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Four year old kindergarten

Our kindergarten programs for four year olds build essential skills for today and the future

Our kindergarten programs

A child's first five years are widely recognised as a critical foundational period for a child's development, learning and acquisition of essential skills.

At the Y, we understand how important high quality early learning is for children's development. Our kindergarten programs help to develop skills like problem solving, critical thinking, communication, emotional regulation and relationship building. We're setting children up with a strong foundation for their future education and development.

Our programs are aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework and the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF).

A teacher sits at a table with two young children, helping them with a colorful learning activity using wooden sticks in a classroom setting.

Kindergarten

The kindergarten years are a time of curiosity, confidence and possibility. As children prepare for school, they continue to strengthen their independence, build meaningful relationships and develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to become capable learners. Our kindergarten program provides children with 15 hours of funded kindergarten each week, delivered by bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers and supported by experienced educators. Building on the strong foundations established throughout their early years, the program fosters children's social and emotional wellbeing while strengthening resilience, confidence, communication, independence and a strong sense of identity and belonging. Guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework (VEYLDF) and the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), our play-based, inquiry-led program encourages creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving. Through purposeful play, intentional teaching and meaningful relationships, children continue to develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions that prepare them for a successful transition to school and a lifelong love of learning.

A young child in a red smock painting a colorful rainbow on white paper at an easel in a bright classroom.

Our learning environments

Our kindergarten learning environments have been purposefully designed to inspire curiosity, creativity and a love of learning while supporting every child's individual interests, strengths and development. Children have access to engaging indoor and outdoor environments that encourage investigation, collaboration and imaginative play. Open-ended resources, literacy and numeracy experiences, STEM learning opportunities, creative arts, cooking experiences, cultural learning opportunities and natural play spaces encourage children to think critically, solve problems and confidently explore their interests. Learning extends beyond the classroom through environments that promote independence, creativity and inquiry, providing opportunities for children to investigate, create, cook, connect with different cultures and engage in meaningful experiences that reflect the world around them. Every environment is intentionally planned to encourage exploration, decision-making, collaboration and a genuine sense of belonging. Led by bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers, our learning environments evolve alongside children's ideas and emerging interests, creating authentic opportunities for inquiry, discovery and school readiness.

Young children in a classroom building with LEGO blocks, with a teacher assisting in the background. The classroom is bright with various educational materials visible.

Why happens each day

Every day in our kindergarten program balances child-led exploration with intentional teaching, creating meaningful opportunities for every child to learn, grow and thrive. Children engage in a rich variety of experiences — music and movement, creative arts, STEM, literacy and numeracy, outdoor exploration and inquiry-based projects — that build the skills, confidence and dispositions for lifelong learning. Our Y School ReadY Program sits alongside these experiences to support a positive transition to school. Learning extends beyond the classroom through our Bush Kinder program, incursions, excursions and community partnerships. At selected services, children also enjoy library visits and Spanish and Mandarin language programs, fostering a love of reading and an appreciation of diverse cultures. Strong partnerships with local primary schools provide meaningful transition experiences that help children build confidence for the journey ahead. Throughout the day, children connect with peers and educators through collaborative learning, yarning circles, outdoor play and everyday routines that strengthen communication, resilience and independence. By embracing each child's strengths and interests, our educators inspire a lifelong love of learning and prepare every child for a successful future.

A group of children wearing green vests walk in a line on a sunny footpath, led by an adult in an orange safety vest.

A smooth transition

Our two-year kindergarten program provides children with the time, continuity and opportunities to build strong foundations for lifelong learning. Across both the three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten years, children are encouraged to develop confidence, independence, resilience and a genuine love of learning at a pace that reflects their individual strengths, interests and development. Working in partnership with families, our bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers intentionally build on each child's learning from year to year, ensuring continuity and progression throughout their kindergarten journey. Through meaningful play, inquiry-based learning and intentional teaching, children develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions that support a confident transition to school and beyond. As children prepare for their next chapter, we collaborate with families, local primary schools and the wider community to create positive transition experiences that help every child feel familiar, capable and excited about starting school. By celebrating each child's unique journey and recognising their individual achievements, we ensure they leave kindergarten with the confidence to embrace new opportunities, continue their love of learning and transition to school as capable, connected and confident learners.

Children in hats gather outdoors for a hands-on gardening activity, supervised by an adult in a green hat. Gardening tools and plants are visible.

Free Kindergarten

As part of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reform, four-year-old kindergarten is transitioning to Pre-Prep, providing the same play-based learning benefits with increased hours. From 2026, eligible four-year-old children can access 22–22.5 hours of free kinder each week if they meet specific criteria, including Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identity, refugee or asylum seeker background, involvement with Child Protection Services, or previous support through Early Start Kindergarten or Access to Early Learning. This increased time supports children to build confidence, develop relationships and learn through play.

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Nurturing children to become independent, lifelong learners.

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Three young children sitting on cushions with colorful face paint designs, including a tiger, Spiderman, and a unicorn.
A woman helps a young girl with a coloring activity at a classroom table, emphasizing focused learning in an early childhood educational setting.
A teacher and two young children engaging in a hands-on activity at a table in a bright, colorful classroom.
A teacher and two young children work together with LEGO bricks on a table in a classroom, focusing on creative building and learning activities.
Colorful classroom with wooden play furniture, a table set with toy cupcakes, and international flags hanging above. Bright, child-friendly learning environment with open-ended play areas.
Children performing a dragon dance indoors, holding a colorful dragon costume and smiling, with classroom decorations and a television in the background.
Children wearing green vests and hats walk in a line on a sunny sidewalk, led by an adult in an orange safety vest, surrounded by greenery.
Smiling young child sits on a play mat, reaching toward a floating yellow scarf as an adult encourages and interacts with them in a colorful indoor playroom.