles, practices, and outcomes necessary to promote children’s comprehensive development. By aligning our kindergarten program with the VEYLDF, we ensure that our curriculum supports cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth, assisting in preparing children to transition to primary school.
How does the funded kindergarten program in Victoria benefit my child?
What technology is available to parents to stay connected with their child’s progress?
At Village Early Education, we utilise OWNA. This user-friendly app allows parents stay informed about their child’s progress, view learning goals, access weekly menus prepared by our chefs, and manage their child’s enrolment and fees. This tool fosters a strong partnership between home and the centre, ensuring consistent and open communication.
What support do you offer for families applying for the funded kindergarten program?
Families are not required to apply for the Best Start, Best Life reforms funding. We work with families to provide information on our Kindergarten program and assist in completing any additional information required for the Department of Education. The fee subsidy is applied to your fees and is visible on your statement of account.
