Kinder Programs
Kinder Programs at Amaroo
A strong beginning for school—and everything that comes after it
Amaroo offers government-approved and funded Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs in Ferntree Gully. Each program combines purposeful, play-based learning with the familiarity and convenience of long day care.
Children learn with qualified early childhood teachers in a supportive environment where they are known as individuals. With care available from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, families receive the benefits of a kindergarten program without having to manage shorter sessional hours or move their child between different services.
This approach offers families:
Government-approved and funded kindergarten programs
Qualified early childhood teachers
Extended care from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm
Familiar educators and surroundings
Regular communication about their child’s experiences and progress
Most importantly, children have time to learn at their own pace. Their days include intentional teaching as well as opportunities to play, create, investigate, move, socialise and spend time outdoors.
Kindergarten within long day care
Choosing kindergarten is an important decision. Families want a program that will prepare their child for school, but they also want them to feel secure, supported and excited to attend. At Amaroo, kindergarten is part of the child’s day rather than a separate experience. Children can participate in a structured educational program while continuing to enjoy the relationships, routines, meals, rest and care provided throughout the day.
Three Year Old Kindergarten
Three-year-old kindergarten gives children a valuable opportunity to build confidence, develop relationships and become more involved in their own learning.
The program provides a thoughtful balance of child-led play and educator-guided experiences. Children are encouraged to make choices, communicate their ideas, try new activities and begin solving problems with increasing independence.
At this age, learning happens through everyday experiences. Building with blocks can introduce early mathematical thinking. Sharing a story can strengthen language and imagination. Group play helps children practise listening, cooperation and expressing their needs.
The environment and curriculum are planned to encourage equitable participation, allowing every child to engage in ways that suit their interests, abilities and stage of development.
Four Year Old Kindergarten
Amaroo’s Four-Year-Old Kindergarten program builds on the skills, interests and confidence children have already developed. It supports their growing independence while helping them prepare for the transition to primary school.
School readiness is about much more than recognising letters or counting numbers. Children also need to feel confident in a group, communicate with others, manage everyday tasks and approach unfamiliar situations with curiosity.
The program supports children to:
- Express their ideas and ask questions
- Listen, take turns and work with others
- Develop early literacy and numeracy skills through play
- Strengthen concentration and problem-solving
- Take greater responsibility for their belongings and routines
- Build resilience when something does not work the first time
- Feel positive and capable as they approach school
Regular bush and community outings, incursions and connections with the wider community add further variety to the program. These experiences give children opportunities to apply their learning beyond the kindergarten room and develop a stronger understanding of the world around them.
Starting kindergarten at Amaroo
Beginning kindergarten is a significant step for both children and parents. Amaroo offers a free orientation program that can be tailored to suit the needs of each family. Orientation gives your child time to become familiar with the room, educators and daily routines before commencing. It also gives you an opportunity to share important information, ask questions and discuss how the team can support a comfortable transition.
Pre-Prep at Amaroo from 2027
Victoria is gradually transitioning Four-Year-Old Kindergarten to Pre-Prep, with expanded hours being introduced in stages across the state.
As the City of Knox is included in the priority rollout, Amaroo is preparing to introduce Pre-Prep from 2027. Further information about available hours, eligibility and how the program will operate at Amaroo will be provided as arrangements are confirmed.
Families interested in future Pre-Prep places are welcome to contact the centre for the latest information.
Learning through play, discovery and guidance
Play is central to the way children learn at Amaroo. It gives them the freedom to experiment, make decisions, use their imagination and explore ideas that are meaningful to them. The kindergarten curriculum is emergent, which means it develops in response to the children’s interests, questions and experiences. Educators observe what children are doing and thinking, then introduce resources, conversations and activities that extend their learning.
A child’s interest in insects, for example, might develop into drawing, counting, researching habitats, exploring the garden and sharing discoveries with the group. One idea can connect language, science, creativity, numeracy and environmental awareness in a way that feels natural and engaging.
This does not mean learning is left to chance. Educators plan both spontaneous and intentional experiences, gently challenging children to move from what they can already do towards what they may be ready to achieve next.
Supporting the whole child
Amaroo’s kindergarten programs are guided by the Victorian Early Years Learning and Development Framework and the Early Years Learning Framework. Together, these frameworks support five important areas of learning and development:
- Children have a strong sense of identity.
- Children are connected with and contribute to their world.
- Children have a strong sense of wellbeing.
- Children are confident and involved learners.
- Children are effective communicators.
These outcomes are woven through the children’s daily experiences. They are not taught as isolated subjects. A group project, outdoor activity, conversation or creative experience may support several areas of development at the same time.
The curriculum also gives children opportunities to learn about culture, community, sustainability and respect for the natural environment. Indigenous perspectives are included to help children develop knowledge of and respect for the Traditional Owners of the land.
Learning shaped around your child
Every child arrives with their own personality, interests, family experiences and way of learning. Amaroo’s educators use these individual qualities as the starting point for the program.
Educators observe each child’s participation and development, identify opportunities for further learning and prepare individual goals. Families are invited to share their own knowledge and aspirations for their child so that home and kindergarten can work towards common outcomes.
This partnership helps create learning experiences that are relevant to the child, rather than expecting every child to progress in exactly the same way or at the same time.
Keeping families involved
Families receive regular insights into what their child is learning through Storypark.
Educators use the platform to share room plans, observations, learning stories, community posts and individual notes. Individual semester plans outline each child’s learning goals and relevant experiences, while families can contribute information and suggest goals they would like the educators to support.
Each child also builds an art portfolio during the year to take home. Together, these records show much more than what activities took place—they help families see how their child’s confidence, thinking, relationships and skills are developing over time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kindergarten
Everything you need to know about our programs, educators, opening hours and enrolments.
Are Amaroo’s kindergarten programs government approved and funded?
Yes. Amaroo offers government-approved and funded Three-Year-Old and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs. Eligibility and funding conditions are determined by the Victorian Government.
Is the kindergarten program included in long day care?
Yes. The educational program takes place within Amaroo’s long day care service. Children can participate in kindergarten while receiving care across Amaroo’s extended opening hours.
What are Amaroo’s operating hours?
Amaroo is open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday, 52 weeks of the year except for public holidays.
How does Amaroo help children prepare for school?
School readiness is developed throughout the Four-Year-Old Kindergarten program. Educators support early literacy and numeracy alongside communication, independence, confidence, concentration, resilience and the ability to participate in a group.
How will I know what my child is learning?
Families receive regular updates through Storypark, including learning stories, observations, room plans and individual learning goals. Educators also welcome information and input from families.
Does Amaroo offer an orientation program?
Yes. Amaroo provides a free orientation program tailored to your child and family. The team can discuss the best approach with you before your child begins.
When will Pre-Prep begin at Amaroo?
Amaroo is preparing to introduce Pre-Prep from 2027 as part of the staged Victorian rollout. Please contact the centre for the most current information about eligibility, hours and enrolments.
Find out if Amaroo is right for your child
We welcome enquiries from families considering Three-Year-Old Kindergarten, Four-Year-Old Kindergarten or future Pre-Prep.
Send us a message with your child’s age and approximate starting date. A member of the Amaroo team will respond personally, answer your questions and arrange a suitable time for you to visit the centre.