Kindergarten

Banksia (3-Year-Old Kindergarten)

The Banksia environment is our dedicated space for 3-year-old children, specifically for those who turn 3 before the 30th of April in the year of attendance.

At this stage, 3-year-old children are rapidly developing a more complex understanding of the world around them. They are highly motivated to explore, set challenges for themselves, and engage with their peers. The Banksia program is designed to foster a supportive and enriching learning environment, where children are encouraged to:

  • Foster self-esteem, emotional wellbeing, communication skills, and respect for others
  • Develop relationships, self-expression, collaboration, and self-help skills
  • Act as initiators, investigators, explorers, problem-solvers, and creators
  • Build a spirit of cooperation and cultivate a caring, responsible attitude toward their community
  • Engage in uninterrupted play time to explore independently or with friends

Outdoor Learning Environment:

Children in Banksia and Golden Elm share a nature-rich outdoor environment that supports exploration, creativity, and connection to the natural world. Children engage in active learning while building social and physical skills together.

Golden Elm (4-Year-Old Kindergarten)

 

The Golden Elm environment is our 4-year-old kindergarten space, dedicated to children who turn 4 by 30th April in the year of their attendance.

At DSCC, we believe that children should enter school with confidence and a strong sense of achievement, knowing they can reach any goal they set for themselves. The Golden Elm program is designed to:

  • Promote a strong sense of self by fostering self-esteem, empowerment, self-acceptance, and resilience
  • Increase understanding of socially acceptable behaviour, including self-regulation, empathy, diversity, and acceptance of others
  • Encourage positive conflict resolution, helping children navigate social situations with respect and understanding
  • Prepare children for school through age-appropriate literacy and numeracy experiences, alongside confidence in learning routines and classroom expectations

Integrated Kindergarten Program

DSCC offers an integrated kindergarten program operating Monday to Friday for 40 weeks of the year. This program is eligible for both the Child Care Subsidy (CCS) and the Victorian Government Free Kinder Fee Offset, which provides a contribution estimated on a yearly basis.

During Victorian school terms, the program includes daily 5-hour sessions specifically for 3 and 4-year-old children. These sessions are delivered by a Bachelor-qualified kindergarten teacher, who brings expert knowledge and leadership to the educational program, ensuring high-quality learning experiences tailored to the developmental needs of each child.

Q) What happens if I need more than 5 hours a day care?

A) The integrated program is ideal for families who require extended care, with children participating in a program for more than five hours per day, 49 weeks a year.

Sessional Kindergarten Program

Our sessional kindergarten operates for 40 weeks each year, aligning with school terms.

Children aged 3 and 4 years can attend up to 15 hours per week, typically spread across three days, with each session lasting 5 hours.

This program is designed to support children's early learning and development in a structured, play-based environment, while maintaining a flexible schedule that fits within the school calendar.

Q) I only need my child to attend short days three days a week

A) The sessional kindergarten program is ideal for families who can support their child attending three five-hour sessions each week.

To discuss which option best suits your needs please contact the office.