Kindergarten programs in Victoria
Uniting offers exceptional kindergarten programs across Victoria, focusing on early childhood development, inclusivity, and community involvement.
Kinder with heart
What is Kindergarten?
Kindergarten is a crucial step in early childhood education, bridging the gap between home and formal schooling. In Victoria, kindergarten programs usually cater to children aged 3-5, offering structured learning experiences that foster social, emotional, and cognitive development. Our kindergarten programs are designed to ignite curiosity, encourage exploration, and build essential skills for lifelong learning. Our kindergarten environments nurture each child’s unique potential, preparing them for a successful transition to formal schooling. With a blend of play-based learning and structured activities, we provide a solid foundation for your child’s educational journey in Melbourne and throughout Victoria.
The role of kindergarten in early childhood
Social engagement at kindergarten plays an important part in your child’s development of identity, community and sense of self. Children learn to navigate their emotions and respond to others in prosocial ways. At kindergarten, children experience the benefits and challenges that come with working with others, with the support of educators who help children navigate the complexities of peer-peer relationships.
Children explore letters, sounds and vocabulary through play-based experiences like book reading, drawing, dramatic play, singing and conversations with peers and educators. These are essential precursors to literacy learning in later years.
Support from educators at kindergarten creates an environment for children to increasingly practice acts of self-care like looking after their belongings, solving problems independently and making decisions that support their own wellbeing.
Children practice thinking, making decisions and testing ideas. They explore possibilities and take on feedback from others to inform their decision making. When children have opportunities to practice making choices and taking risks safely in supportive environments, they are better equipped to respond to challenges.
Through music, movement, arts and dramatic play, children explore the world and find new ways to express themselves. Many skills learned through the arts, including spatial awareness, are vital precursors to other areas of learning such as early numeracy development.
What happens at a kindergarten?
A typical day at our Early Learning includes:
- Structured learning activities
- Free play and exploration
- Group discussions and story time
- Outdoor play and physical activities
- Arts and crafts
- Music and movement sessions
- Quiet time for rest and reflection
These activities are carefully designed to support your child’s holistic development while making learning fun and engaging.
Why choose Uniting kindergarten?
Uniting stands out among kindergartens in Melbourne and Victoria for several reasons:
- Professional and caring educators
- Safe and nurturing environments
- Inclusive programs tailored to children's individual needs
- Strong community ties
Experienced educators
Our qualified educators are passionate about early childhood development. They create personalised learning experiences, ensuring each child’s unique needs are met. Our team stays up-to-date with the latest educational practices, providing a high-quality learning environment for your child.
Our kindergarten programs
Uniting kindergarten programs focus on:
- Social interaction and emotional intelligence
- Cognitive development through play-based learning
- Creative expression and problem-solving skills
- Physical development and coordination
- Early literacy and numeracy skills
We encourage parent involvement, fostering a strong partnership between home and kindergarten.
Frameworks
Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF)
The VEYLDF guides our approach to early childhood education, emphasising key areas such as communication, wellbeing, learning, and identity. This framework ensures a consistent, high-quality early learning experience across all our kindergarten Melbourne and Victoria locations.
Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
The EYLF complements the VEYLDF, focusing on play-based learning and building a sense of belonging. This national framework helps children develop strong foundations for future learning success.
Our kindergarten locations
We have a range of kindergartens across Victoria. Find your closest kindergarten here:
Enrolment
If you are interested in enrolling in a Uniting kindergarten service, you can fill out our expression of interest form. Alternatively, if you require more information or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact the kindergarten location directly.
Frequently asked questions
Kindergarten is not compulsory in Victoria or Tasmania, however the majority of children do attend at least one year of kindergarten (four year old kindergarten) to develop social skills and the early learning skills that will help ease their transition to school.
Our programs are tailored to the unique needs, abilities and interests of children. Both 3- and 4-year-old kindergarten programs are led by a qualified teacher and have learning programs tailored to the individual needs of the group.
Some programs and locations may be subsidised by the Victorian and Tasmanian state governments. To find out if you are eligible, please contact our team for more information.
While the times of your kindergarten sessions may vary depending on your specific location, children attend kindergarten for 15 hours a week.
Yes, Uniting is an inclusive environment for children and families from all different backgrounds. We can provide translated materials and interpreters on request.
Kindergarten news
