Our Kindergarten
When the environment is fun and inviting, play shapes the structural design of the brain releasing ‘happy’ hormones.
Research shows that children engaged in quality play-based experiences are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development and can regulate their behaviour, supporting the transition to school and academic learning later in life.
Led by Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, Green Leaves Early Learning draws on the most current approaches and practices in early education with curriculum designs founded on self-directed, play-based learning experiences. These allow children to explore and identify their own theories and ideas, negotiate and take risks. These important skills allow children to enter the wider world with confidence, curiosity and a lifelong desire to learn.
As a national early education and care provider, we understand that each state has its own unique requirements. At Green Leaves, our Kindy programs are tailored to the approved Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) where required. Find out more about these by visiting our centre pages.
Victoria
For families in Victoria, children have access to two years of funded Kindergarten (starting in Pre-Kindergarten). Learn more about the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life Kinder initiative here.
Queensland
For families in Queensland, children who are turning four by 30 June 2024 can access 15 hours of government-funded Kindergarten (up to 600 hours per year), which is in addition to the Childcare Subsidy (CCS).
A calculator is available to estimate fees, taking the CCS and Free-Kindy funding into consideration. View calculator.
Led by a Bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teacher, the approved and funded Kindy program aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guideline (QKLG).
Learn more about Queensland Government’s 15 hours of Free Kindy initiative here.
There’s never been a better time to consider embarking on a Kindergarten learning journey with Green Leaves.
Positive School Transition Program
At Green Leaves, our Kindergarten program is designed to build upon their confidence in skills such as letter recognition and phonics, as well as foundational literacy. However, developing skills to support the transition to school extends well beyond those things.
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The transition to school is a significant milestone for children and their families. At Green Leaves, our Kindergarten program is designed to build upon a child’s confidence in skills such as letter recognition and phonics, as well as foundational literacy.
However, developing skills to support the transition to school extends well beyond those things. Skills such as self and co-regulation, independence and ownership, self and community identity and a sense of connectedness are nurtured as part of our Positive School Transition program. These skills support a child’s transition to formal schooling.
Our community connections and partnerships with local schools enable teachers and students to visit our Kindergarten classes and engage in activities such as reading, musical performances, and more. This is a wonderful introduction to the schooling community.
As part of our Kindergarten program, the children receive a Green Leaves Kindy shirt, which is a symbolic step in their school transition journey and a visual statement of inclusion. Upon graduating from the Kindergarten program, our Educators provide children with their Transition to School Statement which will assist their future teachers in getting to know them.
Our Lunchbox Program makes up another important element of our Positive School Transition program. We create an environment that encourages the development of healthy eating, confidence and independence during mealtimes. This sets children up to thrive physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally, which are critical areas of development.
Through the Lunchbox Program, children will collaborate with our in-house chefs to plan lunchbox meal ideas using fresh and nutritious in-season produce.
Educators also facilitate real-life situations such as eating from a lunchbox in a supported environment for children to query, explore, practice and develop the skills such as removing the lunchbox lid, and unwrapping or peeling packaging. As children enjoy meals with their peers, they develop further evolving language concepts, relationships and socialisation which form meaningful social connections.
<< LessExtra-Curricular Activities
Kindergarten children at Green Leaves enjoy all-inclusive extra-curricular activities which include incursions, excursions and visiting shows. These activities are thoughtfully curated to provide quality play-based learning environment.
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Kindergarten children at Green Leaves enjoy all-inclusive extra-curricular activities which include incursions, excursions and visiting shows. These activities are thoughtfully curated to provide a quality play-based learning environment.
While each of our centres offers varying activities, the natural environment is an integral part of the program at Green Leaves. When the weather permits, the children enjoy Bush Kindy. Throughout the year, the children also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature-themed incursions about wildlife and sustainability.
As the children progress into this year, additional excursions into the community become important to help them see their place in the world, understand the many roles, jobs and tasks undertaken in the community and depending on the centre, visit local landmarks or community hubs.
<< LessHealth & Nutrition
The early years play an invaluable role in laying the foundations for healthy eating. Our talented and creative in-house Chefs is the force behind all freshly-prepared meals and seasonal menus at Green Leaves.
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The early years play an invaluable role in laying the foundations for healthy eating. Our talented and creative in-house Chefs is the force behind all freshly-prepared meals and seasonal menus at Green Leaves.
Hosting regular culinary lessons for the children, our Chefs play an essential role in teaching our children the importance of making healthy food choices and nourishing their bodies to think and play. Through these culinary lessons, children are empowered with the knowledge to make healthier food choices, which leads to more awareness relating to physical and emotional health.
Maintaining our thriving edible gardens spark curiosity and conversations with our children about their food’s source. The discussions during these hands-on activities help children develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of food, which in turn supports a healthy and positive attitude towards good food choices.
<< LessA day in the life of our kindergarten
Continental Breakfast
4 – 6 year olds bounce out of bed with enthusiasm each day. For our really early risers, a communal nutritious breakfast freshly prepared by our chef can be enjoyed.
Warm Welcome
Our Kindergarten and Pre-School children are welcomed with warmth and respect from their fellow peers and teachers, as authentic relationships are built with each individual child.
Families are encouraged to assist children with morning tasks that build upon their confidence and support their transition to school. This warm welcome provides children with a sense of belonging and connection to their classroom environment and community.
Parent Lounge
Families can take the time to relax or catch up on some work while enjoying a barista coffee and baked treat in our beautifully designed lounge.
Throughout the year, families are also invited to attend specialist and community information sessions.
Extra-Curricular Activities
Green Leaves Early Learning education and care programs are inclusive of all activities including excursions and visiting shows. We do this because we are committed to ensuring that no child misses out.
Our Kindergarten and Pre-School children enjoy their yoga and culinary classes but especially love it when it’s time for an outdoor adventure.
Morning Tea
As part of their learning journey, our chef’s teach children to understand the importance of making healthy food choices and nourishing their bodies to think and play.
Our children also learn about food safety and hygiene and enjoy taking part in preparing their dining table before meals and helping each other to clear it afterwards.
Literacy and Numeracy
Literacy and numeracy skills are vital to ensuring children are given the best chance to succeed in their schooling and everyday life.
Our literacy programs support the development of a child’s ability to read, write, create, speak and listen in a way that allows them to communicate and function effectively with the world around them.
Our numeracy programs give our children the opportunity to solve problems and make sense of time, numbers, patterns and shapes.
Lunch Time
When slow cooked pulled pork, corn and avocado salsa, brown rice and freshly made roti is served for a communal lunch, there’s never any leftovers.
Active, growing bodies require excellent nutrition and our menus are created by our qualified chefs with this in mind.
Relaxation and Mindfulness
Relaxation and mindfulness activities assist children to self-regulate, build an understanding of social and emotional consciousness and support mental health and well-being.
Meditation, yoga and exploring sensory experiences in our zen garden can be enjoyed anytime throughout the day.
STEAM Based Investigative Play
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) activities provide our Kindergarten and Pre-School children with hands-on educational experiences. The introduction of interactive technology enhances both the teaching and learning experience.
As they explore, tinker, build, experiment, observe and problem solve, our children develop the skills to think creatively and critically throughout their life.
Afternoon Tea
Progressive meal times are a community time in which children assist to prepare food and the meal environment, inviting peers to share in this social opportunity and make connections to themselves and others.
Mini savoury vegetable and tasty cheese quiches served with seasonal fruit is an afternoon favourite.
Environmental Sustainability
“To save the world for later” was how one of our gorgeous 5 year olds was heard explaining their understanding of environmental sustainability.
We know that fostering a child’s love of their natural world needs to take place before we ask for their help to save it. Discovering and observing plant and animal life cycles is just one example of how our sustainability curriculum piques a child’s curiosity, wonder and heightens their appreciation for this beautiful world.
Free Play and Farewell
As children engage in free play activities exercising their imagination and creativity, we begin to farewell our friends until tomorrow. Each child leaves the centre feeling valued and eager to return.
For those staying back a little late, a light evening snack is provided to get the children through the afternoon until it is dinner time.
We invite you to explore our Nursery and Toddler learning journeys here.