When can my child start kindergarten?
- Children need to have turned three before April 30 to begin 3 year old kinder at the start of the year.
- This means they cannot attend until their 3rd birthday. (impacts on Educator/child ratios)
- We encourage careful consideration of whether it is appropriate to have a child commence at a younger age. Evidence/experience, parental feedback all support, deferring entry into pre-school.
What is the kindergarten group size and how many educators?
- In our programs there is an Early Childhood Teacher and educator.
- The number of children present is 22 maximum.
What does snack time look like?
- In our programs children all sit together to have snack following group time, mid way through the session.
- Placemats with their photos and name are placed out for them.
- Please try to keep packaging and processed food to a minimum or NOT at all.
- As a further extension of our healthy snack policy and promoting the drinking of water when thirsty, the children will be required to bring a drink bottle with their name on it. This will be placed on a trolley as they come in at the beginning of the session. They will have access to this, at all times during the session. They will be taken home daily. Please ensure that ONLY water is put into the drink bottles
- Please make sure lunch boxes/containers are named (bottoms and lids) and are user friendly.
When does kindergarten start?
- We follow the Victorianschool term dates.
- However the beginning of each year is slightly modified to allow for interviews with all families and end of year, there will be a scheduled pack up day.
- For your child’s interview/orientation session: You come at an allocated time share information with your Educator, complete necessary forms, including any medical forms ie allergy, asthma plans
- There is a week or two of modified times the children will attend for a shorter times and in smaller groups as they adjust to coming to our kindergarten.
What to bring to kindergarten:
- A kinder bag to hold belongings and a change of clothes
- A wide brimmed or legionnaires sun hat in Terms 1 and 4
- Sunscreen applied before attending
- A coat, gloves and beanie on cold/wet days
- A healthy snack/lunch box
- A drink bottle filled with water only
- A spare change of clothes including socks and underwear.
Please ensure that clothing, hats, bags and lunch boxes etc. are clearly named.
Will this be your child’s first early learning setting?
They will experience meeting new people as well as taking part in new routines. This can make your child feel reluctant to leave your side. It is helpful to be positive about the experience and support your child with their feelings. It is important that is settled at Kindergarten before you leave. Give them a kiss and a cuddle and some reassurance that you will be returning at the end of the session. At the end of the session provide your child lots of encouragement about all the wonderful things that they have done at Kindergarten that day.