Preschool & Kindergarten Program (3-5 years)
Our Preschool & Kindergarten 2 year school readiness program provides children with the platform they need to thrive! It’s a unique approach that goes beyond education to encompass the health, social development and total wellbeing of every child in our care, whilst providing the flexibility of long day care hours to meet the different needs of families.
Download our Only About Children Preschool Room Guide and our Preschool Early Learning Journey to learn more about our Preschool and Kinder Program.
Our Preschool/Kindergarten program is for children aged 3 years to 5 years and
- Provides an innovative curriculum focused on left brain logic and right brain creativity
- Includes both structured and unstructured play-based learning that considers the child’s individual interests and development
- Provides an ‘Individual Learning and Development Plan’ for every child with 6 monthly check-ins with families
- A learning focus from 9am to 3pm to prepare children for typical school hours and routine whilst providing the flexibility of long hours for social development and play
- Is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and the National Quality Standard (NQS) for childcare.
- Includes Health and Social Development support in preparation for school, including complementary Vision Screening
- Meets the Victorian Government Kinder Tick and the Queensland Government Kindy Tick
- Is eligible for VIC Free Kinder Funding, NSW Start Strong Preschool Funding, and QLD Kindy Funding.
Discover More About Our School Readiness Program By Booking A Tour Of Your Local Campus
Discover More About Our School Readiness Program By Booking A Tour Of Your Local Campus
Preschool/Kindergarten 2 Year Curriculum
Our unique Grow educational curriculum forms the basis for essential early education and development. It is developed to meet the individual needs of each child with a strong focus on:
- Left Brain Logic – Literacy & Language, Exploration & STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) and Sustainability
- Right Brain Creativity – Music, Dramatic Play and Art
- Health and Wellbeing – Physical Activity and Nutrition
- Social Development, Trust, Respect & Relationships and Resilience & Mindfulness
Our enhanced focus on Physical Activity, Nutrition & Health (Speech, Occupational Therapy & Vision Screening) ensures that we provide children with the best possible preparation for school & life.
A Typical Day in Preschool/Kindergarten
We recognise that families require the flexibility of long day care hours and care during school holidays but also want to ensure that their children are school ready. Our two year preschool/kindergarten program ensures that children are prepared for school and beyond whilst providing the flexibility families need. See what a Typical day looks like in Preschool/Kindergarten.
The Power of Play
Evidence-based research shows that preschoolers learn best through play, so learning is woven into every experience they participate in, through both structured and unstructured learning. With play-based learning, every day includes consistent learning opportunities – and is fun at the same time.
Small Groups, Big Learning
Intentional teaching in small groups enhances your child’s learning experience, with Educators using active strategies such as demonstrating, open questioning, shared thinking and problem solving.
Families & Community
We see family as the first, most influential person/teacher in a child’s life and we understand the importance of strong partnerships with families and the communities in which we are part of. Through active, two-way communications with families it means we can understand and meet every child and family’s unique needs more fully.
In fact, keeping our families across every child’s individual development is so important, we ensure every child has an individual learning and development plan.
FAQs
What is Preschool & Kindergarten?
Preschool (as it is called in NSW) & Kindergarten (as it is called in VIC & QLD) helps prepare children for primary schooling. This normally occurs in the 2 years prior to starting school.
What age can children go to Preschool & Kindergarten?
Children can go to preschool/kindergarten from 3 years up to school age. It’s important to note that a child cannot attend an early childhood service over the age of 6 without authorization from The Department of Education, and Training.
In long daycare, children may start preschool/kindergarten before or after they turn 3 depending on their readiness as well as availability. The decision to transition a child to the next age group should always be conducted in consultation with the family.
Why is Preschool & Kindergarten so important?
Preschool/Kindergarten is the foundational step of a child’s lifelong learning journey. It is important as it provides children with an opportunity to learn important life skills and builds a positive attitude to learning. It is a stepping stone to the next big stage in a child’s life and by attending an early learning preschool or kindergarten children are able to experience a learning setting that is designed to be a transition from early childhood to school.
At preschool/kindergarten, children learn to develop positive learning habits through play based learning that is designed to promote creativity and critical thinking, children are encouraged to learn through exploration and experimentation while also introducing children to the more formal learning approach they will experience in school.
What Preschool & Kindergarten Programs do you have?
At Only About Children, our Preschool & Kindergarten program is much more than reading, writing or counting. Your child’s health, social development and total wellbeing is paramount and guides our Preschool & Kindergarten Grow Curriculum.
Our Preschool/Kindergarten Grow Curriculum includes:
- Left Brain Logic – Literacy & Language, Exploration & STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering & Math) and Sustainability
- Right Brain Creativity – Music, Dramatic Play and Art
- Health and Wellbeing – Physical Activity and Nutrition
- Social Development, Trust, Respect & Relationships and Resilience & Mindfulness
How do you help with transition to school?
At Only About Children, we are here to support children and families with every step of the transition to school.
We believe that school readiness is more than a program that is offered in the last few months of the year, it considers each individual child’s learning and development and ensures they are prepared for the transition to school.
At Only About Children, the 2 years before school are essential to create a strong and holistic transition to school for every child. In addition, in the year before school, educators work more closely with each child and their family and provide a robust, holistic approach to preparation for school that is based on the child’s individual learning and development plan for the year.
Only About Children offers its enrolled families school readiness information sessions, resources and webinars which are run by our Education and Health teams and leading industry childhood experts.
Can I try a day of Kindergarten & Preschool for my child?
Contact our enrolments team on 138 622 to find out about a tour and trial at your local Only About Children campus.
How do I enrol my child?
Simply book a tour here or contact our enrolments team on 138 622 to get step-by-step instructions on how to enrol your child.
How does Preschool/Kindergarten in long daycare differ?
A Preschool/Kindergarten Program in a long daycare environment offers high quality care with the flexibility of extended hours to support working families. It also offers continuity of care – from Nursery to Toddlers up to Preschool. Learn more here.
What if my child needs a daytime rest?
We include quiet time in our Preschool/Kindergarten routine, allowing children to read, relax and recharge.
Is my child ready for Primary School?
Starting school is a big step for children and their parents. At Only About Children, as well as learning outcomes, a child’s social and emotional skills are just as important. We want your child to be confident and socially ready to manage a classroom and playground. We work with families to prepare a child through their transition to school with the support of our Educators, Health Team and even your local school.
Our Health Team of Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists and Dietitian can provide a comprehensive School Readiness Assessment to help you make the right decision for your child.
What is holistic learning?
At Only About Children, our unique approach to early learning goes beyond education to encompass the health and total wellbeing of every child.
Do Only About Children campuses in Victoria get the Kinder tick?
Yes, every Only About Children campus in Victoria displays the Kinder Tick as they meet the criteria set out by the Victorian Government. You can find out more about the Victorian Government Approved Kinder Tick here.
Is the Only About Children Preschool/Kindergarten program eligible for Government funding?
Yes, our Preschool/Kindergarten programs are eligible for VIC Free Kinder Funding, NSW Start Strong Preschool Funding and QLD Kindy Funding. You can learn more about State funded Preschool and Kinder program funding here.
