Pre-Kindergarten
Ages
3-4 years
During the early years, a child’s brain is at its most flexible, making it the perfect age for learning new skills and acquiring knowledge. Research shows that play-based learning is a powerful way to support a child’s development, as 90 per cent of a child’s brain develops by the time they turn five.
There’s evidence which also shows that two years of quality play-based learning has long-term positive impact on a child’s learning journey.
Our Pre-Kindergarten program is designed to provide curious three year olds with a well-rounded play-based learning experience. Supported by qualified and experienced Educators, the children learn key skills such as creative thinking and problem-solving, develop social and emotional skills, as well as early literacy and language skills – which lays the groundwork for success later in life.
As a national early education and care provider, we understand that each state has its own unique requirements. Our Pre-Kindergarten program is guided by the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), or the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF). Find out more about these by visiting our centre pages.
Our learning journeys are age-appropriate and flexible. We believe in finding a balance while ensuring that we’re providing a stimulating, warm and nurturing learning environment during their Pre-Kindergarten years to encourage their curiosity.
6:30 – 7:00am
3 – 4 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.
7:00 – 8:00am
Our Pre-Kindergarten children are welcomed with warmth and respect from their fellow peers and teachers, as authentic relationships are built with each individual child. This warm welcome provides children with a sense of belonging and connection to their classroom environment and community.
7:00 – 9:00am
Families can take the time to relax and enjoy a barista made coffee and baked treat and ease into their day in our beautifully designed lounge.
Throughout the year, families are also invited to attend specialist and community information sessions.
9:00 – 9:30am
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 Pre-Kindergarten children enjoy their yoga and culinary classes but especially love it when it’s time for an outdoor adventure.
9:30 – 10:00am
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.
10:00 – 11:00am
Early literacy and numeracy support the development of a child’s interest and skills in reading, writing, creating and listening in a way that allows them to communicate effectively with the world around them.
To encourage their interests, children are provided with age-appropriate (and fun!) activities such as culinary lessons which give them the opportunity to measure and count, compare and sort objects according to colour and size, songs and rhymes, and more.
11:30 – 12:00pm
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
During the middle of the day the environment slows down and the curriculum learning opportunities alter. Relaxation music assists to create an atmosphere where children can utilise a toddler bed, cushion, or a quiet place to rest and relax.
Children can also engage in relaxation and mindfulness activities, which helps them 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.
2:00 – 2:30pm
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) activities provide our Pre-Kindergarten 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.
2:30 – 3:00pm
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.
3:00 – 4:00pm
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.
4:00 – 6:30pm
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.
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.
Discover More
We invite you to explore our Toddler and Kindergarten learning journeys here.
Babies grow and develop at incredible speed, achieving many significant milestones along the way. To help reach these, our passionate educators nurture them every step of the way. Our Nursery learning journeys entices them to explore their curiosity in a safe, creative and supportive environment.
Foundational life skills are pivotal in our Kindergarten and Pre-School curriculum and underpin the Positive School Transition programs we offer our children. The Kindergarten learning journey celebrates children’s individuality and encourages their love of self and learning through innovative and inspiring play-based opportunities.
